Youngstown State and North Dakota State are two of the most successful FCS programs having won four and five national championships respectively. The two schools are almost always among the most competitive teams around making matchups between these two Missouri Valley Football Conference rivals a must-see.

Youngstown State Penguins Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Fans from all over the Youngstown area come out to tailgate and cheer on the Penguins creating a fun and festive atmosphere outside the stadium. You’ll see a sea of red and white outside Stambaugh Stadium as you approach letting you know exactly who the fans support and where the party is on game days.

Tailgating starts six hours before kickoff giving you plenty of time to grill out and throw down some drinks with your friends before the game. You’ll be able to enjoy a full day’s worth of tailgating no matter what time game starts making Youngstown State a great tailgating destination for anyone who loves to tailgate.

You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the Penguin Party Lot, which is home to a variety of pre-game activities. The Penguin Party Lot features live music and entertainment for the kids making it an excellent place for families before the game.

Finally, don’t miss the YSU Marching Pride’s Ice Breaker Concert, which takes place 75 minutes before the game. The concert is a big part of the pregame festivities and is a fantastic way to get ready to cheer on the Penguins before the game.

The tailgating atmosphere at a Youngstown State game is among the best in the FCS, so get here early and make the most out of your trip to Youngstown.

Traditions

Ice Breaker Concert

Don’t miss the YSU Marching Pride’s Ice Breaker Concert. The concert takes place in the courtyard outside the southeast corner of the stadium 75 minutes before kickoff and is a great way to get pumped up before the game.

Penguin Party Lot

Those of you looking for some pregame entertainment will want to check out the Penguin Party Lot. The Penguin Party Lot is perfect for the whole family as here you’ll find live music, kids activities, and much more.

Pizza Hut Tailgate Radio Show

Catch the Pizza Hut Tailgate Radio Show in the M-70 Tailgate Lot. The pregame show is fun to see in-person and is an excellent way to learn more about the Penguins and their opponents before the game.

Where to tailgate

M-70 Tailgate Lot

The M-70 Tailgate Lot allows you to tailgate with some of the most diehard Penguins fans around. Spots in the lot are sold a season basis only meaning you’ll meet some of the biggest Youngstown State fans here.

Rulli Brothers Hospitality Tailgate Lot

If you want to tailgate at a Youngstown State game but don’t have a season pass, then the Rulli Brothers Hospitality Tailgate Lot is the place for you. Passes to the lot can be purchased on an individual game basis for $25, so reserve your spot for a fun day of tailgating.

Youngstown State Penguins Stadium Guide

In Game

The minute you step foot into Stambaugh Stadium you’ll feel the excitement surrounding a Penguins game. The local fans love this team, and they come out in strong numbers to show their support for the team. The turnout has been especially great in recent seasons as the Penguins are coming off an appearance in the national championship game.

In addition to the incredible fan support, you’ll also get to enjoy the performance of the YSU Marching Pride and the Youngstown State spirit groups. The band controls the tempo throughout the game with their tunes and does a superb job of lifting the crowd when needed. The YSU Cheerleaders also keep spirits high with their cheers and bring the crowd to its feet.

Additionally, you’ll want to take some time before the game to walk the concourse and see the Hall of Gridiron Glory. The Hall of Gridiron Glory celebrates the biggest and best moments in Penguins football history and is a can’t miss for any football fan in attendance.

A Youngstown State football game features everything you could want in a college football game making a trip to see the Penguins an enticing proposition for any college football fan. The university pulls out all the stops to create a great game day, so come on out and watch the Penguins play this season.

Things to check out

Hall of Gridiron Glory

Make sure to check out the Hall of Gridiron Glory when taking in a game at Stambaugh Stadium. The Hall of Gridiron Glory celebrates all of the best moments in Penguins football history including the program’s four national championships making it a must-see for any Penguins or college football fan.

Jim Tressel Shrine

Tressel is the greatest coach in Penguins history having led Youngstown State to four national championships. Stop by the shrine located at the end of the Hall of Gridiron Glory to pay tribute to the legendary coach.

YSU Marching Pride

The YSU Marching Pride put on a fantastic show and are a must-see part of any Youngstown State football game. The marching band creates a fun atmosphere throughout the game, and you won’t want to miss their pregame and halftime performances.

Pete and Penny

Keep an eye out for Youngstown State’s two lovable mascots, Pete and Penny, when taking in a game at Stambaugh Stadium. Pete and Penny get into all kinds of shenanigans and are an enjoyable part of any Penguins game.

Youngstown State Cheerleaders

Join in the chants and cheers lead by the YSU Cheerleaders. The Cheerleaders keep spirits high no matter what the score is making them an essential part of any Penguins game.

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