The Penn State theme dates have officially been announced. The school released the information on its various social media accounts on Monday, May 15th. The most notable of the themes will always be the White Out, but there are other significant ones as well. Here is a look at the dates for each theme and why it has some fans frustrated.
Penn State Theme Dates
Penn State QB Drew Allar (19) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Helmet Stripe: September 2nd vs. West Virginia
The first game of the season is also the home opener for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Of course, it is also the first of the Penn State theme dates. The home opener will be against West Virginia, and while the majority of fans will be expected to wear white, the goal will be to have one stripe of blue. It is, as the name indicates, meant to resemble the Nittany Lions’ helmet.
Many fans did worry that the game would be their White Out right away because they knew it was set to be held at 7:30 pm. While this would be an absolutely crazy thing to do, with Big Noon Kickoff taking a lot of the top games, it was a valid fear. Luckily this is not the only planned night game for Penn State. This is the first of the Penn State theme dates and a way to start the season strong.
THON, Spirit Day, Youth Sports Day: September 9th vs. Delaware
Although it may not be as exciting, THON and celebrating youth sports is important to Penn State. While it may not be a major date that fans need to know how to dress, it is just as important to add to the list of dates to know. The university has shown dedication to raising money over the years, and using its football team to promote that is important.
Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter – Joe Hermitt
White Out: September 23rd vs. Iowa
The date that many waited for is here. The 2023 Penn State White Out will take place September 23rd vs. Iowa. This is the most notable theme by Penn State, and many have expressed it is one of the top experiences in sports. Fans were upset that it could not be against Michigan, but the Iowa game will be at 8 pm Eastern. It is important that this game is under the lights for everyone to watch.
Last year’s White Out was against Minnesota. The Nittany Lions won the game 45-17. Quarterback Drew Allar even got a chance to play in that game, as the team was up by that much in the fourth quarter. This year, Allar is expected to get his first White Out start. This is definitely the Penn State theme date to mark on your calendar.
Homecoming: October 14th vs. UMass
The game against the University of Massachusettes will be homecoming. This will be a special game for the Penn State students and alumni. This is one of the dates that can be expected to have an energetic crowd. Although this may not be the most fun game to watch on television, those going can expect to have a lot of energy.
Military Appreciation Day: October 28th vs Indiana
The Penn State theme date for Military Appreciation Day will be October 28th. The game will be against Indiana. Penn State will honor those in the military and have seats for service members. Those attending the game can take part in celebrating the staff and students who are a part of the United States military.
Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton (10) – Jillian Wesner/Onward State
Stripe Out: November 11th vs. Michigan
The Stripe Out will be held on November 11th against Michigan. Although this is not as big as the White Out, when enough fans attend the game dressed accordingly, it is a sight to be seen. In 2022, the Stripe Out was held against Ohio State. This year they are using it against an opponent they will want a loud fanbase for. This was the game many fans wanted as the White Out, but unfortunately, that could not happen. This will still be one of the Penn State theme dates to mark down.
Senior Day: November 18th vs. Rutgers
The final of the Penn State theme dates to know is an important one. The final home game of the season will be against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This is a day to honor the senior players of the Nittany Lions. A day used to thank them for their time. Senior Day is a big date to remember for friends and families of the players and a day for fans to watch their favorite players one last time.
The biggest issue among fans is the date and the opponent of the White Out. While many were hopeful it would be against Michigan, it, unfortunately, will not be. Although the time of the Penn State vs. Michigan game is not known, it can be expected to be at noon Eastern. Fans have had a big issue with Big Noon Saturdays, and the placement of the White Out is just one of the many frustrations.
Whether fans are happy with these Penn State theme dates or not, they are still important to know, especially for those attending.
