Whether you're a lifelong Nittany Lions fan or visiting Happy Valley for the first time, there's nothing quite like a Penn State football weekend. The energy is electric-fans flood the streets, cowbells ring through the autumn air, and Beaver Stadium becomes the second-largest "city" in Pennsylvania on game day. But before kickoff, there's one crucial play to make: where you'll stay.
As my friend Dana and I stood next to the giant balloon arch and let someone take our photo, people around us were feeling optimistic about "winning it all" and "getting a ring." Dana and I talked about how happy we were to be back, how good it felt to return to the ballpark we spend all summer in each summer, how fresh the grass smelled, and how grateful we were that the long offseason was over.
College football isn't just an athletic spectacle-it's a money-making powerhouse for the hospitality industry and the food & beverage sector. Last year alone saw consumer spending top $16.5 billion during football's peak season. With an estimated 13 billion meals eaten at tailgates annually, food and beverage operators are primed to score big, both in their dining rooms and via takeout, delivery, and catering. If you're a restaurant owner, food and beverage manager, or a hospitality executive looking for your next profitable play,
