STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — There is some fear in the State College community and among some students about the combination of the Ohio State football game and Halloween being a superspreader for COVID-19.
The annual Penn State-Ohio State match-up is this Saturday -- on Halloween night, but some worry it could also be a recipe for disaster in Happy Valley.
“Halloween is traditionally one of our most busy weekends on its own, so combining that with the Penn State football game, we are anticipating the possibility of larger gatherings," said Greg Brauser, public information officer with State College Police.
Student Grant Pietrzykoski told Channel 11 he will be responsible, but the mayor of State College is worried others will not.
He fears the night game will be an all-day event.
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“If you put thousands of people downtown partying and raising hell, I would think that would be a logical superspreader," said Mayor Ron Filipelli. “The biggest fear I have is that Penn State will win the game. With all the drinking and all the partying going on all day and watching the game in apartments and residences across town, you could have a real explosion.”
And with many students returning to the Pittsburgh area for Thanksgiving just three weeks later, that is concerning.
The university issued a statement, saying, in part: “The university and borough are working with local landlords to close down common spaces in apartment complexes to prevent large crowds from congregating to watch the game.”
Meanwhile, downtown restaurants and bars are setting up big screens and tables outside.
To curb the spread, Penn State encouraged alumni, parents and even Ohio State fans to avoid coming to town for the game.
The mayor told Channel 11 state police will be on standby this weekend.
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