SPORTS

Big Ten Championship: Plenty to do in Indy before game

Shelly Stallsmith
mstallsmith@ydr.com

Penn State

Plenty of Penn State fans were left wondering when they would get their football tickets. A unexplained delay had some still waiting three days before the season-opener against Akron.

will play Wisconsin Saturday night for the Big Ten Conference football title.

Kickoff is 8:17 p.m., which gives Nittany Lion fans plenty of time to pregame in Indianapolis. The Big Ten has activities planned for fans of both teams, and there are offerings specifically for Penn State fans.

ESPN’s “College GameDay” will air at the Pan American Pavilion from 9 a.m. to noon. Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso, David Pollack and Samantha Ponder will be behind the desk.

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The activities kick off with the Simon SaturDAY of Service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Fans can sort, wrap and transport sporting equipment for children during the holidays.

A joint party for fans of both teams will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Georgia Street. The Meijer Tail Greater Party includes a shrimp cocktail eating contest at 3 p.m., food and beverage sales, college football action on video screens, a live band and DJ, ice carving, merchandise sales and a photo opportunity with a life-size Stagg Championship Trophy.

The Big Ten Network will sponsor a tailgate hosted by Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Anthony Adams from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Fan Fest in the Convention Center. The Blue Band will play at 4 p.m. and again at Fan Fest at 5:15. Fan Fest is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

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Nittany Lion fans can gather in the Indiana Convention Center Exhibit Halls D&E at 5:30 p.m. for the Big Ten East Champions Penn State Pep Rally. Wrist bands are required for the free tailgate, and can be picked up at 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The program begins at 6 p.m. and features the pep band, cheerleaders and Nittany Lion.

And for Penn State fans who want to hold their own tailgate instead of participating in an organized party, Lucas Oil Stadium will accommodate you. Parking is first-come, first-serve, and spots cannot be reserved.