An unforgettable outdoor hockey spectacle unfolded Saturday night as Penn State and Michigan State transformed Beaver Stadium into a winter stage, drawing a crowd of 74,575 fans and delivering one of the most ambitious events in college hockey history.
The Big Ten matchup marked the first outdoor game ever played at Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football, and it exceeded expectations both in scale and atmosphere. Despite frigid conditions that dipped to 16 degrees at puck drop, fans filled West Shore Home Field and stayed through a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory by Michigan State Spartans over Penn State Nittany Lions.
Michigan State’s Charlie Stramel completed a hat trick with the overtime winner, capping a back-and-forth contest that showcased high-end talent on both sides. Flyers prospect Porter Martone played a key role for the Spartans, recording three assists in the outdoor clash after a strong weekend series in State College.
The setting gave the game a hybrid feel, blending the pageantry of Penn State football Saturdays with the traditions of outdoor hockey. The Blue Band performed throughout the night, flags raced along the field after Penn State goals, and familiar “We Are” chants echoed through the massive stadium. Ice crews worked periodically to maintain the playing surface, a common challenge in outdoor games, but the interruptions did little to dampen the energy.
Fans arrived bundled in layers, greeted by boxes of hand warmers, while a group of students stationed beneath the press box braved the cold shirtless for much of the game. Jerseys from across the hockey world dotted the stands, including those of the Flyers, Penguins, Capitals, Rangers, Jets and Blackhawks, underscoring the event’s broad appeal beyond the Penn State and Michigan State fan bases.
The game also featured standout moments from Penn State’s roster, including a highlight-reel goal by Gavin McKenna, the projected top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, that tied the game during the second period and ignited the crowd. Each scoring play triggered a stadium-wide roar more commonly associated with football Saturdays in Happy Valley.
The outdoor event represented another milestone for Penn State hockey, a program that elevated to Division I status just 14 years ago and reached the Frozen Four last season. Filling one of the nation’s largest football stadiums for a hockey game signaled how deeply the sport has taken hold in central Pennsylvania.
Players from Penn State’s football team lined the rink during warmups, marveling at pucks rattling the glass and the novelty of seeing their home field repurposed. The presence of current and former students, alumni groups, and visiting fans helped turn the game into a weekend destination rather than a single-night event.
Source: Phila. Inquirer