UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Volunteers are needed at the Penn State Military Appreciation Tailgate for service members, veterans and their families on Saturday, Oct. 28 at University Park. The volunteer-led tailgate precedes the 12th annual Penn State Military Appreciation Football game when the Nittany Lions will take on Indiana University at Beaver Stadium. The tailgate will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Penn State faculty, staff, students, alumni and local community members are invited to volunteer and be a part of honoring service members and military families. Volunteers can sign up using this online form. Registration to volunteer ends on Oct. 15. 

The Military Appreciation Tailgate will welcome active-duty service members, veterans and their families to the Bryce Jordan Center with a special place to gather and celebrate before kickoff. 

Tailgate volunteers will be asked to perform a variety of functions, including serving as veteran and guest concierge; handing out game tickets; transporting food and drinks; working as runners, greeters, and foot traffic directors; and bussing and resetting tables. Volunteers are needed from six hours prior to the game to two hours after kickoff.

Each year, Penn State supporters donate more than 7,000 football game tickets to the game though the Seats for Servicemembers program, enabling members of the military community and their families to attend the game at no cost.  

The Military Appreciation Football Game will kick off a series of campus events from Nov. 3 to 11 dedicated to honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifice of military families. 

For additional volunteering information or questions, contact John Barlett at psumilappreciation@gmail.com.