Penn State Students and Football Final Paper

Olivia Lang, David Alongi, Jeremy Negron, Joseph Monahan, & Matthew Thomsen

The Pennsylvania State University

RPTM 433: Program Evaluation and Research in Recreation Services

Dr. Jen Agans

May 2, 2023

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 Literature Reviews

What factors into achieving an optimal game day experience?

College football games bring in people from all around the country and offer fans the

opportunity to partake in many game day experiences that enhance a positive time for all. Fans

enjoy many aspects including tailgating, the game itself as well as post-game activities. It is

important to find out which factors had a greater impact on fans game day experience, so we can

find a common ground and provide a positive game day experience for the largest sum of people

possible and to continue fan retention and drive revenue up for the university.

A college football game day provides fans with an opportunity to have a positive experience, in

doing so fans will be influenced by several internal and external factors as well as experience

different effects on their social behavior and the environment that they are in. Football game

days give way to a fan's mood, and a loss significantly enhances a negative mood and can linger

into the week if their team did not perform well, (Serrano,1999). Many fans' ultimate deciding

factor on a positive or negative game day is whether their team won or lost, and with every game

someone's mood will be swayed negatively. Although their mood may be swayed negatively by

the decision of the game, that’s just one small piece of a game day. If we take the whole day and

divide it up into sections roughly 75% of the day is spent outside of the game. Leading up to the

game, many fans participate in tailgates with numerous friends and family enjoying each other’s

company. Being surrounded by the people you enjoy being around in a positive community

boosts the mood of all individuals around, as people enjoy that sense of social interaction and

inclusion, (Delaney, 2008). It is a more enjoyable experience to partake in large events with a

community of people who all share a common interest and can enhance your tailgate and bring a

positive energy to your game day.

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Behavioral and environmental factors also play an important role in determining one's positive or

negative gameday experience. When stepping foot on a college campus for a football Saturday,

fans are greeted with a multitude of different sights and sounds each with a different effect on the

people around. Being with people who have similar passions and interest provide the fan with a

natural dopamine booster as well as a confirmed sense that they are in the right place.

Environmental factors that can boost one’s experience include the temperature outside and time

of game. Many fans want the weather to be cooperative when they attend a game as well as a

reasonable time that allows them to get home not super late and, in some cases, allows them to

go to the bars or a party after the game.

Besides game days being a time to be with the people you enjoy being around, there is also an

economic impact on the fan as well as the university. Game days are made up of hundreds of

thousands of individuals who decided to commit to a certain game and in doing so have been

directly impacted by economic variables. Economic factors include ticket prices, travel costs,

food, and beverage as well as a place to stay, (Falls, 2015). These variables greatly impact one’s

experience because in partaking in these costs, fans are hoping to receive value for their

multitude of expenses, and on the flip side these costs and expenses affect the university in a

positive way and are needed to keep the tradition of these schools alive.

The ultimate factor in all of this is the game experience itself. The atmosphere inside the stadium

and being with like-minded people all blend to create an experience that will keep fans coming

back. The entertainment value of the game is escape for fans, and fans want to experience as

many positives as possible while attending the game, (Alonso, 2014). The main reason why fans

buy tickets is for the value of the game, not all the other good stuff that comes with a college

football game. There is no better feeling than beating one of your rivals and doing it in front of

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your home crowd. People will experience joy if someone they admire is successful and someone

they loathe is unsuccessful, (Havard, 2013). Fan participation in the game is an added element

that enhances a game day because when the opposing team does something wrong, the fan feels

as though they have positively impacted the game and they now have a connection that they can

relate back to and keep them wanting to come to games and experience those positive emotions

again.

A positive game day experience for a fan differs from every individual that is in attendance, and

it is impossible to please every single person. The different internal and external influences as

well as behavioral and environmental impacts all contribute to creating a positive community of

fans, however the biggest influence on whether a fan had an enjoyable time is ultimately what

happened on the field and if the team they are supporting won the game. Trying to create a

positive gameday for fans is crucial for universities and collecting research on this topic is vital

because they will be able to properly promote and market certain aspects of a game day as well

as continue to bring in revenue for local businesses and lastly continue to bring fans back and

have a high fan retention rate.

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What challenges do students face when trying to buy season tickets to Penn State football

games?

A Penn State football game is a unique and exciting event that draws fans from near and

far to experience the thrill of Beaver Stadium. With the opportunity to purchase season tickets,

many students struggle with the costs and difficulties associated with the ticketing process. This

is a significant issue as many students do not have the financial means to pay hundreds of dollars

for just a few tickets, yet they still want to support their football team. It's time for a change and

to explore alternative ticketing solutions that are both affordable and convenient for students. By

researching what is wrong with this process it can start the process of making the ticketing

process easier and more accessible. We can then use our findings to enhance the overall

experience for all fans of Penn State football.

We often overlook the crucial role of financial literacy in the lives of college students. As

teenagers venture into independence for the first time, they must navigate the complexities of

handling their own finances. Many are supported by scholarships or loans and others use their

own money or need help from their parents. Students in university choose to attend higher

schooling to learn and improve upon foundations already in place in their lives (Elkins 2007).

This is a critical issue that Penn State can address by conducting research and developing

effective solutions. With improved financial planning, students won't have to sacrifice

extracurricular activities and experiences due to limited funds. In a study at Kansas University,

they were able to implement a “student donor process”, a process in which donors are able to

donate money in order to accommodate student ticket pricing. Although it may have been a long

time ago, the study found that there were five different results that produced different important

factors for the school to consider, structure, benefits for other students, additional

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communication between students, mentors, and alumni, founding of a membership fee which

could be implemented back into the university for undergraduates, and lastly, an increase in the

“Brand” KU (Bogina 1970). For Penn States sake, it is essential for the university to consider the

affordability of costly tickets for events such as football games. Hancock makes an important

point in alluding to the fact that there is a rising worry among professionals that more and more

students are choosing to drop out of school not because of academic struggles but because of

financial reasons (Hancock 2012). By promoting financial literacy and making resources

accessible to undergraduate students, Penn State can provide greater opportunities for students to

fully participate in campus life.

Leisure and recreation are crucial for college students, and sports teams at Penn State

serve as a significant source of enjoyment for undergraduates. This article aims to make leisure

more accessible and attainable for all students, while fostering a supportive and inclusive

environment. One key challenge is financial accessibility, as the current ticket purchasing

process often fails to provide equal opportunities for all students. In a 2001 article, Haines

stresses that his research proved how university recreation is a positive influence on the college

experience and that it not only boosts undergraduate experiences, but it is essential. Penn State

has a responsibility to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, rather than pitting students

against each other in a competitive environment. The university's spirit and support also play a

crucial role in the successful sale of sports tickets. By addressing these issues, we can create a

more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all students.

