Campus Life

Volunteers needed for Military Appreciation Tailgate on Nov. 12

Penn State will host servicemembers, veterans and their families at the 2022 Military Appreciation Tailgate on Nov. 12. The tailgate will be held three-and-a-half hours before kick-off against the University of Maryland. The 2017 Military Appreciation Tailgate is shown above. Credit: Penn State / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Volunteers are needed at the Penn State Military Appreciation Tailgate for service members, veterans and their families on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The tailgate precedes the 11th annual Penn State Military Appreciation Football game, when the Nittany Lions will take on the University of Maryland. The tailgate will be held three-and-a-half hours before kick-off.

Penn State faculty, staff, students, alumni and local community members are invited to volunteer and be a part of honoring servicemembers. Volunteers can sign up using an online form. Registration ends on Oct. 31.

The Military Appreciation Tailgate welcomes active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their families to the Bryce Jordan Center with a special place to gather 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.

Penn State supporters donated 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 Week and Football game honors all service members and this year is highlighting Penn State faculty and staff members who serve or have served. Military Appreciation Week begins with a downtown celebration and concert on Nov. 4 and concludes with the football game on Nov. 12.

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

Military appreciation at Penn State 

Penn State has a longstanding and proud tradition of serving the men and women of our military through education benefits, resources, support and more. This year, Penn State faculty and staff members who serve or have served will be honored during a series of campus events, including the military appreciation football game on Nov. 12. Through Penn State’s Seats for Servicemembers program, supporters can provide an opportunity for a service member to attend the Nov. 12 game by purchasing a ticket to be donated. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-NITTANY. Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni with military connections can submit a profile of service for the opportunity to be featured on the University’s Military Appreciation website and other materials. Information and tickets for the Military Appreciation Kickoff Concert can be found here.  Visit militaryappreciation.psu.edu to learn more.

Last Updated September 26, 2022