Due to the heavy rains associated with tropical storm Ernesto, the university has cancelled Friday night's "Penn State Football Eve presented by Sheetz," according to a press release issued by the Penn State Athletic department on its Web site, www.gopsusports.com.

The Nittany Lions open the season against Akron at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Beaver Stadium. Parking lots will open at 8 a.m. and stadium public gates will open at 2 p.m. Fans are advised that some parking lots may be impacted by the rain and some fans may be redirected away from their usual parking area.

According to the release, "Penn State Football Eve" has attracted approximately 25,000 fans to Beaver Stadium in each of its first two events in 2004 and 2005. With the anticipation for the upcoming season, the release said University officials did not feel that any venues other than Beaver Stadium could safely accommodate the number of fans that planned to attend the free event, which features Joe Paterno, the team and fireworks.