West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium parking ranges from $40-$100 across official stadium lots and surrounding garages. Penn State Nittany Lions game day parking passes can be prepaid online for the closest lots, with cheaper options available within walking distance of the venue. Tailgating is allowed in designated lots only; find lot maps, ADA accessible parking, and rideshare drop-off details below.
Common questions
How much is parking at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium?
Where can I find cheap parking near West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium?
Where do I park for a Penn State Nittany Lions game at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium?
Can you tailgate at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium?
How Much Is Parking at Beaver Stadium?
Parking at Beaver Stadium typically costs $40-$100 on game day, depending on the lot type, game demand, and how far in advance you purchase.
Grass lots surrounding the stadium sit at the higher end of that range for premium and reserved spots, while campus parking decks charge a flat $40 rate for event parking. Day-of purchase lots, primarily Lot 25 and Lot 36, are available when inventory remains, but prices at those walk-up lots are steep and can exceed $100 for high-demand games like White Out matchups. For the 2025 Villanova game, one fan reported paying $125 at a day-of lot, illustrating how quickly prices climb.
All parking facilities at Beaver Stadium are cashless. Credit cards are the only accepted form of payment at garages, the ticket office, and most lots on campus. Fans who want the best rates should purchase in advance, ideally through Penn State Athletics by calling 1-800-NITTANY, or through the Bryce Jordan Ticket Center the Friday before the game.
Beaver Stadium Parking Lots and Maps
Penn State Athletics organizes parking into four main zones, North (N), South, East, and West, each with designated routes into the stadium area, and all zones require a permit that matches your assigned lot.
The official reserved lots closest to the stadium include Lot 18 on Porter Road, Lot 31 in the East Zone, Lot 41 and Lot 42 in the South Zone, and Lot 44 just south of Medlar Field. These lots require advance purchase or season permits and represent some of the most sought-after spots on campus. Football parking areas between Bigler Road and Mount Nittany Medical Center are managed exclusively by Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics and require a valid football permit.
Fans without permits who arrive on game day should follow E Zone signage to Park Avenue and then watch for day-of-game parking sale signs directing them to Lot 25 or Lot 36, the only two lots where walk-up sales occur. Campus parking decks, East, Eisenhower, HUB-Robeson Center, Nittany, and West, are open to all fans on game days at a $40 flat rate, with East Deck being the closest to the stadium. A one-way traffic pattern goes into effect 2.5 hours before kickoff on Park Avenue, Porter Road, and surrounding roads, so fans must know their assigned route before arriving.
For an official parking map, visit gopsusports.com/football-parking-zones or call 1-800-NITTANY (1-800-648-8269) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Preferred and Premium Parking at Beaver Stadium
Premium and preferred parking at Beaver Stadium is tied to the Nittany Lion Club (NLC) donor program, with reserved lot placement determined by a fan’s charitable giving level and accumulated NLC points.
NLC reserved lots include West Zone lots 14, 15, 16, and 17 and East Zone Lot 31 sub-series (4000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000), all of which sit adjacent to or within close walking distance of the stadium. These spots are season-long commitments and require both a season ticket purchase and a corresponding NLC donation level. Fans interested in reserved season parking should contact Penn State Athletics directly at 1-800-NITTANY or by emailing golions@psu.edu.
For fans looking for a premium experience without a season commitment, REVELxp offers full-service tailgate packages located steps from the stadium. REVELxp handles full setup and takedown of gear and coordinates premium catering through a variety of local vendors, making it a strong option for corporate groups, reunions, or fans who want a hands-off pregame experience. Single-game preferred passes, when available, can also be found through third-party resale platforms such as Vivid Seats or StubHub, though prices on the resale market for marquee games routinely exceed face value.
Free Parking Near Beaver Stadium
Truly free parking near Beaver Stadium on game day is extremely limited and tightly enforced, most streets in the immediate vicinity are closed or restricted to permit-only vehicles.
Many streets near the stadium are designated permit-only or are outright closed as part of game-day traffic management, making street parking a near-impossible option for fans arriving on game day. Penn State University Police increase enforcement and fines for violations during designated event weekends, so attempting to park in non-designated areas carries real financial risk.