Penn State football is an integral part of the student experience at Pennsylvania State

University. For many students, attending football games is a rite of passage, a symbol of their

connection to the university and to each other. The energy and excitement of game day is

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contagious, with students pridefully wearing their blue and white attire, gathering in large

groups, and proudly representing their school. (Johnson 2022). Beyond just being a source of

entertainment, Penn State football holds a deep significance for students. It serves as a unifying

force, bringing together students from all walks of life to support their common love for the

Nittany Lions. This shared passion fosters a sense of community and belonging that lasts long

after graduation. It is that reason why this article is a fine example of how keeping the Penn State

spirit alive is as important now as it always has and will be.

This literature has shown an array of arguments for why universities should better help

their students to experience leisure but not the direct issue that Penn State has with accessibility.

Whether cheering on the team in Beaver Stadium or watching the game with friends at a local

bar, Penn State football is a cherished tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of students.

Therefore, we need to dig deeper into the systems and processes so that we can welcome

everyone to the privilege and opportunity that it is to attend the Penn State Football games.

References List

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Bogina, A. (1970, January 1). Student-donor memberships within Collegiate Athletics. KU
ScholarWorks. Retrieved January 26, 2023, from
https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/29466

Hancock, A. M., Jorgensen, B. L., & Swanson, M. S. (2013). College Students and Credit Card
Use: The Role of Parents, Work Experience, Financial Knowledge, and Credit Card Attitudes.
Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 34(4), 369-381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-012-
9338-8

Haines, D. J. (2001). Undergraduate student benefits from university recreation. Recreational

Sports Journal, 25(1), 25-33.

Johnson, C., & McCannon, B. C. (2022). Athletics and admissions: the impact of the penn state
football scandal on student quality. Journal of Sports Economics, 23(2), 200-221.

Elkins, D. J., Beggs, B. A., & Choutka, E. (2007). The contribution of constraint negotiation to
the leisure satisfaction of college students in campus recreational sports. Recreational Sports
Journal, 31(2), 107-118.

How do Penn State students perceive violence at games in relation to alcohol sales?

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 The Pennsylvania State University introduced alcohol sales to the entirety of Beaver

Stadium for the 2022 football season for the first time in program history. With this introduction,

the student body is now introduced to a new dynamic in maintaining their safety in the stadium.

Injuries and accidents are more likely when alcohol is introduced, so it is important to identify

the consequences of this decision. While revenue will most likely go up due to the inclusion of

alcohol sales, it jeopardizes the safety and well-being of students who attend football games.

This issue concerns students who attend football games and their perception of safety around the

stadium since the introduction of alcohol sales.

For most American sporting events, viewing live sports and alcohol consumption are

typically paired together. The idea of tailgates and drinking before entering the stadium are

culturally accepted in sports, especially at the college level. A school of Penn State’s size is

known for extravagant game day experiences and the festivities that are performed on game

days. With football being such a large part of Penn State’s culture, binge drinking is problematic

because of the program’s success and popularity (Merlo 2010). When examining the correlation

between football games and the crime rates within the hosting cities, there was an increase in

alcohol-related arrests and citations given out on game days (Rees and Schnepel 2008).

Disorderly conduct and vandalism are just some examples of citations resulting from public

intoxication during sporting events. These activities prior to kickoff result in a large amount of

alcohol being consumed in one sitting for its effects to be held throughout the entirety of the

game.

From an administrative perspective, selling alcohol inside stadiums may result in

decreased crime related to being intoxicated. When a stadium is in control of where alcohol can

be consumed, they regulate the amount someone has to drink. Locations with fewer alcohol-

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related incidents attribute this outcome to management having achieved a high level of control of

access to alcohol (Chaney, Menaker, Sheptak 2016). Penn State’s decision to serve alcohol

inside Beaver Stadium may be a way they are trying to decrease the number of alcohol-related

arrests and citations given on game days. If students and spectators did not have to drink as much

before entering the stadium, they could space out their alcohol consumption in order to decrease

the effects of binge drinking.

A similar situation has occurred at Ohio State University, another school in the Big 10

Conference that has also recently decided to sell alcohol inside its stadium. Their solution to

large amounts of alcohol-related crime on game days was to sell inside of the stadium and

introduce a “clear bag policy.” Results indicated that the incidents overall decreased since

implicating the aforementioned drinking policies (Sai 2018.) Compared to previous seasons,

there was a clear distinction between the levels of crime-related incidents performed during a big

game. Penn State could look to a rival for their observations about the topic. With evidence

already granted to other universities trying to decrease the level of crime, selling inside of their

stadiums may be a step in the right direction.

Correlating to the distribution of alcohol sales inside Beaver Stadium, Penn State has also

changed its security model regarding the student section. Regulating who can enter the student

section based on a wristband while also observing the level of intoxication of a fan. With these

regulations now in place, fans can be questioned about the impact these introductions can have

on their gameday experience. When looking to other stadiums for their perception of selling

alcohol inside of the stadium, studies found that selling alcoholic beverages would not change

the enjoyment and safety of participants (Hennessy 2015.) The safety of fans of all ages is not

impacted by the addition of selling alcohol. Stadiums change their model to adapt to the

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changing situation to mitigate any potential harm someone may cause. While it is not perfect,

studies show that there is in fact a decrease in these situations when introducing the concessions.

In conclusion, fans should not have to worry about the introduction of selling alcohol into

Beaver Stadium. The primary indicator of their safety comes from a rival of ours, Ohio State.

With similar studies conducted around the same topic, it is easy to see that the regulation of

alcohol has a positive impact. Fans should enjoy the time that they are spending inside the

stadium with their friends and families cheering on their team. While it is understandable to be

worried of your surroundings as some still may take it too far, the introduction of alcohol inside

of the stadium is a step in the right direction.

Works Cited

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 Hennessy, D. E. (2015, December 15). Fan perceptions of selling alcoholic beverages at a
college football ... Fan Perceptions of Selling Alcoholic Beverages at a College
Football Stadium. Retrieved February 1, 2023, from
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1009&context=honors-theses

Menaker, B. E., Chaney, B. H., & Sheptak, R. D. (2016). Administrative perspectives of

stadium alcohol policy: Alcohol-related ... Administrative Perspectives of Stadium
Alcohol Policy: Alcohol-related Public Safety Measures in College Football Stadia.
Retrieved February 1, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian-
Menaker/publication/359040935_Administrative_Perspectives_of_Stadium_Alcohol
_Policy_Alcohol-
related_Public_Safety_Measures_in_College_Football_Stadia_Part_of_the_Sports_
Management_Commons_and_the_Sports_Studies_Commons/links/
6223e53484ce8e5b4d0a2737/Administrative-Perspectives-of-Stadium-Alcohol-
Policy-Alcohol-related-Public-Safety-Measures-in-College-Football-Stadia-Part-of-
the-Sports-Management-Commons-and-the-Sports-Studies-Commons.pdf

Merlo, L. J. (2009, August 29). The association between alcohol-related arrests and
college football game days. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Retrieved January 31,
2023, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871609002889

