Big Ten Mailbag answering questions about UCLA joining the B1G

After a brief introduction, we will answer some questions that UCLA fans have submitted to the mailbag about the Big Ten and the teams that have been in the conference for years.

I am not an expert on the Big Ten but after receiving my undergrad degree from Michigan State University and having lived in the state of Michigan my entire life, I feel that I can confidently answer your questions about the Big Ten as UCLA officially joins the Big Ten on August 2nd.

John from L.A. asks, "How are the visiting fans and how well do they travel to road games?"

Great question, expect the UCLA football home games of Iowa and more than likely Minnesota to be sold out due to Hawkeye and Gopher fans traveling to see their teams play UCLA at the Rose Bowl. In basketball, it is almost certain that Michigan State and Wisconsin fans will pack the Pauley Pavilion for UCLA home games this season as well.

Big Ten opposing fans are for the most part very nice and talkative to any UCLA fan who will want to have a conversation with them. Tailgating for football is very important to many Big Ten football fans so if you want to go and talk to an opposing fan base from the Big Ten at Tailgate, they will not only talk with you but also offer you some food that they are cooking as well.

Eric from Santa Monica asks, "A group of friends and I are planning on taking a trip to see UCLA play Penn State in football this season, any tips and or advice for the trip?"

Yes, if you have not already booked a flight, there are very few flights that fly directly into University Park Airport. More than likely you and your friends will have the option to fly into Pittsburgh International Airport which has flights to and from LAX. However, there is another option that is flying into the Altoona-Blair County Airport which is just over an hour's drive to Happy Valley but your flights will cost more for you and your friends. Either way, you will have to rent a car and or find a shuttle to get to the game. Book a hotel soon because lodging near the campus/stadium will be being booked soon by Penn State fans and fans like you and your buddies who are planning on going to the game.

Penn State arguably has a top-four tailgate scene and the Nittany Lions fans will strongly argue they have the best tailgate scene in the Big Ten. Some national publications have attending a Nittany Lion football game as one of the top ten tailgates in the country. Penn State fans are similar to Ohio State fans because they are a very dedicated and passionate group of fans and they prioritize their football program and their team over their basketball program for example. Once you go into the stadium prepare yourself for an outstanding football experience as their stadium holds over 100,000 and their fans get loud especially if it is a night game.

Finally, attending the game in early October is ideal for weather as late October and early November come around, the weather changes considerably in the midwestern states that have Big Ten schools in them.