The most practical budget approach is to park in downtown State College or along South Atherton Street, where standard municipal and private lot rates apply, and take a CATA shuttle to the stadium. Residents and local businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods also rent driveways and yards on game days, typically charging $20-$50 per spot, and these informal arrangements are the closest thing to below-market parking near the venue. Booking through peer-to-peer platforms like BuyMySpot in advance is another way to lock in a driveway spot at a predictable rate before game day.
Can You Tailgate at Beaver Stadium?
Yes, tailgating is permitted in designated grass lots surrounding Beaver Stadium, and it is one of the most celebrated traditions in college football, but specific rules apply in every lot.
Grass lots open four to five hours before kickoff, depending on the game time. For noon kickoffs, lots open at 7 a.m. Fans must not set up tents, chairs, or equipment before the posted lot opening time. Charcoal fires, glass bottles in grass areas, and kegs are prohibited. Tow-behind grills and smokers, concession trailers, and tow-behind bars are also not allowed in any lot. Alcohol consumption in the lots is prohibited once the game is in progress.
Tailgating is strictly prohibited in all five campus parking decks (East, Eisenhower, HUB, Nittany, and West), as well as in the Orange A Katz Lot. Fans parked in the East Deck for ADA access are also not permitted to tailgate. Penn State deploys Tailgate Ambassadors in and around the lots on game days, and their tent is located outside Medlar Field. Violations of tailgating rules can result in ejection from the lot and loss of future parking and ticketing privileges.
For a premium, fully managed tailgate option, REVELxp operates a full-service setup located steps from the stadium entrance, covering food, beverages, gear setup, and teardown so groups can focus entirely on the pregame atmosphere.
ADA and Handicap Parking at Beaver Stadium
ADA parking at Beaver Stadium is available in two tiers, Reserved and General, and fans who qualify should request their pass at the time of ticket purchase by calling 1-800-NITTANY (1-800-648-8269).
General ADA lots operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are located at the Shields Building, Wagner Building, IM Building, and Nittany Lion Softball Park, with overflow directed to the Katz Building lot. Season ADA permits in the West Zone are currently sold out; single-game ADA passes are issued for the East Deck. Fans purchasing a single-game ADA permit should note that tailgating is not permitted in the East Deck. Fans who have an ADA permit but arrive without a state-issued placard may still park in the East Deck at no additional charge, but that permit cannot be redeemed at any other lot.
Dedicated ADA shuttle service runs before and after every game from all designated ADA lots, dropping off and picking up near Gate B on the West side of the stadium and on Porter Road near Gate A. Shuttle service from the Shields, Wagner, IM Building, and Softball Park lots begins 2.5 hours before kickoff. Service from the Katz Building lot starts 4 hours before kickoff, and East Deck shuttle service begins 2 hours before kickoff. ADA patrons with RVs may park in the overnight RV lot along Orchard Road, which is on the shuttle route. For accessibility questions, contact Penn State’s ADA Coordinator at adainfo@psu.edu or 814-863-0471.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at Beaver Stadium
The official rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone at Beaver Stadium is at Pegula Ice Arena (off University Drive) or at the North Transit Station at the corner of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road.
Uber is the official rideshare partner of Penn State Athletics. Uber and Penn State have established a dedicated pickup and drop-off zone on Hastings Road with custom signage, and these zones are integrated directly into the Uber app so drivers receive precise directions automatically. Fans should select the Hastings Road or Pegula Ice Arena zone when booking their ride to ensure drivers are routed correctly on game day.
Post-game rideshare demand in State College is intense. The town is small, driver supply is limited, and surge pricing after night games can be steep. One practical workaround is to walk south toward Atherton Street before requesting a ride, driver availability increases further from the immediate stadium area. Expect wait times of 30 to 60 minutes or more after night games if you request pickup directly from the stadium zone.
Public Transit to Beaver Stadium
State College has no rail service, making CATA buses and Fullington Trailways the primary public transit options for reaching Beaver Stadium on game day.
CATA operates a dedicated game-day shuttle service that runs starting three hours before kickoff. A downtown shuttle serves Krutch Park and nearby hotels, and a South Atherton Shuttle serves hotels along the South Atherton commercial strip plus park-and-ride lots at Hills Plaza. The fare is approximately $2.20-$2.50 per trip, with an unlimited day pass available for around $7 through the Token Transit app. Shuttles run every 10-20 minutes inbound to the stadium and for one hour after the game ends in the outbound direction.
