Get ready for an action-packed Saturday as the Youngstown State Penguins face off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in a highly anticipated football game! This match marks the beginning of Missouri Valley Football Conference play and promises a day filled with thrilling events, promotions, and, of course, exciting football. Whether you’re a die-hard Penguins fan or new to the Penguin Nation, Stambaugh Stadium is the place to be on October 2, 2025.
This guide provides everything you need to know for gameday, from tailgating details and parking information to the game schedule and special promotions. Don’t miss out on Family Day, faculty and staff appreciation, and a stadium flag giveaway. The atmosphere will be electric, so prepare to cheer on the Penguins as they battle the Jackrabbits!
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect: tailgate festivities kicking off at noon, the YSU swimming and diving team hosting Oakland, and the volleyball team facing Northern Kentucky. The day culminates with the football game at 6 p.m. But there’s much more in store, so keep reading to ensure you have the ultimate gameday experience.
Gameday Promotions: More Than Just a Game
Saturday’s game isn’t just about football; it’s an experience! Several promotions are planned to make the day memorable for fans of all ages.
- Family Day: Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of fun and football. Special activities and offers will be available for families attending the game.
- Medical Mutual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game: YSU is honoring its dedicated faculty and staff. Be sure to show your appreciation for their hard work and commitment.
- YSU Stadium Flag Giveaway: Thanks to Medical Mutual, Panera, Pepsi, The Varsity Club, and 21 WFMJ, fans will receive a YSU stadium flag upon entry. Get there early to snag yours!
- YSU Student T-Shirt: All YSU students will receive a special edition T-shirt to show their Penguin pride.
These promotions add an extra layer of excitement to the gameday atmosphere, so don’t miss out on the fun!
Tailgating Festivities: Kick Off the Fun Early
No gameday is complete without tailgating, and Youngstown State knows how to do it right! Tailgating festivities will commence at Noon in the M-70 (Gault Heating and Cooling), M-81 (Youngstown Tile Retail Design Center), and M-72 Tailgate Lots.
Beer will be available for purchase in all tailgate lots starting at Noon. A limited number of parking passes are still available for the main tailgate lots at $40 today and Friday, and $50 on gameday. Additional parking is available in various surface lots around the Stadium and in the M-30 Deck throughout the day.
Don’t miss the YSU Recycling Program contest in the M-81 Youngstown Tile Retail Design Center Tailgate Lot, promoting recycling throughout the season. The M-70 Tailgate Lot will feature a large screen video screen showcasing select college football games throughout the afternoon.
Tailgating is a fantastic way to connect with fellow fans, enjoy great food and drinks, and get pumped up for the game. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and soak in the pre-game excitement.
“Tailgating at YSU is more than just a pre-game ritual; it’s a community celebration!” – FYM News
More Than Just Football: Other Events to Enjoy
Gameday at YSU offers a variety of events beyond the football field. Make the most of your Saturday by attending these additional athletic competitions:
- YSU Swimming and Diving vs. Oakland: Head to the Beeghly Natatorium at 10 a.m. to watch the Penguins take on Oakland in a thrilling swimming and diving meet.
- YSU Volleyball vs. Northern Kentucky: The Penguins’ volleyball team will face Northern Kentucky at 1 p.m. in the Beeghly Center. Show your support for YSU’s volleyball program!
Parking for both events is available in the M-30 deck for just $5. Why not make it a full day of supporting YSU athletics?
Navigating Stambaugh Stadium: What You Need to Know
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameday experience, here’s some essential information about Stambaugh Stadium:
- Handicap Parking: Available in the M-60 Lot south of the stadium starting at 4:30 p.m. YSU Parking Services will provide golf-cart shuttle service to the South concourse elevator.
- Tickets: YSU is accepting both mobile and printed tickets for entry, but mobile tickets are highly encouraged to reduce wait times. All student tickets for the 2025 season are digital.
- YSU Bookstore: Open from Noon to 6 p.m., selling merchandise at the game on the West Stands Concourse. Credit cards are accepted for purchases.
- 50/50 Raffle: Members of the softball team will be selling 50/50 Raffle Tickets throughout the game. The YSU women’s and men’s golf teams will be selling game programs.
Remember, YSU students are admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets on gameday are $25 for reserved seats, but only $22 in advance. Visit the YSU Athletic Ticket Office, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. before gameday, to secure your tickets.
The Ultimate Gameday Schedule: Don’t Miss a Thing
Here’s a detailed schedule of events to help you plan your day:
- 9 a.m. – Athletic Ticket Office opens
- 10 a.m. – YSU Swimming and Diving vs. Oakland (Beeghly Natatorium)
- Noon – YSU Bookstore opens
- Noon – Tailgate Lots (M-70, M-72 & M-81) open
- 1 p.m. – YSU Volleyball vs. Northern Kentucky (Beeghly Center)
- 3:30 p.m. – YSU Football Team walks through M-70 tailgate lot
- 4:30 p.m. – Stambaugh Stadium Gates Open
- 5 p.m. – YSU Marching Pride performance adjacent to the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center
- 5 p.m. – Raising Cane’s Tailgate Radio Show Live From M-70 Gault Heating and Cooling tailgate lot
- 5 p.m. – Mosure Hall of Gridiron Glory Opens on Concourse Level
- 5:45 p.m. – YSU Marching Pride Pregame Show
- 6 p.m. – Tailgate Lots Close
- 6:02 p.m. – YSU vs. South Dakota State
Halftime: YSU Marching Pride, Howland High School Band
In-Game: YSU Women’s Bowling National Champions
Postgame: Bryant Heating & Cooling 5th Quarter Radio Show on AM 570 WKBN
Stay Connected: Follow the Penguins
For those who can’t make it to the game, you can follow the action via [missing link] | [missing link] | [missing link]. A subscription to ESPN+ is required to watch the contest.
Fans are encouraged to use #GoGuins and #PenguinNation when posting gameday photos and videos on Instagram and X. If you need assistance in the tailgate lot, contact YSU Police at (330) 941-3527.
Fan Services and credit card sales are available at the YSU Athletic Ticket Office inside Stambaugh Stadium.
Gameday: A Community Celebration
As the Youngstown State Penguins prepare to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, remember that gameday is more than just a football game. It’s a celebration of community, school spirit, and the dedication of student-athletes.
From the tailgate lots buzzing with excitement to the Marching Pride’s electrifying performance, every moment of gameday is filled with tradition and camaraderie. Take advantage of the promotions, support the other YSU athletic events, and most importantly, cheer on the Penguins with pride!
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the Penguin Nation, gameday at Youngstown State University is an experience you won’t want to miss. So gather your friends and family, wear your YSU colors, and get ready to create lasting memories. Go Guins!
Leave a Reply