Clifford the Big Red Dog and a tattoo artist will coincide for the first time on-campus this weekend, and the Blue Band Tailgreat show is the only place to see it.
"[It's] an experience you can't get anywhere else," said Tara Wyckoff, marketing and events coordinator for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics.
The first Blue Band Tailgreat Show of 2008 will help kick off the Nittany Lions' season starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and will be held in the Bryce Jordan Center before every home game this fall.
The Tailgreat provides an opportunity for all fans to see the Blue Band, the Lionettes dance team and the Nittany Lion mascot up close, Wyckoff said.
"It provides an opportunity for parents and all fans to get up close and experience the Penn State spirit on game day," she said.
At precisely three hours before kickoff, the doors to the BJC will open.
Inside the BJC, concession stands will be open and activities for kids, parents, and college students will be free of charge, Wyckoff said.
The Tailgreat pre-game show is scheduled to start two hours before the game.
"It supplies an alternative for people who don't want to do the tailgating thing," said Guido D'Elia, Penn State's football communications and branding director.
College students and families alike can enjoy the free shows, activities and contests with friends, Wyckoff said.
"It's a good way to interact with peers and get pumped for the game," said Josh Perreault (junior-journalism), who has never attended the Tailgreat but said he would consider going.
There is something new to check out every week, Wycoff said, adding that this week there will be free airbrush tattoos in the BJC.
There will also be numerous contests throughout the season to win an opportunity to be drum major for the day.
The winner will get the chance to hold the baton and walk down Curtin Road with the band, Wyckoff said.
Each week the Tailgreat includes a "kids-zone," specifically designed for smaller children, and this week the Homecoming Overall Committee is hosting it, she said.
Clifford the Big Red Dog is also expected to make an appearance at this weekend's kid-zone, Wyckoff said.
Kids at the event will also have a chance to help create a mini float with the Penn State Homecoming Committee.
Throughout the season, kids at Tailgreat will also have the opportunity to dress up in a miniature football or band uniform for pictures.
There will also be contests to win a chance to be a Lionette for the day and each week a free football card featuring a different player will be given away.
Wyckoff said the event is something that every student should do at least once.
"It's part of the greatest show in college football," D'Elia said.