Rees, D. I., & Schnepel, K. T. (2009, February 1). Daniel I. Rees, Kevin T. Schnepel, 2009
- sage journals. College Football Games and Crime. Retrieved February 1, 2023,
from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1527002508327389

Sai, S. (2018, April). The relationship between responsible drinking policies and ... - core.
The Relationship Between Responsible Drinking Policies and Football Game-Day
Incidents at The Ohio State University: a Preliminary Study. Retrieved February 1,
2023, from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/159600983.pdf

The Popularity of the NFL Amongst College Students

The sporting industry in the United States has never been bigger than it currently is in

2023. Player contracts, team revenues, viewership, broadcast deals, and especially fandom are at

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the largest scale in the 150 years professional sports have been played in this country. However,

one Professional sport dominates in viewership, and that is the National Football League. For

decades Major League Baseball reigned supreme as “America’s Pastime”, however, in 2023 the

NFL has taken the crown as the most popular sport. This is an interesting development to follow

since football has taken major criticism for its dangerous nature. It has even gotten to the point

where youth football programs are dissolving all over the country due to concerned parents

opting for their children to play safer sports, like baseball or basketball. Although we see youth

football declining, NFL popularity continues to grow amongst men and women aged 18-22. On

top of this increase, we see a clear choice being made by this age demographic. Any time the

leagues compete for ratings, the NFL sweeps the board. Does the NFL really put out that much

better of a product than the NBA, MLB, and the NHL? It is difficult to answer that question

since intrigue is very subjective to one's personal preferences, but the NFL does provide high

speed collisions, elite athletic talent, and a mental component that seems to reach audiences at a

wide range of demographics. This disparity in television ratings is a large point of concern for

the other 3 aforementioned sports leagues that wish to grow their audiences and compete with

the NFL.

The main question these leagues want to ask themselves is how does the NFL captivate

its audience in the manner it does. The NFL regular season ranges from September until the end

of December, which is by far the shortest season of the 4 major sports leagues. However, during

that 5 month stretch, the NFL owns Sunday. More than 17 million fans tuned in to the popular

show “NFL RedZone” which bounces around the league and showcases every game. This

number absolutely dwarfs Major League Baseball’s average primetime regular season

viewership total, which sits around 2 million viewers (Winslow 16). A strong argument as to

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why we see this disparity in viewership is due to the shorter season, which makes the NFL

regular season games more of a ‘must watch’. When men 18-35 why they preferred the NFL

regular season over those of the NHL, NBA, and MLB, the overwhelming answer was the

feeling of urgency and importance each NFL game delivers (Winslow 19). Also, a common

theme we see from NFL fans that is not apparent with the other 3 leagues is the event-like feeling

the NFL creates at its games. Fans at NFL games, the Super Bowl in particular, arrive between

120-180 minutes before the gates of the stadium even opened, where the average NBA fan

arrives at playoff games around 30 minutes before the commencement of the contest (Kelly et al.

37 ). This is because of the atmosphere that the NFL and its fans create at the games. The NFL

has developed an extremely fan-friendly culture in and around their stadiums that has aided in

the experience aspect of the sport. This is a major reason why College and NFL football has

somewhat replaced baseball as the pastime in America. The father and son that would once go to

the ballpark on a summer afternoon now save their money and tailgate for an afternoon.

While gameday atmosphere and fan access is an important part in analyzing the disparity

in popularity, it is also important to look into how the NFL has built such an empire. The NFL

spans across 30 cities and is made up of 32 teams, with New York and Los Angeles having 2

each. This is not much different than MLB or the NBA, which each consist of 30 teams.

However, if you look at areas that do not have a professional sports team, which includes states

like North and South Dakota, Mississippi, Alaska, Hawaii, and several other states, the most

popular professional league amongst college students is the NFL by a wide margin (Wang et al.

41). If we take a deeper dive into the numbers, the NFL owns the postseason, almost tripling the

NBA’s numbers in each league's respective postseason. However, the regular season viewership

is a more accurate comparison because of the previously stated event-like atmosphere playoff

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NFL games create which have a much larger draw than the 3 other leagues playoff games.

According to Sophie Siminoff of Princeton University, the NFL is a juggernaut at marketing its

players and games (Siminoff 13). The NFL, much like individualized sports like Formula One

racing and golf, has done an excellent job at creating narratives about its players and teams. This

adds a level of drama and personality to the league which all other major sports are starting to

mimic. Major League Baseball has been historically poor at doing so, and has suffered falling

ratings as a result. The NFL has excellent command of its audience and does an excellent job of

selling its relationships and building up “hype” in order to gain viewership. They have created a

culture that convinced its younger audience that every single second is can't-miss, just like the

fastest growing sports league, Formula One (Siminoff 15). In summation, the NFL has become

the giant it has due to outstanding marketing and a welcoming game day atmosphere.

Upon further analysis into the NFL and its mass audience, it is no wonder why the league

has grown to where it is today. The NFL has mastered the marketing of its players and teams,

making it must-watch television every single week, much like a network television show.

Except, the NFL’s product is as authentic as it gets, unlike mass-media favorites on networks

like Bravo or E!. As Well as brilliant marketing, the gameday environment at NFL games are

second to none. The surrounding areas of the stadium are filled hours before the games even

begin and are filled with barbecues, lawn games, and friends/families enjoying eachothers

company. This is paralleled by no other major sports league, and is very difficult to emulate.

These two reasons alone have helped the NFL create the most successful sports league in

America, despite the actual game of football losing participants due to safety concerns.

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 References

Siminoff, Sophie. PERFORMANCE VS. POPULARITY: THE IMPACT OF PLAYER

LIKEABILITY ON THE VALUATION OF SPORTS TEAMS, EVIDENCE FROM THE

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND FORMULA ONE. July 2022.

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 dataspace.princeton.edu,

https://dataspace.princeton.edu/handle/88435/dsp01ks65hg38r.

Winslow, Noah. The Effect of Competition in the Sports Market on the Popularity of

Baseball . University of Lynchburg, May 2020,

https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1190&context=utcp.

Sperling, N., & Vandegrift, D. (2022). Anthem protests, viewer politics, and the demand for

NFL games: Assessing the impact of national anthem protests on viewership. Journal of

Sports Economics, 23(8), 1017–1045. https://doi.org/10.1177/15270025221078009

Kelly, Yvan J., et al. The Economics of the Super Bowl: Players, Performers, and Cities.

Springer International Publishing, 2020. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1007/978-

3-030-46370-0.

Wang, Jerred, et al. “Self-Branding through NFL Team Fanship: Fans’ Desired Self-Image and Its

Implications for Branding Practices.” Sport Marketing Quarterly, vol. 29, no. 1, Mar. 2020,

pp. 47–61. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.32731/SMQ.291.032020.04.

How likely are you to attend a tailgate in the valley for PSU away games?

