The 2026-27 Penn State Nittany Lions basketball season is underway under fourth-year head coach Mike Rhoades, and Happy Valley is ready for another year of Big Ten action at the Bryce Jordan Center. After opening with wins over Canisius (97-57) and Chattanooga (97-93), the Nittany Lions fell 82-76 to in-state rival Pittsburgh in the 150th all-time meeting at the historic Palestra on November 8. They sit at 2-1 as they return home.
Whether you’re a longtime Legion of Blue member or planning a weekend in State College, this guide breaks down the full schedule, must-see Big Ten home games, and everything you need to know about attending games at the Bryce Jordan Center. Single-game tickets are available now through Ticketmaster and the secondary market.
2026-27 Penn State Nittany Lions Full Schedule Highlights
Penn State hosts the majority of its home games at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park. The regular season runs through March 7, 2027, against Rutgers. Here’s a streamlined look at the key dates (all times Eastern; home games in bold). For the complete official schedule, visit GoPSUSports.com.
November Non-Conference
- Nov. 12 vs. Mercyhurst — 6:30 p.m. (B1G+) — Hoops for Troops
- Nov. 15 vs. New Haven — 4:30 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN)
- Nov. 18 vs. IU Indy — 6:30 p.m. (BTN)
- Nov. 25 vs. Memphis (Battle 4 Atlantis, Bahamas) — 5:00 p.m. (ESPNU)
December
- Dec. 1 vs. UAlbany — 7:00 p.m. (B1G+) — Fight for Literacy
- Dec. 8 vs. Nebraska — 8:00 p.m. (BTN) — Big Ten opener + Student T-Shirt Giveaway
- Dec. 12 at Illinois — 2:00 p.m. (FS1)
- Dec. 16 vs. UT Martin — 6:30 p.m. (B1G+)
- Dec. 19 vs. Lafayette — 2:30 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN) — Return to Rec
- Dec. 22 vs. Saint Joseph’s (Giant Center, Hershey) — TBA
January Big Ten Home Dates
- Jan. 2 vs. Oregon — 2:00 p.m. (BTN)
- Jan. 10 vs. Northwestern — 12:00 p.m. (BTN) — Schuylkill County Day
- Jan. 20 vs. Purdue — 6:30 p.m. (BTN) — White Out
- Jan. 30 vs. Maryland — 12:00 p.m. (BTN) — Coaches vs. Cancer
February–March
- Feb. 2 vs. Indiana — 6:00 p.m. (FS1) — Country Night
- Feb. 6 vs. Ohio State — 12:00 p.m. (BTN) — THON
- Feb. 17 vs. Washington — 7:00 p.m. (BTN) — Faculty & Staff Appreciation
- Feb. 23 vs. Michigan — 6:00 p.m. (FS1) — Coaches for Autism Awareness
- Mar. 7 vs. Rutgers — 3:00 p.m. (BTN) — Senior Day
Penn State plays 10 home Big Ten games at the Bryce Jordan Center this season. The conference slate includes home-and-home series against Nebraska, Ohio State, and Rutgers.
Key Big Ten Games to Circle on Your Calendar
Several home games stand out for atmosphere and implications:
- December 8 vs. Nebraska — The official Big Ten opener with a student t-shirt giveaway. Expect a loud Legion of Blue.
- January 20 vs. Purdue — Annual White Out. One of the best atmospheres of the year.
- January 30 vs. Maryland and February 6 vs. Ohio State — High-profile weekend games with promotional themes (Coaches vs. Cancer and THON).
- February 23 vs. Michigan — Primetime-style matchup on FS1.
- March 7 vs. Rutgers — Senior Day and the regular-season finale.
For television designations and any schedule updates, check the official Big Ten release or CBS Sports schedule page.
Bryce Jordan Center: What to Know Before You Go
The Bryce Jordan Center (opened January 6, 1996) seats approximately 15,261 for basketball and is one of the largest collegiate arenas in Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It sits on the University Park campus adjacent to Beaver Stadium (127 Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA 16802).
Parking & Arrival
- Primary lots: Stadium West, Jordan East, and Porter North.
- Prepaid parking is available for about $5.60 via ParkWhiz; day-of parking is $10 via HONK (zone PSUCR).
- Season parking packages are also offered.
- Doors open 60 minutes before tip-off. Students enter through Gate A; general public through Gates A, B, or C.
- Clear bag policy is in effect. Full details are on the official athletics site and BJC A-Z Guide.
The student section, known as the Legion of Blue, sits along the sideline behind the benches and is one of the most energetic in the Big Ten.
How to Buy Penn State Basketball Tickets 2026-27
Official primary market: Single-game tickets and season/partial plans are sold through Ticketmaster via the Penn State Athletics Ticketmaster portal and the artist/venue page. Group discounts (20+) are available by calling 1-800-NITTANY.
Secondary market: For games that sell well or last-minute seats, check:
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- Capital City Tickets
Non-conference home games have started as low as the high single digits to low $20s; Big Ten games typically range higher depending on opponent and demand. Always compare all-in pricing (fees included) and verify mobile transfer options.
Student tickets: Season packages and single-game options are handled through the student account manager. There is also a student resale marketplace.
Game Themes & Promotions
Penn State has announced themes for several home games, including the White Out vs. Purdue, THON vs. Ohio State, Senior Day vs. Rutgers, and specialty nights such as Hoops for Troops and Fight for Literacy. These often include giveaways and themed atmospheres that make the experience more memorable. Full list is available on GoPSUSports.com.
Final Thoughts
The 2026-27 Penn State basketball schedule offers a solid mix of winnable non-conference games and tough Big Ten tests inside a loud Bryce Jordan Center. With tickets still widely available for many early-season home dates, now is a good time to lock in seats for the Nebraska opener, Purdue White Out, or Senior Day.
For the latest schedule updates, roster news, and ticket availability, bookmark the official Penn State men’s basketball schedule and monitor resale markets as Big Ten play approaches.
We Are… Penn State.
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