Penn State White Out: Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
The Penn State White Out is renowned for being one of the most electrifying spectacles in college football, and its magic extends far beyond the roaring crowd of 110,830 fans. While the stadium rocks with excitement, there’s an army of behind-the-scenes heroes who work tirelessly to orchestrate this unforgettable experience. Let’s shine a spotlight on these unsung champions who make it all happen.
Rebecca Plescia: The Content Curator
Rebecca Plescia, a director of marketing and fan experience, plays a pivotal role in crafting the White Out experience. She meticulously evaluates how content on the stadium’s big screen will captivate the audience. Plescia also conducts thorough rehearsals a day before the game, ensuring that every detail is in place.
On game day, Plescia’s journey starts at 9:30 a.m. as she oversees the iconic white shakers that have become a Beaver Stadium tradition. What sets them apart? Penn State’s trademarked phrase, “The Greatest Show in College Football,” is emblazoned on the shakers. Plescia thrives on creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans, describing it as the “best part of my job.”
“Putting on a good atmosphere and experience for the student athletes is why I do what I do,” Plescia said. “It’s exciting for us to know that all the hard work pays off when everybody gets in here and enjoys themselves.”
Danielle Ryan: The Block Party Maven
Danielle Ryan, another director of marketing and fan experience, is the architect of the Beaver Stadium Block Party on Curtin Road. Her day begins at an astounding 4 a.m. as she coordinates with vendors and oversees everything that fans encounter on Curtin Road leading up to kickoff.
Ryan’s responsibilities include managing inflatables, food trucks, and booking live bands to enhance the pre-game atmosphere with lively music. She sums up her role by saying, “Someone once said, ‘we’re in the business of making memories,’ and that’s exactly how I love to explain what I do.”
Dave Bittner: The Eye in the Sky
From a control room inside Beaver Stadium, Dave Bittner, the stadium’s operations coordinator, keeps a vigilant watch over all the moving parts. Bittner and his team monitor parking logistics, event staff, team movements, and everything in between around the stadium.
Bittner’s day starts at 6 a.m., but the preparation for the White Out is a year-round endeavor. Beaver Stadium becomes the third-largest city in the state on game day, with a massive crowd to manage. “We are the third biggest city in the state on game day here,” Bittner said. “It takes a huge effort of event staff personnel to help us coordinate all that.”
Rodney Martin: The Voice of the White Out
For Rodney Martin, the journey to becoming the PA announcer for the White Out was unexpected. He began calling Penn State club hockey games 24 years ago but received a call from Dana Crouse about the opportunity to be the PA announcer—a dream come true. Working alongside his long-time friend Joe Putnam, Martin called the White Out an “incredible spectacle.”
Saturday’s game was a surreal experience for Martin, and he described it as a lifelong dream realized. “I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I found out,” Martin said. “This would always be a dream of mine to do. Just to be a small part of that. I’m really looking forward to it.”
As the Penn State White Out continues to mesmerize college football fans year after year, let’s not forget the dedicated individuals behind the curtain, orchestrating the magic that makes this event truly legendary. Their passion and hard work ensure that every White Out is an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
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