How long have you been a Penn State football fan and other ?s

[john4psu]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

 

[Bobpsu]

1958

 

[PSU0622]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

First game I can remember being at was the kick off classic at Giants Stadium vs USC in 1996. The guy sitting in front of me got way too drunk and began projectile vomiting everywhere. Eventually he got taken out on a stretcher. Great times.

 

[Beech Cricker]

This may sound strange but the first PSU game I remember watching in its entirety, or nearly so, was the 1979 Liberty Bowl vs. Tulane. This is the game that was played in a downpour and was very low scoring (single digits for both teams, if I recall). I suppose I became a fan at that point.

The first game I attended was the home opener in 1984, against either Rutgers or Temple. I remember being disappointed in my first in-person experience. The game was that dull.

I have no consecutive game streak going by any means.

 

[psurudy]

Since my freshman year 1966. I traveled from Scofield Barracks,Hawaii(army brat) to attend Penn State. I had never seen the campus until I arrived to start my freshman year.

 

[LionJim]

Since the Kansas Orange Bowl Game, the first PSU game I'd every watched. I was 12 years old. Right then and there, pow, down for the infinite count. I've said it before, if I hadn't gone to PSU I would be a regular on this board, regardless.

 

[BBrown]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

I've been a fan since '75 and my sister got me a PSU cotton bowl T-shirt.
First game I really remember watching on TV and getting excited about was the '77 Fiesta Bowl against ASU.
First home game would have been around '81
Been trying to go to every home game since I moved back from Dallas in '87-'88
Finally got season tickets in or around '97

 

[WDLion]

1954 Listened to the games on WKVA Lewistown. Bob Prince did the play-by-play.

 

[EPC FAN]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

Since Don Jonas played for the Lions. Look up that name.
First game at Beaver Stadium was December 7, 1968
I used to have a long streak, from mid'70s to mid 2000s.
Last game was 5OT Michigan.
The 314 mile round trip is not as easy as it used to be, plus it is all about money now. It has a far different feel than it did back in the '70s, '80s and '90s. All the fans sat together in the stands. Now, there are suites and club seats where the elite no longer have to associate with the unwashed. Frankly, it sucks out loud. My 55 inch HD TV is the much better option now. Bathroom, bar, refrigerator and food is very close.

 

[pap17754]

Since my freshman year 1954.

Been a season ticket holder since 1960, five years ago I gave the tickets to our daughters. Paterno's training his son became very boring to watch. I am still fan but last year gave up men's basketball and hockey, the late night travel was taking its toll. Still go to wrestling.

 

[retsio]

As a fan -- 1959 vs Alabama in the Liberty Bowl in Phila. -- we won !!
Game -- 1962 vs Navy -- we won !!

 

[bvillebaron]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

 

[bvillebaron]

Fan since the early 80s. Rip Engle was still the head coach at first game I went to see. Season ticketholder since 1978. Actually gave engagement ring to my wife in the stands at the end of the Pitt game that year. Everyone else is the stands was going nuts because we held on to win but she was crying. Never missed a game until we adopted our daughter in November, 1987. Still make most of the games unless give them to couple we attend games with or the kids. My wife and I went to the 1982 National Championship win over Georgia. Outnumbered by Georgia fans by about 3 to 1. My wife woke me at about 2:00 a.m. on New Year's Day stating she didn't think she could stand any more how about the dogs chants. Told her she would only have to listen to that for another 20 hours or so. 90% of the Georgia fans scurried out of town immediately afterwards like rats. PSU fans marched down Bourbon Street chanting what do lions eat? Dog meat.

 

[bvillebaron]

Fan since the early 80s. Rip Engle was still the head coach at first game I went to see. Season ticketholder since 1978. Actually gave engagement ring to my wife in the stands at the end of the Pitt game that year. Everyone else is the stands was going nuts because we held on to win but she was crying. Never missed a game until we adopted our daughter in November, 1987. Still make most of the games unless give them to couple we attend games with or the kids. My wife and I went to the 1982 National Championship win over Georgia. Outnumbered by Georgia fans by about 3 to 1. My wife woke me at about 2:00 a.m. on New Year's Day stating she didn't think she could stand any more how about the dogs chants. Told her she would only have to listen to that for another 20 hours or so. 90% of the Georgia fans scurried out of town immediately afterwards like rats. PSU fans marched down Bourbon Street chanting what do lions eat? Dog meat.

