Penn State Homecoming Week 2021
Penn State’s Homecoming is a highly anticipated event that students, staff and alumni look forward to yearly.
However, Nittany Lions football is just one of the many events that take place throughout the course of the week. As the celebration makes its return from a virtual setting, it’s an understatement to say that Penn Staters are full of excitement.
“I’m really looking forward to all the events leading up to the game,” Penn State sophomore Isabella Donatucci said, ahead of her first homecoming week. “I’ve heard it’s been a lot of fun, especially since there’s so many events that you can participate in.”
“I think the whole week is just as fun as the football game,” freshman Mark McCann said. “The festivities are a great build-up to the football game on Saturday.”
Penn State’s 102nd Homecoming Week began on Sunday at the Penn State Golf Courses for the second annual homecoming golf outing. Several Nittany Lion athletic coaches and players made their way to this event.
Also, later that night, the Student Programming Association hosted a homecoming concert, which featured performances from a handful of student groups.
Looking ahead at the rest of the week, the next event for Penn Staters to attend is the Living History Museum at the HUB on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This activity includes several interactive events that allow all attendees to learn more about Penn State’s history and current student organizations.
The Best of Penn State Carnival and For the Glory Talent Show will take place on Wednesday. The carnival will be on the HUB Lawn from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., while the talent show will promptly begin right after the carnival at the Alumni Hall.
The following day will include events such as the Homecoming Pride in Our Community Pep Rally and the Haunted House Fundraiser. The pep rally will be held on the HUB steps at 5:30 p.m. for students to celebrate one another through dancing and other activities. Thursday will be the first of three days for the Haunted House Fundraiser at the Spruce and Pine Cottages. Times for these events will vary.
Other events include tailgate competitions, an ice cream social and a homecoming parade.
On Saturday, following its bye week, Penn State will look to bounce back after a loss to Iowa two weeks ago as they host Illinois at noon. This will be a crucial matchup with the Nittany Lions looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Penn State will be wearing their “Generations of Greatness” uniforms for this one, which are highlighted by each player’s number on the side of their helmet, as well as gray facemasks and a blue stripe running down each side of the pants.
While these are only a few of the many festivities that will take place ahead of the football game this weekend, be sure to check out the official Penn State Homecoming website to view all information regarding this year’s homecoming week, including how to join a committee.
Go to homecoming.psu.edu to find everything that you need to know.
Grant Sheets is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at gcs5231@psu.edu.
