Large Penn State football parties under investigation

State College police are investigating multiple large gatherings reported at downtown apartment complexes Saturday as the Penn State Nittany Lions played their season opener.

Hundreds appeared to gather unmasked in the courtyards of several off-campus apartment complexes, according to videos shared on social media.

Borough police are investigating gatherings at properties including Here State College and The Rise at State College, Lt. Chad Hamilton announced

Sunday.

It was not immediately clear who or how many people could face discipline, along with who could administer any sanctions. Gatherings of people not from the same household are limited to no more than 10 people in State College, according to an ordinance that took effect in August. The parties were off-campus and on private property.

It also was not clear if if the property owners have any responsibility for enforcing the borough’s mask wearing and gathering ordinance.

The Rise declined to comment Sunday, while Here did not immediately respond.

Large gatherings during a road game don’t seem to bode well for Centre County. The Nittany Lions’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday night against the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.

There have been 3,657 COVID-19 cases among University Park students and employees as of Friday, and President Eric Barron urged students not to congregate during the game weekend.

“This is not the time to let down our guard,” he said in a news release.