Football fans around the world can all agree that tailgating is one of the best parts of the

day. Whether your team wins or loses tailgating is always a highlight of the day. “Tailgating has

evolved from a simple gathering of people prior to an event to an international phenomenon in

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recent years as event organizers of a variety of indoor and outdoor events have embraced and

adapted this ritual to fit their specific needs and desires” (Anderson, 1997; Cahn, 2003; Duncan,

2004; Frederick, 1999; James, Breezeel, & Ross, 2001; Pedersen & LaBrie, 2007; Read, Merrill,

& Bytschkow, 2010; Shivers, 2010). Friends, family, food, drinks, and games are parts of

tailgates that everyone loves. Alcohol is a big part of tailgating for everyone that is 21 and older.

“Alcohol is arguably a very important part of the tailgating ritual. It is a cheap, ubiquitous

substance that can act as an assistant in social interaction by lowering inhibitions, which in turn

makes the effects it bestows among people desirable among tailgaters” (Wiley, Community and

Bonding at Tailgates). However, even though it is all fun and games, tailgates require serious

security measures to make sure everyone is safe and remains safe. There is a lot of work that

goes into setting up a tailgating area such as parking, bathrooms, police, and easy access. It is

important to be educated on risk management and legal issues you could get involved with while

running a tailgate for a sporting event. “Knowledgeable individuals of well-run organizations

should try to manage potential risks or they may be controlled by the risk” (Frame 2003). Being

aware of risks or issues that may occur is important to avoid legal trouble because you cant have

everyone sign a waiver. Going back to an earlier point I made about alcohol, it can also be a big

problem. When people get drunk they lose touch with who they are and that can lead to problems

with other people. It can lead to fights, abuse, and arrests, which is not what we want students to

get into. Therefor it is important to be aware of anything that can happen. “Tailgating has been

associated with both problem drinking and high-risk behaviors” (Lawerence 2012). This is

another reason on why it is important to be staffed with police to avoid these issues and put a

stop to altercations before they escalate. Nobody likes it when people get into a fight at a tailgate,

it ruins the flow of the day and can push people away from each other. Overall there are positives

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and negatives to tailgating, but if the negatives are taken care of correctly, tailgating can create

some of the best memories a person can have with friends and family.

References

Tools & Resources. University of South Carolina. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from

https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/research/publication_highlights/spte/

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 journal_venue_and_event_management_archives/jvem_vol-2_iss-2/vol-2_iss-2_essential-

components-of-a-best-practice-model-for-tailgating-events/

(PDF) 2581-4281 Jean Watson’s middle range theory of ... - researchgate. (n.d.).

Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344728789_2581-

4281_Jean_Watson's_Middle_Range_Theory_of_Human_Caring_A_Critique

The relationship among alcohol consumption, tailgating, and negative consequences.

Taylor & Francis. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2023, from

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1067828X.2012.689805?

journalCode=wcas20

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78-95 http:/DX.DOI.ORG/10.1123/JLAS.2014-0002 © 2014 sport: Course hero. dapolley

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Methods

Football fandom is a topic of interest to many, especially for those who support a particular team.
As students at Penn State, we are interested in studying the attitudes of Penn State football fans
towards sporting events, ticketing prices, and the type of football programs they prefer over
others. Football is a significant aspect of the university's culture and identity, and it is essential to

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the students, alumni, and the entire community. This study is important because we want to
ensure that Penn State football fans have an enjoyable and satisfying gameday experience. By
analyzing the opinions of the fans, we can identify ways to improve the gameday experience,
ticket services, and football programming, ultimately elevating the fan experience. It can help the
university to identify ways to improve the fan experience, increase revenue, and ultimately create
a better football program for everyone involved.
Our specific research questions are as follows:

- What challenges do students face when trying to buy season tickets to Penn State

football games?

- What goes into achieving an optimal experience for fans on a Penn State football

gameday?

- As a Penn State Student, do you prefer College Football or the NFL?

- How do Penn State students perceive violence at games in relation to alcohol

sales?

- How likely would you be to attend a local event Penn State hosted for an away

game?

Gathering participants for our study will be done in a few ways, and as a group we are all

looking to garner people who are either fans of Penn State football or overall fans of football. As

a group we will be using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. For our

quantitative collection of data, we will be reaching out via social media and posting our survey

on apps such as Facebook and connecting with people in group chats in order to meet the

requirement of 30 surveyed. For our qualitative data collection, we will be looking to meet with

friends and people who we know meet the criteria that we are looking for and can talk with us

for roughly 30 minutes.

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For our individual questions we each have similar topics, with slightly different demographics

and areas of research. Our basic demographic questions consist of “Are you a Penn State

Student? What year are you at Penn State? What do you do on Penn State gameday? How much

of a football fan are you?” These are the outline of our study; however, each member may have

some slightly different demographics and questions they are trying to study. Starting with Joey,

he is trying to understand what makes an optimal gameday experience for Penn State fans, which

means he will be looking for fans of PSU football, currently enrolled at the university, and

people who have attended more than half of the home games. The sub-questions that Joey will

ask include “How much do you care about PSU football?”, “How do you start your PSU

gameday?”, “How does the opponent affect your experience?”, “What do you do after the

game?”, “How much does a win sway your experience?”, “What would your ideal start time

be?”, and “Do you spend most of your game days with your friends or family?” For Olivia, she is

researching Penn State fans who have had trouble with the ticketing process, in particular

Ticketmaster season ticket process. Her demographics for research will include fans who have

experienced issues, as well as fans who have had an easy path and are learning the positives and

negatives of the whole process. Matt is looking to research if there has been a rise in violence in

Beaver Stadium since the addition of alcohol within the stadium. He is looking for Penn State

students who have attended games before the addition of alcohol as well as after and trying to

learn and understand if there has been an uptake of violence or overall safety concerns. Jeremy is

trying to find out ways to get Penn State students more engaged during away games and is

looking for PSU students who continue to watch the team on the road. His questions include,

“Did you attend a PSU football game last semester?”, “Do you tend to watch away Penn State

games?”, “If so, where do you usually watch from? Who do you watch with?”, “How likely

would you attend a local event that Penn State hosted for an away game?”, “How likely would

22
you be to attend the event in the valley for a tailgate?”, “How likely would you be to encourage

friends to go to the event with you?”, “How likely would you be to actually watch the game?”,

and “Would you prefer if nothing was to happen on gamedays?” Lastly, David is trying to

understand what makes someone prefer football over the other major sports. He is looking for

fans of sport overall but fans who prefer football over the other 3 major sporting leagues.

To collect both qualitative and quantitative data for our sample, our group will use purposive

sampling, snowball sampling, and convenience sampling. Our preferred pool of sampling is Penn

State students, particularly football fans. By using purposive sampling, we will direct our

research and interview questions towards our specific target group and obtain specific data that

will aid in discerning our topics. We will utilize purposive sampling by distributing our Qualtrics

survey to large group threads such as Penn State class Facebook groups and PSU Athletics ticket

exchange groups. This will help us identify football fans in a group made up entirely of

undergraduate Penn State students. Since our research questions all relate to varying levels of

football fandom, this sampling procedure is beneficial in our search for quantitative/qualitative

data.

Our second sampling procedure is snowball sampling, which builds upon our purposive

sampling subjects. We will ask participants of our survey/group members to pass along our

Qualtrics survey to other student organizations. For example, if a member of the Penn State

Football Student ticket exchange completed our survey and also belonged to a large THON

organization, we will ask the student to share our survey. We believe this will be an effective

sampling procedure for our research questions since it will further help us reach our desired

sample of Penn State students and diversify our findings by reaching different organizations.

Lastly, our group will use convenience sampling by sending our survey to friends within the

university. This sampling option allows us to be more deliberate in our procedures. Our personal

23
connections to those we intend to share our survey with will play a crucial role in our findings.

For instance, we have a diverse group of friends that do not all care for Penn State Football or the

NFL. This will enable us to use both positive and negative data from our findings, which is

imperative to our study as it further helps us understand the PSU student body's relationship with

football.

Measures

With our research questions and interviews, we hope to find a positive or negative

correlation between our variables. For example, Jeremy’s question, “How likely would you be to

attend an event Penn State hosted for an away game?” is trying to find out whether students

would attend an event (positive association) or whether they would rather do their own thing and

skip the event (negative association). We are looking to get the opinions of Penn State students

on certain topics in the football fandom world and to see how they feel about said topics.

Another example would be Olivia’s question, “what challenges do students face when trying to

buy tickets to Penn State football games?” Through questions such as, “How do you like using

Ticketmaster for purchasing,” she will use a scale from 1-5 determining the positive and negative

results of students using Ticketmaster. With 1 being “awful” and 5 being “amazing,” this scale

will be able to help accurately and effectively measure their results. Likewise, Joey will use a

similar scale when asking the question, “what goes into achieving an optimal experience for fans

on a Penn State football gameday?” An example question would be, “how does the opponent

affect your overall gameday experience?” with 1 being “very little” and 5 being “very much.”

This method will help him be able to determine how much the opposing team dictates the

respondents' experience. Matt will also be using a similar scale when asking the question, “do

Penn State students perceive that violence has risen since allowing alcohol sales in Beaver

Stadium?” When inquiring about Penn State’s decision to sell alcohol in Beaver Stadium, a

24
“strongly disagree to strongly agree” scale will be implemented. With a small pool of answer’s

he will be able to determine how impacted respondents were with Penn State’s decision. Finally,

David will be using more open ended based questions to determine, “as a Penn State Student, do

you prefer College Football or the NFL?” An example question would be, “do you often watch

the other 3 major sports leagues (MLB, NHL, NBA),” which would then be followed by a follow

up question such as, “if so, which one do you find yourself most drawn to and why?” These open

ended questions allow David’s participants to personalize their results and only apply their

interests rather than grouping all sports together. David can then look at their results and see if

some sports are more appreciated and watched than others.

Results

What factors into achieving an optimal game day experience?

Quantitative Research

Conducting my research study through a survey consisting of 40 responses and running

my results through correlation tests on excel, I am able to analyze certain factors that go into

obtaining an optimal game day experience. I ran multiple correlation tests and found out that

many of my questions have weak correlations, but that does not mean there is not any relation.

25
The correlation test results from “How do you start your gameday” and “How much do you care

about PSU football” came back with a weak correlation of 0.217, meaning these variables for the

most part have no correlation. My next correlation test came from the questions of “How much

does the opponent affect your experience” and “How much does a win sway your experience.”

The correlation came back with a result of 0.176, showing that these variables are not related.

My last correlation test was between “What do you do after the game” and “What would your

ideal start time be.” These questions came back with another weak correlation of 0.0979,

showing once again these variables are not related. When I conducted the averages of these

questions results, however, there was a slight relationship to fans preferring night games and

going home afterwards.

Qualitative research

When analyzing the results from our 3 interviews, I was able to find themes throughout

each of them with multiple supporting quotes. The themes that I was able to find were PSU

pride, friends and family, and fun community. Starting with PSU pride, a couple quotes that I

found that highlight this theme include: “Normally wake up get my Penn State gear on and then I

go attend a tailgate and show some pride”, and “When we're inside, we meet other friends, we

find our seats, we start cheering, listening to that Blue band, baby.” This theme relates directly to

my research question because the whole idea of a football game day is to support your team, and

rep your team's colors, and have a good time. The next theme that I was able to find in our

interviews is friends and family. I was able to find a handful of quotes but 2 that stood out to me

are: “My favorite part of a Penn State football game day is waking up and getting the juices

flowing in your house or apartment with all of your friends blasting music and having a good

time early in the morning”, and “tailgating with my friends and family. It's a good chance to see

26
people you haven't seen in a while. You get to eat, have drinks, have a little laugh, play

cornhole.” This theme relates to achieving an optimal game day experience because spending the

day with your friends and family and people that you enjoy being around enhances the

experience, and always brings out some fun and good times. The last theme that I was able to

find is a fun community. The 2 quotes that I found supporting this theme include: “I go with

friends and normally meet someone's family and the overall vibes are always high, and just have

a good time”, and “It's a very fun environment. Everyone's just having a good time, so I think.

And I'm not worried about people crushing me, so I like it.” This theme is vital in achieving an

optimal experience, because if you're around obnoxious people, and a community that is not

welcoming, your game day will automatically be worse and not an enjoyable experience.

What challenges do students face when buying season tickets to Penn State football games?

Quantitative Research

To analyze the factors contributing to an optimal ticket buying experience, we conducted

a research study surveying 40 participants. My segment of the survey included questions such as:

“How many times have you attempted to buy Penn State Football tickets through

Ticketmaster?”, “What percent of times were you successful in purchasing tickets through

Ticketmaster?”, “Were you satisfied with the price that you paid for those tickets?”, “How do

27
you like using Ticketmaster for purchasing tickets?”, “Have you bought Football tickets from a

3rd party service?”, “What percent of times were you successful in purchasing tickets through

3rd party services?”, “Were you satisfied with the price that you paid for those tickets?”,

“Compared to other events requiring tickets (sporting events, concerts, etc.) at Penn State, would

you say your ticket buying experience was better, the same, or worse than football?”, “Were

those using a different ticketing service, or Ticketmaster?”, “If you answered “other” to the

previous question, what service was it?”, and “What made that experience better?”.

Using correlation tests on Excel, I found that while some questions had weak

correlations, it did not necessarily imply there was no relationship between them. For instance,

there was a weak correlation of -0.223 between “What percent of times were you successful in

purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster?” and “What percent of times were you successful in

purchasing tickets through 3rd party services?”. This indicates that these variables are largely

independent, with people who have been successful in buying tickets from Ticketmaster having

accomplished getting their tickets more than third party services. However, the results when

viewed on the graph showed more of a similar relationship versus looking at the data via the

correlation test.

