10 most unique experiences college football fans enjoy during the season ft. Penn State whiteout
The deep roots of the unique atmospheres and traditions in college football often make for incredible spectacles that fans will not want to miss. There are scenes that can't be replicated anywhere else but college football.
Fans may be inquiring where to witness these amazing sights as the 2024 season approaches. Here is a look at the 10 most unique experiences for college football fans to enjoy this season.
10 most unique college football experiences fans can enjoy during the season
Sunsets at the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, CA, gives fans some of the most breathtaking sunset views. The legendary stadium that has hosted many prestigious events over the years creates a beautiful scenic backdrop that is perfect for any evening college football event.
Tiger Stadium at night
Appropriately nicknamed "Death Valley," Tiger Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues for opposing teams to visit in all of college football. The home of the LSU Tigers is downright deafening for every game it hosts, but it raises its volume, especially when conference rivals Alabama come to town.
Penn State whiteout
When Beaver Stadium fills its 106,572 capacity during a whiteout, it creates a scene unlike any other in college football. Penn State has held 15 total whiteout games in the program's history, most of which have come during nighttime clashes against top Big Ten opponents. Penn State has yet to announce when 2024's iteration of the whiteout will take place, but it always promises a spectacular scene.
"Enter Sandman" on Thursday night at Virginia Tech
Oct. 17 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA, will be the date when fans can hear Virginia Tech make their way to the field as Metallica's "Enter Sandman" echoes through the stadium. The volume is cranked up as loud as it can go while the Hokies sprint out of the tunnel, making their arrival on the field one of the most incredible college football experiences.
Red River at the State Fair
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is accompanied by the Texas State Fair in October. Each year, fans flock to this heated rivalry as they enjoy the unique foods and drinks, creating a joyous atmosphere that can only be enhanced by college football. Fans are due for another heated contest between the Longhorns and Sooners when the teams meet this season on Oct. 12.
The Grove at Ole Miss
Tailgating at the Grove offers fans a pre-game experience like no other. This area is filled with the most passionate Ole Miss fans, and each year they pack into The Grove to prepare for their team's upcoming contest. The Ole Miss Rebels have high expectations for the 2024 season, and matchups at home against Kentucky, Oklahoma and Georgia should make The Grove a sight to behold.
Sandstorm at South Carolina
South Carolina has created the tradition of stampeding out of the tunnel while Darude's "Sandstorm" is blasted through the stadium speakers as the fans wave their towels in the air. Add in some synchronized lighting along with some smoke, and the Gamecocks have one of the most iconic entrances onto the field in all of college football.
Checkered Neyland Stadium
Tennessee fans in Knoxville dress in either orange or white to create a checkerboard pattern to match the endzones at Neyland Stadium. The games in which the checkered pattern will make a return in 2024 have yet to be announced by the program. But with matchups against Florida and Alabama this season, fans should have various opportunities to see checkered Neyland in all of its glory.
Florida's ode to Tom Petty
Florida first belted out Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as a tribute to the late great artist in 2017. As the song rang out through the stadium speakers, the 90,000 Gator fans in the swamp began to join in. From that point on, the tradition of the fans harmonizing with the track following the conclusion of the third quarter has become a special tradition for Florida fans.
Iowa's first-half wave
Since 2017, when the first quarter of the Iowa Hawkeyes' home games come to an end, the fans inside Kinnick Stadium turn and wave to the overlooking UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. The pediatric patients and their families have a great view of this heartwarming act of kindness performed by the Hawkeyes faithful attending the game.
Which college football tradition is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section.
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