ORLANDO, Fl. -- The New Year’s Eve celebration started early Monday for Penn State fans in Florida for the Citrus Bowl. There was a big pep rally to get fans ready for the game.
That’s where Newswatch 16's Jon Meyer found a lot of fans from our area. Those fans want to start 2019 with a win.
It doesn't take much to pump up the Penn State faithful especially when they're all together in the warm Florida sunshine.
But a pre-bowl game pep rally is a Penn State tradition to fire up the fans even more.
“I'm amazed. It's my first time and I love it, it's an amazing experience,” said Jackie Guise of Catawissa. “It doesn't take much to get Penn Staters fired up, no it's awesome, it's awesome."
In this big crowd of blue and white, there were plenty of fans from northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
Jim Kohl of Northumberland said, “Great game expected tomorrow, we're going to come home with a win. The pep rally is all pumped up, ready to rock and roll. Go PSU!”
There was the Blue Band, the cheerleaders, and the head of this Lions’ pride -- Coach James Franklin.
Franklin said, “Their fans are going to be wearing blue and white, we're going to be wearing the real blue and white.”
Franklin has declared a Penn State white out. This is, of course, calling for this crowd to be loud. That shouldn't be a problem.
Cindy Paucke of Jersey Shore said, “Oh my gosh, just can't believe it. [Reporter:] Was it worth making the trip? Absolutely!”
“How about the Penn State spirit is it strong here? Yeah, it's pretty strong. A lot of people came out to support them. Ready for the game tomorrow,” added Brennan Bailey of Montgomery.
The Citrus Bowl airs live on WNEP, January 1 at 1 p.m.
We have a message for you back in northeastern and central Pennsylvania -- Happy new year!
