UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., February 7, 2008 – Ticket sales for Beaver Stadium’s first-ever concert and the chance for Penn State students and fans to compete against other major universities to earn $1 million in scholarship funding both get underway Friday at 10:00 a.m., as part of the Gridiron Bash™ The Ultimate Fan Competition™ during Penn State’s Blue-White Weekend.

The Gridiron Bash offers Nittany Lion fans the chance to not only enjoy the spectacular talents of current Grammy nominee and American Music Award Female Performer of the Year Fergie, but also the chance to play the lead role in earning $1 million in scholarship support for Penn State.  At the core of Gridiron Bash™ is a fan contest --The USA TODAY Bash for Cash Series™ -- that will establish which of the participating schools has the most passionate and supportive fans.  The USA TODAY Bash for Cash Series™ winners will be determined by adding up the total paid attendance at the Gridiron Bash™ event and combining that with the number of fans who text/call in to vote for their school.  The winner earns the $1 million scholarship donation, with 2nd and 3rd place schools receiving $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

Schools that Penn State will be battling with include LSU, Texas A&M, Arizona State, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Iowa, Washington, Colorado, Maryland, and West Virginia, as well as several others.  

Tickets for the Gridiron Bash™ will be available online at: www.GoPSUsports.com/tickets or www.gridironbash.com, as well as via phone at 814-865-5555 during regular business hours Monday – Friday. 

Gridiron Bash activities – including a two-day carnival, complete with rides, treats and eats -- are expected to begin outstide Beaver Stadium at 6:00 p.m Friday, with festivities inside the stadium kicking off at 7:00 p.m.  Saturday’s Blue-White game is scheduled for 2 p.m. 

Updates on all events and times for Blue-White Weekend, presented by PHEAA, will soon be available at www.GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics.