Each year, students, alumni, and Penn Staters alike come out to the the Lion Shrine the night before the Homecoming game to make sure that no enemy teams try to deface the statue. The tradition has only grown since a certain football coach’s wife became the first to vandalize the shrine.

The famous tale that brought about the great tradition of Guarding The Lion Shrine occurred in 1966, when Sue Paterno and a friend decided that Penn State needed a little extra firing up for the following day’s Homecoming game against Syracuse. In the spirit of the Syracuse Orangemen, the two doused the shrine in orange latex paint, but had to zoom away after believing they’d been spotted by campus police. The next year, Syracuse fans decided to take the vandalism into their own hands and cover the shrine in orange oil paint. Though the latex paint Sue used came off easily, the oil-based paint did not, driving Penn State fans to take action.

Now every year Penn State students and fans gather at the shrine to both celebrate Homecoming and to carry on one of Penn State’s many beloved traditions of guarding the Lion Shrine against potential rival vandals. Penn State ROTC volunteers their time to stand around the lion and minimize the chance of any opponents defacing it.

This years guarding of the shrine will take place tonight, Friday October 9, from 9 to 11 p.m. immediately following the end of the Homecoming parade. The event will include music, games, activities, and of course everyone’s favorite: food. Additionally there will be a handful of special guests, including Sue Paterno, The Blue Band, Whiplash, Coda Conduct, Ambitions, and Urban Dance Troupe.

Be sure to stop by and support the Penn State community in celebrating Homecoming and protecting the shrine from the Indiana Hoosiers. Besides, you never know who might break it down.

About the Author

Adair Fleming

Adair is a current sophomore majoring in HD FS and minoring in Psychology but who cares. She's from Northern Virginia, and is a lover of all things cats, caffeine, and cheese. She self-defines as an avid writer, laugher, and fridge-goer, and highly recommends (does not recommend at all) you follow her on twitter @a_flemz, or for more official purposes email her at adair@onwardstate.com. Have yourself a day.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”