Where to Watch Penn State Nittany Lions Football

Watch Penn State Nittany Lions football at a sports bar near you! Check out the best PSU bars in State College, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other Pennsylvania cities as well as Chicago, New York, California, the Carolinas, Florida, Texas, Virginia, and several other states. It’s so much more fun to be surrounded by the Nittany Nation. And don’t forget to wear Blue and White. We Are Penn State!

•  

If you’re on the prowl for a sports bar to root for the Penn State Nittany Lions, you’ve found the right page.

There are two lists. The first is for the best sports bars for PSU fans in Pennsylvania. The second is for the best spots to watch Penn State Nittany Lions games in 19 other states.

But first, check out the secret to Penn State’s football success, why the team is called the Nittany Lions, and why the stadium is called Beaver Stadium.

The Secret to Penn State’s Football Success

The football program at Pennsylvania State University has a rich history, dating back to 1887, when it played its first game. The team got off to an auspicious start, shutting out Bucknell University by a convincing score of 54 to nothing.

So, what is the secret to Penn State’s astonishing success in college football? First, it consistently recruits some of the best high school football players across the country.

Second, it has benefited from strong coaching with proven track records and an emphasis on academics. In fact, its student-athletes have a high graduation rate.

Next, the Nittany Lions enjoy passionate fan support, which results in a strong home-field advantage. The roar of the crowd at Beaver Stadium is deafening!

Finally, success breeds success. Because of Penn State’s rich history of success in collegiate football, it has no problem recruiting top talent and motivating players to uphold the team’s superlative legacy.

Why Is the Team Called Nittany Lions?

The name Nittany Lions was officially adopted in 1907. It was inspired by the mountain lions that had formerly roamed nearby Mount Nittany.

Nittany was adapted from the Algonquian word nit-a-nee, which means “single mountain”. According to Wikipedia, the Algonquians are one of the most populous and widespread Native American tribes.

The name was meant to symbolize the leonine strength, courage, and pride of Penn State athletes.

Beaver Stadium – Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions play home games at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. With a seating capacity of 106,572, Beaver Stadium is the fourth -largest stadium in the world.

But if the university’s sports teams are named after lions, why is Penn State’s football stadium called Beaver Stadium?

In fact, the name has nothing to do with the semi-aquatic rodents, which are most famous for their dam-buildings skills.

To clarify, the stadium was named after James A. Beaver, who had served as governor of Pennsylvania and was instrumental in the university’s development.

Where to Watch Penn State Games in Pennsylvania

Looking for the bests sports bars for PSU fans in Pennsylvania?

Not surprisingly, Pennsylvania has the lion’s share of Penn State University sports fans in the country. In fact, an estimated 402,876 PSU alumni live in the Keystone State.

So that means Pennsylvania must also have the most sports bars with PSU viewing parties and watch parties. And they also offer a great networking opportunity.

But it would be impossible to list them all. Therefore, only a highly selective list of some of the top sports bars for Penn State Nittany Lions Fans follows.

Sports bars in Happy Valley are listed first. Then an alphabetical list of other Pennsylvania communities follows.

Finally, there is a list of where to watch PSU games in other states. They are arranged in alphabetical order.

State College

As the home of Penn State University, State College is home to many sports bars and other venues where Penn Staters gather to root for the Blue and White. Here are a few of the most popular:

• Champs Sports Grill – 139 South Allen Street, State College, Pennsylvania
• Primanti Bros Restaurant and Sports Bar -130 Heister Street, State College, Pennsylvania
• Cafe 210 West – 210 West College Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania
• Doggie’s Pub – 108 South Pugh Street, State College, Pennsylvania
• The Phyrst – 111 East Beaver Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania
• The Lion’s Den – 118 South Garner Street, State College, Pennsylvania
• Zeno’s Pub – 100 West College Avenue, State College, Pennsylvania
• Bill Pickle’s Tap Room – 106 South Allen Street, State College, Pennsylvania

 

The following establishments appear to have closed. Please let me know if any of them are still open

• Bar Bleu – 114 South Garner Street, State College, Pennsylvania CLOSED?
• The Shandygaff – 212 E College Ave, State College, Pennsylvania CLOSED?
• The Saloon – 101 Hester Street, State College, Pennsylvania CLOSED!
• Mad Mex – State College – Pennsylvania CLOSED!

 

Bucks County

• El Barrio Cantina & Tequila Bar – 1470 Buck Road, Holland, Pennsylvania
• Chickie & Pete’s Warrington – 500 Easton Road, Warrington, Pennsylvania

 

Chester Country

Chuckie’s and Pete’s – 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, Pennsylvania

Erie

12th Street Pub – 4040 West 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg

P.J. Whelhan’s Pub+ Restaurant – 3882 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Primanti Bros – Lancaster Shopping Center, 659 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

 

Philadelphia

 

• Wissahickon Brewing Company – 3705 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Tradesman’s – 1322 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• City Tap House – 100 North 18th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Chickie’s and Pete’s – BLVD – 11000 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Chickie’s and Pete’s – South Philadelphia – 1526 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

Pittsburgh

• Froggy’s Bar – 4602 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Mario’s South Side Saloon – 1514 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Carson City Saloon – 1401 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Cupka’s Cafe 2 – 2314 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 

Where to Watch Penn State Games in Other States

Penn State alumni and other PSU fans are spread across the United States. An alphabetical listing of states with large numbers of Penn State alumni and other Nittany Lions fans follows.

