Bucknell University Tailgating
Central Pennsylvania offers the avid RVer and football fan an experience second to none in scenery and excitement. Come visit, and cheer on the Bisons at Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium.
Event information
Bucknell University is home to one of the most picturesque college campuses in the country. Tree-lined walkways and sprawling fields greet visitors and students alike as they enter the school grounds.
It’s a historical school which first opened its doors in a church basement in 1846. The university now boasts student attendees from over 30 states across the country. With events like First Night, the Chrysalis Ball, and Homecoming, the school makes new students and alumni welcome at every turn.
That goes for visitors to the school, as well, and there is no better way to explore this rolling campus than through attending an athletic event. The Bisons are all about friendly competition and pride of the school. Join in on the spirit of community as you attend a Bucknell University tailgate event before an exhilarating game complete with Bucky the Bison and teammates.
Tailgating starts three hours before kickoff, so plan your menu, pack your gear, and come get in gameday mode. Get in the frame of mind to cheer the Bisons to victory in Bucknell style. Start with a feast to sate the appetite. Build up your strength for rousing cheers alongside Bucky Bison and songs about football favorites. After the game, explore Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
Tickets
Join the cheerleaders in encouraging the Bisons to a win. Tickets to attend a home game at Bucknell University are around $10, with seniors, kids, and teens costing around $5. Bring the little ones under the age of two along for free. Make a family day of it by starting off with a tailgate picnic and some games to ramp up the gameday adrenaline.
Explore Bucknell University Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The historic town of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is three hours from New York and Baltimore. US Route 15 passes close to the university. You may see the Susquehanna River as you approach the neighborhood of the school. The tree-lined streets welcome visitors, and no doubt, you will be anxious to explore the sights. Download the app 511PA or go online to stay on top of road conditions and closures as you drive. Be prepared for tolls with some cash on hand.
Parking areas
Several parking options on the streets of the university campus are within close proximity to Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium and the nearby athletic fields. Be sure to park in a public parking spot and not one designated for students or staff. Have your accessibility placard clearly visible if you need to utilize one of those spaces.
Bucknell Bison fans must call to register for tailgating in advance, and vehicle size restrictions may apply, so note your dimensions. Consider a smaller Sprinter or campervan style vehicle if possible, or maybe leave a larger motorhome or Airstream at your campground during Bison events. If you are tailgating, spots set aside for this purpose work on a first-come, first-served basis upon entry.
Public Transportation
If you don’t want to take your rig through the college campus, call on a local taxi or ridesharing service to get you where you want to go. Park your motorhome in a part of town that you plan to explore, take a cab to the Bisons game, returning afterward to head back to camp.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping is not an option at Bucknell University Tailgate events. Plan on venturing to the outskirts of town where there are several privately-owned campgrounds. If you like the recreational amenities of KOAs, Williamsport South / Nittany Mtn. KOA can be found in the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley and is only about a 20-minute drive. Antiquing, canoeing, and shopping at farmers markets are just a few of the fun things to do in the area.
Nearby
Camp nearby and take advantage of all there is to see in the area surrounding Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium. Milton State Park, for example, is an excellent destination for a day of wildlife watching and picnicking during daylight hours. After a day trip there, head to Little Pine State Park, where campsites are open until mid-December. If you are tailgating before the end of October, check out Gifford Pinchot State Park, which offers full hook-ups and an accessible beach.
Getting around
Be prepared to walk a fair distance on game day. Wear running shoes or even comfortable boots in the event of inclement weather. Bucknell University is adapted for accessibility, making wheelchair maneuvering easy. If it rains, the grass may become slick, so have someone on hand to assist if need be.
What to pack
Clothing
Your apparel will depend on the time of year you attend but either way, layering is a good idea in any season. Sport the Bison’s team colors of orange and blue with your game day attire in Lewisburg. A cozy sweatshirt is just the ticket for a fall game, along with a wool hat and thin gloves.
Gear
You can bring coolers, chairs, and tables to the tailgating event, but do not place your belongings in such a way that impedes the movement of others. Parking can be a premium. Keep that in mind as you set up your space. For the campsite, remember a flashlight for late-night walks and extra batteries, too. Everyday essentials like toiletries and food preparation items have to make the packing list as well.
Health & Safety
Pennsylvania is facing the wrath of the invasive spotted lanternfly, which can wreak havoc on the forests. It is forbidden to move firewood from one campground to another. Not all campgrounds in the state have the bug yet, including Gifford Pinchot State Park, and the plan is to try and keep it that way. Be sure to bring refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray along on the trip.
Where to eat
Cooking
Plan on a delicious barbecued meal on game day. Make the fare simple and prep as much as you can before heading to the event. Spaces for partaking in the fun of tailgating are limited, so plan to get there early. Keep your tailgate parking spot clean and garbage-free, and dispose of charcoal briquets in the containers found on the grounds.
Restaurants
Lewisburg has several choices of restaurants. Cozy bistros and warmly decorated brasseries await a tired crew after a day of football fun. Gather the family around and talk about your favorite plays from the game and then head to a dessert shop for a sweet end to the day.
Vendors
Visit the Bucknell Bisons team store and pick up some tailgate gear. A Bisons banner, a package or two of face tattoos, and a headband are just a few of the items you will want to consider. Grab a poncho or two to keep in your backpack in case a rain shower makes an appearance.
Safety
Security
Bucknell Bisons public tailgating events are alcohol-free. Kegs are forbidden, as are any other types of alcohol. You can begin your pregame fun three hours before kickoff but must be finished by the start of the game. Respect the rules and be ready to cheer on the team with spirit.
Weather
Unless the weather turns hazardous, football games go on rain or shine as do most other athletic events at Bucknell. Dress accordingly and pack a few items of extra clothing in your bag, just in case. Add hooks to the shower curtain rod for hanging wet clothes and make sure that your clothing packing list includes extra socks and shoes for everyone.
Medical
As you enter Lewisburg, take note of the medical center location and stop by the pharmacy for last-minute items for the medicine cabinet. When going on hikes and treks, bring along a mini first-aid kit. Include sunscreen, bug spray, after-bite lotion, band-aids, and antibiotic cream.
