From Ireland all the way to Lancaster, nothing could stop local football fans from missing Penn State's season opener.
Fans decked out in blue and white -- excited as the start of Penn State's football season kicked off in Ireland. Penn State against The University of Central Florida. Game time started at 8:30 a.m. here in the states -- an early wake up for these die hards but they say it's worth it.
"I graduated from Penn State in 1996. I`ve had season tickets ever since I was in a fraternity at Penn State so I`m a big Penn State fan," said alumnus, Joshua Deering.
And for sports bars in Lancaster County, it meant going all out. Stubby's Bar and Grille in Manheim Township opened three hours ahead of its usual time, with a special breakfast menu, drinks including a special appearance by bagpiper, Marty McKeon.
"The bagpipes have a deep Celtic heritage and no better way to start off the early early morning than play the bagpipes with the Irish football game and Penn State," said McKeon.
And that was just the beginning. Over at Tellus360, fans packed the pub as they bonded with friends and family on this Labor Day weekend. Even a knee operation couldn't stop this Penn State fan -- since the age of four -- from supporting her team.
"I get to sit here with ice on my knee and do my physical therapy exercises all while watching Penn State," said Sharon Harris.
The late-August date paired up with Labor Day weekend wasn't expected to draw as much interest in the game as later in the season -- leaving even some fans underestimating the turnout.
"I`m amazed at how many people came out," said alumnus Richard Booth.
And for these Penn State fans -- victory was sweet. Penn State won 26-24.