I also found a very weak correlation of 0.083 between “Were you satisfied with the price

that you paid for those tickets? (Ticketmaster)” and “Were you satisfied with the price that you

paid for those tickets? (3rd party)”, suggesting that fans are overall satisfied with the prices they

28
are paying for season tickets through Ticketmaster, but not satisfied with the prices 3rd party

services were offering.

Qualitative Data

Upon reviewing the outcomes of our three interviews, I discovered several common

themes. The first theme that emerged was “Love for gameday experience. For example, one

interviewee stated, "Tailgating with my friends and family... It's a very fun environment.

Everyone's just having a good time.” Another interviewee said, "We cook food, we have more

drinks, we meet other friends or family that have come up to watch the game." This theme aligns

with my research question because with a fair and easy ticketing experience, it is easier for fans

to focus on having fun and enjoying the game rather than stressing about unnecessary process.

The second theme that emerged was "stressful and frustrating ticketing process".

Although there were numerous quotes related to this theme, two particularly stood out to me

because of how much I felt it highlighted the exact struggle I am trying to uncover with my

research question. One interviewee mentioned, "The online process is extremely stressful, and

the site Ticketmaster is known to have a lot of issues. It is just the worst" Another interviewee

said, "First, the fact that branch campuses far away get access to tickets the same time university

park students do, when all they do is up sell it, and they don't even come to watch the games."

This theme is crucial in the answering of my question because it brings to light the fact that

students are fed up with the current process. Change needs to happen and these interviewees

know it.

29
 Finally, the last theme that emerged was "the in stadium and game experience." Two

quotes that I found supporting this theme include, "It (allowing alcohol purchases in the stadium)

makes people enjoy the game more, especially if you don't watch football often and you're there

for the environment, not so much the game," and "I feel like I'm gonna get crushed. I don't have

room to move, or, like, stretch my legs or sit," talking about the student section. This theme is

critical in answering my question and I highlight in the discussion section how inability to

purchase student section tickets can lead to a less than enjoyable experience for students and

other fans in the stadium in general.

How likely are you to attend a tailgate in the valley for PSU away games?

Quantitative data

My question “How likely are you to attend a tailgate in the valley for Penn State away

games?” has a main purpose of trying to find out whether students would be willing to attend

tailgates opposed to their normal traditions and activities they would normally participate in. My

results stated that all 33 participants have attended a football game last semester and also watch

away games. They share a strong correlation that suggests that if you went to a football game last

30
semester, you usually watch away games (specifialy, 88% always watch away games while 12%

only watch sometimes). Another interesting comparison is the correlation between “How likely

would you be to actually watch the game at a tailgate?” and “How likely would you be to attend

the event in the valley for a tailgate?” 82% of participants said that they would be willing to

attend a tailgate in the valley while 70% said they would actually watch and pay attention to the

game. This is important because it needs to be known if students just want to drink and hang out

outside, or if they would actually pay attention to the game going on. According to this data, out

of the 82% of people who would attend the tailgate, 70% of them would watch the game which

translates to having a high percentage of students paying attention to the game and not just being

there to party. The rest of the data has low correlation but that does not necessarily mean that

there is no trend to be found, but generally students are interested in having tailgates for away

games.

Qualitative data

From reading the interviews we conducted, it helped me confirm my main question as

well as realize a few themes. From the three interviews, each person said they would attend a

local event thet Penn State would host for an away game, one participant said it would be cool if

we did something like a college game day but for PSU specifically, or a watch party in Beaver

Stadium for the hub lawn. Each participant also said that they would be willing to attend a

tailgate that would be held in the valley. “ I would say very likely nine times out of ten I will be

at a Penn State tailgate”. Each participant showed excitement or interest in these idea which

brings me to my first theme which is that people are just looking to have fun with friends. One of

the true values of Penn State is family, which is also why our alumni program is so great.

31
Students want to make memories with each other and have these good times together to look

back on. Another theme I picked out was that students are generally happy with how football

games are run. They feel safe, have fun, and think the student tickets are well priced. “ I think it

is a very fair price, especially for students. We have parking passes that cost more student season

tickets”. I think everyone would change one or two things if they wanted the day to be “perfect”

but everyone likes different things and from what I’ve seen, it looks like everyone is generally

happy with how gamedays and everything surrounding football typically go.

How do Penn State students perceive violence at games in relation to alcohol sales?

Quantitative Data

Through the data that was collected from our group’s responses, I am able to see the

relationship between the idea of selling alcohol in Beaver Stadium and if the level of violence

has been perceived to be higher. 70% of students said they felt safe standing in the student

section this Fall, the other 30% was neutral. Along with this, 79% of students were happy with

the decision to sell alcohol in Beaver Stadium. Through my specific questions, the results

32
showed that many of the questions had a weak correlation. For example, when comparing the

questions, “how do you feel about Penn State’s idea to sell alcohol in Beaver Stadium” and, “do

you consume alcohol before Penn State Football games,” the correlation was 0.159, which is a

weak positive correlation. For the amount of people who consume alcohol before games, the

mean for this group was 0.9. Another example would be when comparing the questions, “do you

stand in the student section when you attend football games?” and, “how safe do you feel in the

student section?” The results of the correlation test were 0.196, which was again, a weak positive

correlation. For the people who feel safe in the student section, the mean for this group was 0.76.

The final correlation test was conducted using the questions, “have you bought alcohol in Beaver

Stadium?” and “how do you feel about Penn State’s idea to sell alcohol in Beaver Stadium?”

which resulted in a weak positive correlation of 0.350.

Qualitative Data

When specifically looking at the questions that give information on my research question,

there were three themes that I found. The first theme was that the overall experience of Penn

State football games has benefited from the introduction of alcohol sales. This is through quotes

such as, “I think it makes people enjoy the game more, especially if you don't watch football

often and you're there for the environment,” and “all major sporting events have access to beer

and alcohol sales so it just adds to the environment as a whole and makes it more enjoyable at

times.” The second theme that I was able to find was that people do not feel completely unsafe in

the student section, but can see how people would feel that way. This was found through quotes

such as, “sometimes some kids can get a little out of hand but for the most part I've had no

problems, and “I wouldn’t say I feel unsafe but I could definitely see how it could get to that

point.” The final theme is that students believe the alcohol sales will help the university

33
financially. The quotes that demonstrate this theme were “it is a very good idea I think not only,

like, will they make a lot of money off of it…,” and “...also brings in more money for the school,

because everyone is gonna be buying drinks during the football game.”

Do PSU Student prefer the NFL or College Football?