 

[HazletonLion]

Since 66

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Since Don Jonas played for the Lions. Look up that name.
First game at Beaver Stadium was December 7, 1968
I used to have a long streak, from mid'70s to mid 2000s.
Last game was 5OT Michigan.
The 314 mile round trip is not as easy as it used to be, plus it is all about money now. It has a far different feel than it did back in the '70s, '80s and '90s. All the fans sat together in the stands. Now, there are suites and club seats where the elite no longer have to associate with the unwashed. Frankly, it sucks out loud. My 55 inch HD TV is the much better option now. Bathroom, bar, refrigerator and food is very close.

EPC everyone is entltled to make their own decisions and I criticize no one. You're a long time poster, lively and opinionated, exceedingly knowledgeable and bleed blue. If the atmosphere has become such that fans like you are turned off, it's a bad portent for the future. I definitely hear you about the drive. I'm a season ticket holder for football and hockey - that drive gets old. Pittsburgh to State College, even with free overnight at my brother's or my parents, I have every mile of Rt 22 memorized.

You make it up this season and send me a message - you're invited for a Manhattan and cigar at Fox's out of control tailgate.

My brother and I had friends from Bethlehem who were LONG time season ticket holders. They have given up their tix as well, they would always stop at Gameday Central in State College for food and refreshments, then we would caravan up to the lots.

I just decided that I'm not going to let the bastards ruin my time, so I'm in for the long term, but anyone who bails, they have damn good reasons.

 

[Fayette_LION]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

1968 First game 1970 and a season ticket holder since 1974 when I graduated. Lots of 300 mile round trips trips and games in between then and now. Another this weekend.

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Moi? Fan since Fusina to Fitzkee. First game - loss to Cincinnati (should have quit then). At least one game a year till I got my permanent seats. Season ticket holder since 1993. Only two bowl games (2005 OB and PInstripe) but more than a couple roadies.

Still coming back for more punishment. Don't let the bastards get you down.

 

[mmp121]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? I've been a fan since I was younger, late 80's onward.

When was your first Penn State football game? Sadly my first game was in 1995 (after I had been @ PSU for 2 years). But I made up for it by going to as many home games as I could after I left while still single as I had a cousin who was there through 2001 (saw Joe's 324th).

How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? After being married, I haven't been back to Beaver Stadium for home games (though we come up for the spring games). I have recently been to Dublin for the UCF and Phili for the Temple game.

Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? N/A

 

[fairgambit]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

CAUTION: STEP rant at end.
**Fan since 1965.
**Attended 1st game in 1966.
**Attended at least 5 games a year for 45 years, the streak ending due to STEP.
**I attended over 50 away games in those 45 years.
**My longest consecutive home game streak was over 75, and was ended due to a family wedding. I missed a total of 7 home games in 45 years.
FINALLY, I believe my record reflects my loyalty to Penn State. I will add that as part of that loyalty, I nearly always gave more than my required Nittany Lion Club dues, often much more. I also gave to countless Penn State causes, from the Blue Band to Liberal Arts, and I attended scores of Penn State functions, both on campus and in the Pittsburgh area. For my loyalty, I was screwed by the empty suits who thought STEP, as implemented, was a good idea. I will say, as I have many times, I had no problem paying more, but STEP was poorly thought out and poorly executed. As a result of Penn State's lack of loyalty to me, I have given no money to the University in the past 5 years, other than to THON. My 4 seats this year, again, sit empty. Now, some here say the University is thriving without me, and those like me. That may be true, but all I know is, if STEP had been properly thought out and executed, I would still be in my seats and still donating. SORRY for the rant, but STEP drives me crazy!