Arizona

Many Penn State alumni have settled in the Grand Canyon State. Check out the best sports bars for PSU fans fans in Arizona.

• Longshots Bar & Grill – 13610 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
• Thirsty Lion – 2212 East Williams Field Road, Suite 112, Gilbert, Arizona
• Famous 66 – 1026 South Gilbert Road, GIlbert, Arizona
• The Frozen Cactus – 5769 S+East Speedway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona

 

California

Roughly 20,000 Penn State alumni live in the Golden State. Check out some of the best venues to watch the Penn State Nittany Lions in California.

• Britannia Pub – 318 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica, California. Home of Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Football
• Monaghan’s – 3243 Pierce Street, San Francisco, California
• Rocco’s Tavern – Studio City – 12514 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California
• The Crest Sports Bar and Grill – 1625 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, California
• Maverick’s Beach Club – 860 Garnet Avenue, San Diego
• Knotty Barrel Gastropub – 844 Market Street, San Diego, California

 

Colorado

There are approximately 7,000 Penn State alumni living in Colorado, and they have a very active alumni association. In addition, there are many more sports fans who bleed blue and white. Here are a few of the spots where they gather to watch the Penn State Nittany Lions.

• The Larimer Beer  Hall – 2012 Larimer Street, Denver, Colorado
• Dillinger’s Bar & Grill – 1202 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette, Colorado
• Bubba’s 33 – 5807 Constitution Avenue , Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Krazy Karl’s Pizza – 2620 South Timberline Road, Fort Collins, Colorado.

 

Florida

There are an estimated 15,000 Penn State alumni living in Florida, with several active alumni associations across the Sunshine State. The Nittany Nation often watches games at the following locations:

• Parrot Lounge – 911 Sunrise Lane, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Marina 84 – 2440 West State Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Teak Neighborhood Grill – 6400 Times Square Avenue, Orlando, Florida
• Gecko’s Grill & Pub – 6606 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida
• Duffy’s Sports Grill – 525 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, Florida.
• Miller’s Ale House – 7175 FL-64, Bradenton, Florida.
• Lilo’s Streetfood & Bar – 701 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, Florida
• Varsity Club – 24091 US Highway 18 North, Clearwater, Florida
• The Oyster Pub – 555 Sebreeze Blvd, Daytona Beach, Florida
• Mikes Pizza and Pub – 14479 Walsingham Road, Largo, Florida
• The Deck Bar and Grille at Isla – 5901 Sun Blvd #100, St Petersburg, Florida

 

Illinois

There are an estimated 8,000 Penn State alumni living in Illinois. Most of them live in the Greater Chicago area. Here is a list of some of the best sports bars in Chicago for Penn State fans.

• Smoke Daddy – Wicker Park – 1804 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois
• Derno’s on Diversey – 506 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois
• A. J. Hudson’s Public House – 3801-3805 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
• D and G Brewing Company – 303 North 4th Street Suite A, St. Charles, Illinois

 

Maryland

There is a substantial presence of Penn State alumni and other Nittany Lions fans in Maryland. Here are a few of the sports bars they watch games at.

• Smaltimore – 2522 Fait Avenue. Baltimore, Maryland – A Proud Penn State Bar
• Nobles Bar and Grill Federal Hill – 1024 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland
• Fallston Barrel House – 2403 Bel Air Road, Fallston, Maryland
• Glory Days Grill – 10035 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland
• Glory Days Grill – 3 Lee Airpark Drive, Edgewater, Maryland

 

Massachusetts

There are roughly 7,000 Penn State alumni living in Massachusetts. Here are some of the top venues for Penn State fans in Boston and nearby.

• The Greatest Bar – 262 Friend Street, Boston, Massachusetts
• Tackle Box Brewing Company – 416 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, Massachusetts

 

Minnesota

There are approximately 1,800 Penn State alumni living in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. This is where many Nittany Lions fans watch football games in the Twin Cities:

Patrick McGovern’s Pub & Restaurant – 225 Seventh Street West, Saint Paul Minnesota.