Quantitative Data

The purpose of the survey was to learn more about Penn State students' preferences for

and fanaticism for football, particularly the College Football National Championship and the

Super Bowl. In a survey of 40 people, 15% said they preferred the College Football National

Championship to the Super Bowl, and 62.5% said they watched both the NFL and college

football. In addition, 15% of respondents said they only watch Penn State play in college

football. A weak negative correlation between liking the College Football National

34
Championship and watching both college football and the NFL was found through correlation

analysis. This suggests that college football fans are less likely to watch both college football and

the NFL than students who prefer the NFL. The correlation, however, did not reach statistical

significance, which indicates that there is a shaky and possibly meaningless relationship between

the variables.

Only 15% of respondents said they would rather watch the College Football National

Championship than the Super Bowl, proving that most Penn State students who took part in the

survey are fans of football in general, regardless of the level of competition. This bolsters the

idea that football fandom is not restricted to a particular league or occasion. The high proportion

of respondents (62.5%) who said they watch both college football and the NFL suggests that

many Penn State students are ardent football fans who take pleasure in both levels of the game.

The availability of more games to watch, the various types of games that are available, or

football in both college and the NFL, as well as the desire to root for both their college team and

their preferred NFL team. The finding that 15% of respondents don't watch any college football

games other than Penn State, however, may indicate that some students have little interest in

other programs or don't have enough time to watch multiple games. This discovery may also

demonstrate the devoted fan base and student support that the Penn State football team has.

Overall, the quantitative information points to a general football fandom among Penn State

students, who seem to enjoy watching both collegiate and professional football. Although there

is a small amount of favoritism for the College Football National Championship over the Super

Bowl, the correlation between the two variables is insignificant and statistically insignificant.

Qualitative Data

The survey of Penn State students yielded qualitative findings that most participants

watch both the NFL and college football, with only a small minority saying they prefer the

35
College Football National Championship to the Super Bowl. This might suggest that football

fans at Penn State are die-hard supporters of both collegiate and professional football.

Students appear to recognize the distinctive features of each level of the sport, such as the fervor

and loyalty associated with college football and the higher level of play in the NFL, based on

their reasons for watching both college football and the NFL. Additionally, some respondents'

lack of interest in watching college football games other than Penn State's may indicate that Penn

State's football program is not particularly popular. It should be noted that the survey's small

sample size might make it harder to extrapolate the findings to the entire student body at Penn

State or to other colleges. The preferences of college students for college football and the NFL

may be better understood. In conclusion, the survey of Penn State students yielded qualitative

findings that most participants watch both college football and the NFL, with only a small

percentage saying they prefer the College Football National Championship to the Super Bowl.

The justifications given for watching both suggest that the students have a variety of interests in

the sport at each level. The NFL and college football preferences of college students should be

better understood through further study with a larger sample size. through further study with a

larger sample size and a more diverse group of participants.

36
 Discussion

What factors into achieving an optimal game day experience?

Conducting this study and finding what factors are most important in achieving an

optimal game day experience, will provide myself and the university with ways to properly

market and promote different aspects of a game day starting with pep rallies all the way down to

tailgating parties and in-game activities. By focusing on the aspects that fans find most enjoyable

we will be able to have a higher fan retention rate, drive revenue up for the surrounding

community, and lastly provide fans with an enjoyable in-game atmosphere and entertainment.

One interesting finding that I found through surveying questions and conducting interviews was

that most fans do not care who the opponent is that day, they just enjoy partaking in the

37
festivities leading up to the game. This was particularly interesting because I thought more

people would be influenced by a big game or a conference opponent, but I found that besides the

whiteout nobody really cares who the opponent is. According to Alonso, fans just enjoy the

entertainment aspect of the game and attend these events to prevent outside problems (Alonso,

2014). This holds true with not caring about the opponent and more so looking for an escape.

Some more conclusions that I could draw tell us that people who care a lot about PSU football

tend to start their game days earlier, but for many they are in the middle and tend to get to the

tailgate roughly 2-3 hours before entering the game. Many fans prefer night games as opposed to

day games because it provides extra time to be with friends and family, and they said the

atmosphere inside the stadium is often better. Fans also have a desire to win, and sometimes a

loss can create a negative mood or emotions. A few things that I would have done differently

include sampling a larger sum of fans and hearing other opinions. I would also have talked to

non-football fans and heard what they do on game days and try to learn ways to bridge the gap

between them disliking the sport. Lastly, I would ask more about the in-game atmosphere and

entertainment and listen to people's thoughts on these aspects of a game day. This project

contributes to finding a way to make a game day more enjoyable for all. People are always going

to be unhappy with something, in this case whether it be too early of a start time or poor weather,

fans will complain, but finding the most enjoyable factors of a game day will lead to more fans

being happy and more inclined to reaping the benefits of a game day rather than feeling more

negative towards the day.

38
 References

-Alonso, A. D., & O'Shea, M. (2014). Imaging the Game Day Experience: A Case Study of the

National Rugby League (NRL). International Journal of Sport Management, Recreation &

Tourism, 13.

-Delaney. T. (2008). The Social Aspects of Sports Tailgating. The New York Sociologist,

Vol. 3, https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?

repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=c3a80023c5cfafc3f10892d679ff91d26c2f2ee0

-Falls, A. Natke, P. (2015). College Football Attendance: A Panel Study of the Football

Championship, Wiley Online Library,

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mde.2740

39
 -Gonzalez-Bono, E., Salvador, A., Serrano, M. A., & Ricarte, J. (1999). Testosterone,

cortisol, and mood in a sports team competition. Hormones and behavior, 35(1), 55-62.

https://doi.org/10.1006/hbeh.1998.1496

-Havard, C. Gray, D. & Gould, J. (2013). Development and Validation of the Sport Rivalry Fan
Perception Scale (SRFPS), Research Gate,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264159843_Development_and_validation_of_the_Spo
rt_Rivalry_Fan_Perception_Scale_SRFPS

What challenges do students face when buying season tickets to Penn State football games?

The present study sought out to examine the key determinants of an optimal ticketing

experience for Penn State University students. This research aims to provide valuable insights for

university administrators on how to enhance the ticketing process, from ticket purchases to

stadium entry, to better meet the needs and expectations of students. By prioritizing the factors

that are most important to students in their ticketing experience, universities can improve their

overall satisfaction, foster a sense of community, and create a more enjoyable game day

atmosphere. This research has the potential to inform ticketing policies and procedures,

ultimately leading to a more positive and engaging experience for all involved parties.

One notable finding from the study was the struggles with Ticketmaster and how it is

important to note that students reported technical difficulties and long wait times when

attempting to purchase tickets through the service. These difficulties were compounded by the

40
limited availability of tickets and the time-sensitive nature of the purchasing process. The

frustration expressed by students suggests that Ticketmaster may need to take a closer look at its

infrastructure and support system to ensure that students are not deterred from attending

university events due to ticketing issues.