 

[CoolBean]

Man this board is OLD!!

 

[fairgambit]

Man this board is OLD!!

Good point. No wonder so many here think like me. They're old coots too.

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Man this board is OLD!!

One of these days, grasshopper, this will all be yours.

 

[fairgambit]

One of these days, grasshopper, this will all be yours.

God help him.

 

[slwlion]

CAUTION: STEP rant at end.
**Fan since 1965.
**Attended 1st game in 1966.
**Attended at least 5 games a year for 45 years, the streak ending due to STEP.
**I attended over 50 away games in those 45 years.
**My longest consecutive home game streak was over 75, and was ended due to a family wedding. I missed a total of 7 home games in 45 years.
FINALLY, I believe my record reflects my loyalty to Penn State. I will add that as part of that loyalty, I nearly always gave more than my required Nittany Lion Club dues, often much more. I also gave to countless Penn State causes, from the Blue Band to Liberal Arts, and I attended scores of Penn State functions, both on campus and in the Pittsburgh area. For my loyalty, I was screwed by the empty suits who thought STEP, as implemented, was a good idea. I will say, as I have many times, I had no problem paying more, but STEP was poorly thought out and poorly executed. As a result of Penn State's lack of loyalty to me, I have given no money to the University in the past 5 years, other than to THON. My 4 seats this year, again, sit empty. Now, some here say the University is thriving without me, and those like me. That may be true, but all I know is, if STEP had been properly thought out and executed, I would still be in my seats and still donating. SORRY for the rant, but STEP drives me crazy!

Wow.. That's impressive.. I have been a fan since the mid 50's.. Couldn't attend games til I left the Military in 1967..Next 2 years at State College..Attended one home game every other year til 2007..6 Bowl games..A piker compared to you..

 

[CoolBean]

Well, don't forget to watch the WVB tonight, at 8PM EST, that will make you feel young!

 

[CDLionFL]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

--First game I remember was 48-14
--First home game was 1982...PSU 28, Syracuse 7
--In the 33 years since, I think there were 7 years I didn't go to at least one home game, 3 of those because of my move to Florida. This year, I will break my streak of going to one home game every year since 2005 (I've lived in Florida since 2003) and this will be the first year that Michigan will come to Beaver Stadium and I won't be there to 'welcome' them.

 

[fairgambit]

Wow.. That's impressive.. I have been a fan since the mid 50's.. Couldn't attend games til I left the Military in 1967..Next 2 years at State College..Attended one home game every other year til 2007..6 Bowl games..A piker compared to you..

When I started, I would never have guessed it would go so long. I just bought tickets one game at a time, and then one season at a time. Every year, I asked my wife if we could afford season tickets, and she always said yes, even when we couldn't because she knew how much it meant to me. I have to be honest and say I have some regrets, especially on all the money I spent. Besides tickets, for many years we drove up from Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday, staying in a motel and spending money for food, souvenirs, etc. We had some great times, but in hindsight, I wish I had been more judicious with my cash.

 

[FHSPSU67]

Freshman year - 1963.
From 1963 until the end of 2007 I attended every Penn State home game as well as approx 150 away games, 15 Bowls, except for 4 home games missed in 1967 when I was working in Cedar Rapids, Iowa after graduation from PSU.

 

[john4psu]

When I started, I would never have guessed it would go so long. I just bought tickets one game at a time, and then one season at a time. Every year, I asked my wife if we could afford season tickets, and she always said yes, even when we couldn't because she knew how much it meant to me. I have to be honest and say I have some regrets, especially on all the money I spent. Besides tickets, for many years we drove up from Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon and returned Sunday, staying in a motel and spending money for food, souvenirs, etc. We had some great times, but in hindsight, I wish I had been more judicious with my cash.

FairG, your thought on your choice of spending can be questioned, but you were blessed with a wife that is truly priceless.

 

[fairgambit]

FairG, your thought on your choice of spending can be questioned, but you were blessed with a wife that is truly priceless.

