Where To Stay In State College, PA For Penn State Football Weekends

Heading to State College, PA for a Penn State football weekend? Here are the best places to stay!

It’s important to note that on game day, anything is possible. You will witness tailgates as far as the eye can see, and people traveling on foot from blocks away to get to Beaver Stadium. State College might look small on a map, but on foot, things are pretty spaced out, so it’s important to figure out accommodations for football weekends well in advance. 

Here are the best places to stay in State College, PA… (just my opinion of course!)

Where To Stay In State College, PA For Penn State Football Weekends

Close To Campus

Nittany Lion Inn + Hotel State College – These are two Penn State institutions and probably the most popular places to stay in State College on a football weekend. I remember my parents booked the Nittany Lion Inn a year to the day of my graduation weekend…that’s how far in advance we are talking! If you have your heart set on either of these places (I’ve stayed at both – the locations are excellent), book immediately!

Days Inn – If you want to be in the heart of the action, book a room at the Days Inn, but plan ahead! This one will book up as soon as the fall football schedule is out. I spent many, many afternoons in college drinking margaritas and eating burritos at their restaurant, Mad Mex, and it’s right in downtown State College. On game day, this means you can catch a White or Blue Loop (free bus) to the stadium or head there on foot.

For Big Groups

Luxury Villa – Isn’t this house dreamy? It sleeps 24, which makes it the perfect rental for game day weekends when you’re getting together with friends and family in State College. It’s actually owned by a friend of mine! Located 3 miles from Beaver Stadium, it’s a great retreat that also features 6 full bathrooms, indoor/outdoor kitchen, two big screen TVs, parking for 6 vehicles and more. Plus, everything is brand new + pets are welcome. Hello, beautiful!

Requires Transportation To Campus

Penn Stater – While only a couple miles from campus, the Penn Stater requires a car or bus to get to campus. Located in the Innovation Park area, the 300-room hotel is a modern property with normal hotel amenities and a large conference center.

Penn State Football Weekend Tips

If you are renting or utilizing a car to park in the fields or near the stadium on a Penn State football weekend, I cannot stress enough how important it is to buy a parking pass in advance. The lots and fields are numbered and people have flagged their spaces since the beginning of time (no really, you’ll believe me when you see it), so getting that squared away is important if you plan to tailgate.

Utilize the bus system that Penn State offers. The White Loop and Blue Loop (they will say it on the front) run for free in opposite circles around campus. Take advantage!