In addition to issues with Ticketmaster, students also expressed their dissatisfaction with

having to purchase tickets from third-party services. Many students reported feeling that these

services were overpriced and that the purchasing process was more complicated than it should

be. This finding highlights the need for universities to provide more accessible and affordable

ticketing options to students, rather than relying on external vendors. By addressing these issues

and providing better support for students throughout the ticketing process, universities can create

a more positive and inclusive atmosphere for all students, regardless of their level of fandom or

financial means.

The present study had two main limitations that should be considered when interpreting

the findings. The first limitation is the relatively small sample size of students who participated

in the study. While efforts were made to recruit a diverse group of students from various

academic backgrounds and levels of fandom, the sample size may have limited the

generalizability of the results. In future studies, it would be beneficial to recruit a larger and more

diverse sample of students to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants

of an optimal ticketing experience.

The second limitation is related to the limited range of fandom among the participants.

Although the study attempted to include a range of fans, from non-fans to die-hard supporters of

Penn State football, there was a limited number of extreme fans. This may have affected the

results, as extreme fans may have different needs and expectations compared to casual fans or

41
non-fans. In future studies I would address this limitation by recruiting a larger and more diverse

sample of fans with varying degrees of fandom.

In conclusion, the present study sheds light on the importance of creating an optimal

ticketing experience for Penn State University students. By addressing the issues and concerns

raised by students, universities can provide better support and accessibility throughout the

ticketing process, ultimately leading to higher levels of satisfaction and a more enjoyable game

day atmosphere. The findings of this research can inform universities' ticketing policies and

procedures, leading to more positive and engaging experiences for all involved parties. While

there are still areas for improvement, the insights provided by this study can serve as a valuable

resource for universities looking to enhance their ticketing processes and create a more inclusive

and positive environment for their students.

42
How do Penn State students perceive violence at games in relation to alcohol sales?

The main reason for this research was to determine if students’ perception of the amount

of violence in Beaver Stadium changed due to the inclusion of alcohol sales for the 2023 football

season. The results are beneficial not only to the Penn State Athletic Department but to any

athletic department looking to introduce alcohol into their venues in the future. Along with this,

it is also useful information for the Beaver Stadium security staff and operation coordinators. By

determining if students feel safe in venues where alcohol consumption is allowed, universities

will have the ability to gauge their decision on whether or not selling alcohol will have a positive

impact in the eyes of their fans.

The biggest finding is that students are overall very happy with the decision to sell

alcohol inside the stadium. From the time that they wake up to the time that they leave the

stadium, most Penn State students drink for the duration of Penn State game days. Previously,

students would have to consume large amounts of alcohol before entering the stadium to make

the effects last for the entire duration of the game. Students expressed their gratitude that they no

43
longer had to drink so much beforehand and were able to pace themselves better throughout the

day with alcohol now acceptable inside Beaver Stadium.

They also expressed an overwhelming feeling of safety when it comes to the student

section. With 70% of students saying they feel safe, and the other 30% feeling neutral, it is clear

students want to be standing in the student section. I believe due to the atmosphere that Penn

State specifically provides with great environments, such as the White Out, students do not want

to miss out on the experience of standing with their friends. Even if things may get out of hand

due to everyone having the influence of alcohol in their systems, no major problems stop people

from participating in the student section.

When it comes to my limitations, it was obvious to see that most of the participants were

big Penn State football fans. If we focused on gathering a larger sample of students who had

different levels of fandom towards Penn State football, our results would be different. Along

with this, more outside research should have been conducted regarding police reports related to

alcohol-related incidents inside Beaver Stadium. This would have given me a clearer

understanding of the impact of alcohol on fans and the issues that stem from over-intoxication.

In conclusion, Penn State seems to have made the right decision when it comes to alcohol sales

inside Beaver Stadium. Not only does it provide a large economic boost for the university itself,

but helps students control their drinking habits to ensure they have an overall better gameday

experience. Sharing a drink with your friends and watching sports is an experience that many

enjoy, and that is no different when it comes to Penn State fans.

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Do Penn State Students prefer NFL or College Football?

The goal of this study was to investigate Penn State students' preferences for football,

particularly their interest in the College Football National Championship and the Super Bowl.

We aimed to gain insights into the variables influencing football fans' viewing habits and the

potential causes of these habits by understanding these preferences. Forty Penn State students

were surveyed as part of the study to determine their football preferences. The survey asked

participants about their favorite football games, whether they watch college or professional

football, and why they do. The relationship between liking the College Football National

Championship and watching both college football and the NFL was investigated using

correlation analysis. The results show that, regardless of the level of competition, the majority of

Penn State students who took part in the survey are football fans. According to the majority of

respondents (62.5%), many students are devoted followers of football at all levels, including

college and the NFL. This suggests that students have a variety of interests in football at every

level and that football fandom is not limited to a particular league or occasion. There isn't much

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favoritism for one event over the other, as evidenced by the fact that only 15% of respondents

said they preferred the College Football National Championship to the Super Bowl. In addition,

15% of respondents said they only watch Penn State play college football may show the Penn

State football team's devoted fan base and student support. It might also imply that some students

don't care much for other shows or don't have enough time to watch several games. A limitation

of this study is the small sample size, which makes it difficult to generalize the findings to the

entire student body at Penn State or to other colleges. Additionally, the survey was limited to

Penn State students, so it is unknown whether the findings can be extended to other groups of

football fans. Future research with a larger and more diverse sample size could help to better

understand the preferences of college students for college football and the NFL. Overall, this

study sheds light on Penn State students' preferences for football and suggests that football

fandom is not specific to any one league or event. We found a weak negative correlation between

the two variables, but it was not statistically significant, between liking the College Football

National Championship and watching both college football and the NFL. Future studies on

football fandom and the factors that affect it may benefit from the findings of this study.

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How likely are you to attend a tailgate in the valley for PSU away games?

The objective of this research is to find out if students would attend a tailgate or an event

of a different sort for away games. Tailgates are such a staple when it comes to Penn State

football. Families and fans come from all over to attend these games especially for the white out

game. Throughout my research, I found that students would definitely attend a tailgate in the

valley or perhaps even a watch party in the stadium. If we were to host a watch party it would

definitely require more staff, work, and setup, but it is a possibility. The main concerns that were

brought to my attention were how doing this would have a ripple effect and have a negative

impact on the school financially and also a negative impact on the surrounding area of State

College such as the highscool teams or other teams in general. So to avoid this and still keep the

goal alive, maybe tailgates are hosted for big away games and not every single away game. That

way it doesn’t feel like every weekend Penn State is shadowing over everything else in the State

College area. Regardless of however we would do this and the steps we would take, there is a

serious interest in these tailgates or events that students have showed. Out of the 32 people

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surveyed, the majority said they would attend and I would predict that would remain the same if

we used a bigger population for sampling. It is clear to me that people are tired of the same away

gameday routine. They want something fresh and new and I believe this would be a great way to

give the people what they want. I learned a lot from this research including how to look for

positive and negative correlations as well as how to separate qualitative and quantitative results.

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