Want to know where to tailgate for the Northwestern game? You certainly have lots of options.

Join the Penn State Alumni Association at their official tailgate to get revved up before the game. Enjoy live music presented by the Pep Band, and share the excitement with the Lion and the cheerleading squad. Free snacks, water, and hot beverages will be provided, and you can pick up some free Penn State pom-poms, buttons, and stickers. The tailgate will take place at the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course located at 1031 Central Street in Evanston beginning at 12:30 pm.

If looking for Penn Staters and alcohol, you might want to stop by the tailgate organized by several Penn State alumni and presented by our Chicago chapter and Flounder’s Bar and Grill. This tailgate includes food by Byron’s (one of the best hot dog joints in the city) and a plethora of Yuengling beer. In honor of Halloween, the tailgate is also hosting a costume contest.* The pre-paid cost is $10 for all you can eat, $10 for all you can drink, and $20 for both. If purchased at the tailgate, the cost will be $15 for all you can eat, $15 for all you can drink, or $25 for both. This tailgate begins at 8:30 am in the Garrett Church Parking Lot located at 2121 Sheridan Road in Evanston. A free shuttle outside this lot provides transportation to and from the stadium. (This tailgate should also continue after the game, although no official end time has been named.)

If you don’t mind being a Penn State fan in a sea of purple, you could check out Wildcat Alley, the free tailgate presented by Northwestern Athletics and Goose Island. This pregame fan fest includes appearances by the NU Marching Band, Wildcat cheerleaders, and Willie the Wildcat. Free face painting, games, and contests are offered for the kiddies, and adults can enjoy free food and two free (yes, free) Goose Island beers. Wildcat Alley opens at 1:30 pm and is located just a few steps north of Ryan Field. (Free beer ends about 20 minutes before kickoff.)

If you are looking to organize your own tailgate, please note there are five free campus parking lots on Sheridan Road and tailgating is permitted at all campus lots except the South Garage. There are also four free Evanston lots and two paid Evanston lots. For more details, please see this PDF map.

*Please note that Northwestern may place restrictions on what sorts of costumes or accessories it allows into the stadium. It is your responsibility to find and abide by these guidelines.