CATA’s free Blue Loop and White Loop campus bus routes also continue running on game days with modified routes near the stadium. The Blue Loop runs until 12:30 a.m. and the White Loop runs until 2:30 a.m., making them useful options for fans staying in the campus area. Fullington Trailways offers round-trip bus service for $20 (exact change), with drop-off at the Bull Barn on Fox Hollow Road, approximately 200 yards from the stadium entrance.
Public transportation drop-off and pick-up for buses is at Pegula Ice Arena (off University Drive) or the North Transit Station at the corner of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road. Fans driving from outside the region can take US-322 from Harrisburg (about 1.5 hours), I-376 from Pittsburgh (about 2.5 hours), or I-76 West to US-322 from Philadelphia (about 3.5 hours).
Beaver Stadium Parking Tips
The single most important parking tip for Beaver Stadium is to purchase your pass at least 15 days in advance, walking up on game day without a permit leaves you at the mercy of Lot 25 or Lot 36, where availability is limited and prices are the highest on campus.
Buy through Penn State Athletics (1-800-NITTANY, weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at the Bryce Jordan Ticket Center the Friday before the game. Mobile parking passes are the only verification method for advance bookings, so download your pass before you leave home. All campus lots and garages are cashless, so have a credit card ready for any day-of purchases.
Know your zone and your route before you leave. The one-way traffic pattern activates 2.5 hours before kickoff, and your permit is only valid in its assigned lot, permits are not exchanged. Fans coming from the west approach on Park Avenue from Atherton Street; fans coming from the east follow E Zone signage to Park Avenue. If you forget your permit, head to Lot 25 or Lot 36 and hope space remains. For the absolute best exit after the game, especially night games, plan to stay in the lot for 60-90 minutes post-final-whistle, as traffic on surrounding roads remains gridlocked for at least that long. Bringing food and chairs for a post-game debrief in the lot is a common and practical strategy among veteran Penn State fans.
Heading to a show? See our West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium bag policy for everything else you need to know before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at Beaver Stadium?
Game-day parking at Beaver Stadium typically runs $40-$100. Campus parking decks charge a flat $40 rate, while reserved grass lots and day-of walk-up lots like Lot 25 and Lot 36 can reach $100 or more for high-demand games.
Can you buy parking at Beaver Stadium on game day?
Yes, but your only day-of options are Lot 25 and Lot 36, and both are subject to availability. Prices at these lots are the highest on campus. Penn State recommends purchasing at least 15 days in advance by calling 1-800-NITTANY or visiting the Bryce Jordan Ticket Center on the Friday before the game.
Where do Uber and Lyft drop off at Beaver Stadium?
The official rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone is at Pegula Ice Arena (off University Drive) or the North Transit Station at the corner of Park Avenue and Fox Hollow Road. Uber also has a designated zone on Hastings Road integrated into the Uber app for precise routing.
Is tailgating allowed at Beaver Stadium?
Tailgating is permitted in designated grass lots, which open four to five hours before kickoff. Charcoal fires, glass bottles, kegs, and tow-behind grills are prohibited. Tailgating is strictly banned in all campus parking decks and the East Deck.
How do I get ADA parking at Beaver Stadium?
Fans who qualify for ADA parking should request it at the time of ticket purchase by calling 1-800-NITTANY (1-800-648-8269). General ADA lots include the Shields Building, Wagner Building, IM Building, and Nittany Lion Softball Park lots, with overflow at the Katz Building. Single-game ADA passes are sold for the East Deck, subject to availability.
Is there a shuttle from the ADA parking lots to the stadium?
Yes. ADA shuttle service runs before and after every game, dropping off and picking up near Gate B on the West side of the stadium and on Porter Road near Gate A. Shuttles from most ADA lots begin 2.5 hours before kickoff; East Deck service begins 2 hours before kickoff.
Is there a bus or public transit option to Beaver Stadium?
Yes. CATA runs a dedicated game-day shuttle starting three hours before kickoff from downtown State College and South Atherton Street hotels for approximately $2.20-$2.50 per trip or $7 for an all-day pass. Fullington Trailways also offers round-trip bus service for $20, dropping off near the stadium on Fox Hollow Road. State College has no rail service.
When do the Beaver Stadium parking lots open on game day?
Lots open four to five hours before kickoff for most games. For noon kickoffs, lots open at 7 a.m. Fans should not line up on the street or set up tailgate equipment before the posted lot opening time, as this is a violation of Penn State’s parking rules.