Thank you John. I agree. She has been the love of my life since high school. She's out right now, but I will pass your words on to her. I know it will make her day.

 

[psuno1]

First game I can remember I watched was 82 sugar bowl, first game I attended was 1986 vs temple have been to at least 1 to 6 homes games since 86- that streak might end this year.

 

[N&B4PSU]

Since the Kansas Orange Bowl Game, the first PSU game I'd every watched. I was 12 years old. Right then and there, pow, down for the infinite count. I've said it before, if I hadn't gone to PSU I would be a regular on this board, regardless.

well, I didn't go to psu and i have been a regular (so to speak) since plotit days. vaguely remember watching that same bowl but didn't really become a following fan until '69 season.. although i have (also vague) recollections of Dad speaking good things about Joe Pa. First game i attended was -- i think -- '76 at the VET vs temple... the game where everybody left with game won and then temple went nutso and almost won it late. 31-30?

btw, i did go to temple as an undergrad and still root for them in every game.. except ours.

 

[lostlion]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

My first game. I believe it was Band Day. Sat in the wooden bleachers in the south end zone with a north wind in my face. Been a fan since the year before JoePa took over,1965?, at least I remember the radio broadcasts from back then on WAZL-AM out of Hazleton. I only remember Fran Fisher on the radio. My first game in person, see below.
My game streak is only nine, 1973-1981, then only 3 since.

"The 1973 Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappelletti helped the Nittany Lions to a perfect 12-0 season and No. 5 national ranking in both of the major polls. A consensus All-American, Cappelletti rushed for 1,522 yards and 17 touchdowns in 1973. The Upper Darby, Pa., native put together three straight 200-yard rushing games in the final month of the season, including a high of 220 against North Carolina State." ( I believe this was against Lou Holtz and the Buckey twins gave PSU a lump that day.)

That was before all the stadium expansions and the explosion of college athletics. The track was still around the field and the end zones were open and I think they were Checkered.

Heck, our school bus was parked on just the other side of Curtin Rd from the stadium and we were out of the lot in an hour after the game. Hard to believe that was 42 years ago. Good memories.

 

[Option Bob]

i have been hooked on Penn State since my older brother transferred to the UP campus from our home town Erie campus (Behrend Center, I think it was named) in 1962. He graduated in 1964 and joined the Air Force. I began following the football team for him that fall as he served a tour in the Middle East and had no access to info about the Lions.

My first football game was the 24-7 win over the Houston Cougars in Houston in 1964, a week after the Lions shut out #2 Ohio State 27-0 in Columbus. When Joe Vargo raced into the end zone on a punt return, I was hooked ... And I have only gotten more passionate about the program over these past 51 years.

 

[jake418]

First game as a kid in 76
favorite player Jimmy Cefalo
favorite game osu 2005
favorite conference INDEPENDENT

 

[Cold Smoke]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

1966 - Joe's first year as HC. Had grad student friends who worked the gates... sneaked into every home game. Drank Southern Comfort until we could not see the players in the 4th quarter. Fell in love with Penn State and Joe Paterno. Never changed.
Favorite players... Bobby Campbell, Ted Kwalick, Mike Reid
Taught my first college class that fall and realized I really did not know shit about Chemical Engineering.

 

[oldlion57]

Saw my first PSU game in 1946 and have followed them ever since.

 

[Marylovesthelions]

I was bored and looked through my old ticket stubs and got to wonder about the other members of the BWI board.

How long have you been a Penn State football fan? For me, since 1968.
When was your first Penn State football game? 1982 my junior year
How many years have you attended at least one home or away game? Every year since 1988 so 26 to be 27
Do you have a consecutive home game streak going? I do not.

1963 freshman year

 

[drpops]

Since 1970. Followed them ever since. I remember looking forward to Parade magazine in the Sunday paper to see how many Parade all-americans we got. Nobody knew a darn thing about recruiting for decades. Parade did a little something and the local paper would list the names, positions, weights , heights and schools.
Ah... those were the days. 2017 and 2018 recruits were still children and aloowed to be.