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As a loyal college football fan, eagerly waiting for the announcement of kickoff times is an underrated tradition. While a handful games are determined prior to the season, the kickoff times for a sizable chunk of games are determined just days prior. It can be a bit stressful as you attempt to make plans for your mandatory three hours of Nittany Lions football (although I suggest my Saturday routine of clearing your schedule from noon until you pass out on the couch watching some middle-of-the-pack PAC 12 teams battling it out after midnight).
Nothing beats a prime time kickoff in Beaver Stadium, especially if you’re making the trek to State College that week. You get to enjoy a full day of tailgating and exploring campus before soaking in the best atmosphere in college football. Although if you’re watching from home, a night game can result in a long day of anticipation, especially if the national schedule has few marquee games to offer to pass the time before kickoff.
In my book, the 3:30 p.m. time slot has a lot to offer. If you’re attending the game, it makes it much easier to make it a day trip if you don’t have time or want to be hassled with an overnight trip. If not, you can ease into the action with a noon game, and before you know it, it’s time to settle in for the main event. Plus, watching other teams play at night immediately following a satisfying victory is an incredible feeling. Although on the flip side, night games can be spoiled if you’re having a hard time stomaching a difficult loss earlier in the day. However, the far and away coolest thing about 3:30 games- it begins in the day light and closes out under the lights, so you really do get the best of both worlds.
Are noon games your favorite? If so, get the hell out. Ok, you can stay, but maybe consider discussing this with a mental health professional.
So what say you, BSD reader? What is your most ideal kickoff time for Penn State games?