A guide to Penn State sports traditions

For a first-timer, Penn State sports can be a little intimidating. From chants to longtime traditions, there’s a lot to know before attending your first game.

“We Are” Chant

Penn State’s “We Are” chant is well-known and the most important thing to know when attending any sporting event in Happy Valley. Whether it’s basketball, lacrosse, football or field hockey, it’s crucial to know this chant.

It’s pretty simple, too.

Someone will yell, “We Are” and the crowd responds, “Penn State” This is typically done three times in a row, followed by one more quick call and response, where the person who started the chant yells, “thank you” and the crowd answers with, “you’re welcome.”

“Zombie Nation” by Kernkraft 400

Known to be played at various sporting events across campus, “Zombie Nation” takes a new life in Happy Valley. This song isn’t one that you’ll want to be unfamiliar with.

When the beat starts, fans everywhere will begin to chant “We Are Penn State.” Whether it’s football or soccer, there is always a newfound sense of energy in every stadium when the famous song starts.

Football pregame show

Before every home football game for the blue and white, an extensive pre-game show takes place across the entirety of the football field. From cheerleaders to the Blue Band, there’s something for everyone.

To start off the festivities, the Blue Band takes the field. With a flip from the drum major, the stage is set for even more fun.

A male cheerleader typically prompts the crowd with a question that everyone yells back in unison: “Are you ready for Penn State football?”

With the Blue Band lining the field, the sounds of “Rock and Roll” waft through the stadium. Be prepared to participate in the, “Let’s go P-S-U” chant.

Joined by James Franklin, the football team piles out of the tunnel directly beneath the student section. This is often when you’ll hear “Zombie Nation” play, as fans chant “We Are Penn State” across Beaver Stadium.

The Alma Mater

Penn State football is loaded with different traditions. A big favorite among students is the singing of the alma mater, “For The Glory.”

At each game, students link arms with those around them in the student section and sway back and forth as they sing the lyrics to the historic song, accompanied by the Blue Band.

Their linked arms mimic those of the football players on the field, who sing along with their fans.

Blue Band

Penn State’s Blue Band is known to be at many different sporting events throughout the year. Fans love to hear the music wafting from the stands to accompany the high energy of the game in front of them.

From the Floating Lion tradition during football games to classic songs like “Fight On, State,” the Blue Band always brings the energy and engages fans.

With the lyrics to the songs flashing across screens in certain stadiums, some fans will even join in with the band.