Nevada

Local Penn State alumni and visiting Nittany Lions fans often watch games at the following sports bar:

Home Plate Grill & Bar – 2460 West Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, Nevada

New York

With an estimated 30,000 Penn State alumni, New York mostly likely has the largest number of Penn Staters in the country after Pennsylvania. Here are some of the best sports bars for PSU fans in New York:

• Mercury Bar – 659 – Ninth Avenue, New York, New York – We’re a Home Bar – Penn State
• Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew  – 66 Madison Avenue, New York, New York – Game sound with music during commercials for all Penn State Games.
• Common Ground – 63 Gansevoort Street, New York, New York
• Blue Haven South  -121 Fulton Street, New York, New York
• Home Base Bistro  – 416 – Third Avenue, New York,  New York
• Hairy Lemon – 28 Avenue B, New York, New York

 

North Carolina

Here are some of the best places for Nittany Lions fans in Charlotte and other cities in North Carolina.

• Blackfinn Ameripub Ballantyne – 14825 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, North Carolina
• DB’s Tavern – 8155 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Woody’s Sports Tavern & Grill – 3107 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville, North Carolina

 

Ohio

The Buckeye State has approximately 12,000 Penn State alumni and sports fans. and they often gather to watch PSU games are the following spots:

• Pizza Cottage – 8753 Owenfield Drive, Powell, Ohio
• MPH Brewing – 7880 Remington Road, Montgomery, Ohio
• Troll Pub | Dayton – 216 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio

 

Oregon

Many Penn State alumni remain loyal to the Blue and White after they move to the Beaver State. A bit ironic, isn’t it? And this is one of their favorite spots to root for the Nittany Lions:

Satellite Tavern – 5101 North Interstate Avenue, Portland, Oregon

South Carolina

Approximately 1,400 Penn State alumni call South Carolina home. Here are some of the top places in South Carolina for Penn State fans to watch games.

• Woodward Tavern – 1971 Riviera Drive Suite 3, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
• Rooted – 3510 Park Avenue Blvd, Mount Pleasant, Charleston
• Share House – 23 Ann Street, Charleston
• Milardo’s Pizzeria & Sports Pub – U.S. Highway 17 Highway South, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
• Landing at the Boathouse – 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• d.d. Peckers’ Wing Shack – 1660 Savannah Highway,, CLOSED

 

Tennessee

Local and visiting alumni as well as other PSU fans watch games at the following venue:

Bassline Brewing Company – 410 – 39th Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee – Official Nashville Penn State Alumni Association viewing partner

Texas

Around 10,000 Penn State alumni live in the Lone Star State. Here are some of the best sports bars in Texas for PSU fans.

• The Phoenix – 1915 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas
• Chill Bar and Grill – 2513 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, Texas
• Parlor & Yard – 601 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas
• MUTTS Cantina – 9825 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, Texas

 

Utah

This is the top place for Penn State fans to watch games Salt Lake City:

Gracie’s – 326 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

Virginia

Virginia has approximately 6,000 alumni of Penn State, and many of them are avid sports fans. Here are some of the best sports bars in Virginia for PSU fans.

• Gus’ Bar and Grill: 2701 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia
• Southern Railway Taphouse: 100 South 14th Street, Richmond, Virginia
• Ireland’s Four Courts – 2051 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia
• CarPool Sports Bar, Grill, Billiards- 900 North Glebe, Road, Arlington, Virginia – An official viewing site for for Penn State football
• Blue Moon Tap House – 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia
• Stony’s Dockside Bar& Grill – 8166 Shore Drive, Norfolk, Virginia
• Shorebreak Pizza – 2941 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Bubba’s 33 – 4120 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Recovery Sports Grill – 1672 Sentinel Drive, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Revolution Golf & Grille – 1430 High Street Suite 706, Williamsburg, Virginia
• Wood and Iron Game Day Restaurant and Bar: 11400 West Huguenot Road Suite 109, Midlothian, Virginia
• World of Beer – 11600 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia

 

Washington, DC

Penn State University has a strong fan base in the Nation’s Capital and its suburbs. Here are some of the best sports bars for the Nittany Lions in the DMV. (See also Maryland and Virginia.)

• Exiles – 1610 U Street, NW, Washington, DC – Your bar to watch Penn State in DC
• The Admiral – 1 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC
• Kelly’s Irish Times – 14 F St NW, Washington, DC
• Exchange Saloon – 719 G St NW, Washington, DC

 

Washington State

There isn’t as large a Penn State fan base in the Evergreen State as in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, many PSU faithful watch the Nittany Lions at the following venue:

Shawn O’Donnell’s – Fremont – 3601 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle, Washington

 

Your Feedback Wanted

Have you watched a Penn State football game at any of these sports bars? If so, would you recommend it to other Nittany Lions fans? 

You can mention the food, the service, the comfort, the visibility of TV screens, whether the sound was turned on, the atmosphere for PSU fans – whatever you think is important.

What is YOUR favorite Penn State sports bar?  Do you know of any bars that should be added to the list?

Finally, please let me know if any of these Penn State watch bars  has closed or if Blue and White fans no longer frequent them.

Planning a Visit to State College?

Planning a visit to State College? Contact the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for travel information.

Search for hotels at TripAdvisor. If you book a room, I may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you.