Paterno's memorial service packs Bryce Jordan Center
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Mourners gathered today to reflect on the life and accomplishments of Joe Paterno at "A Memorial for Joe" in the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's main campus in University Park. -
Penn State alumni Brandon Rowe, left, and Nick Wroblewski roll up their pants as they arrive the public memorial service for Joe Paterno.
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a packed sports arena not nearly big enough to hold the emotions of those inside, thousands of Nittany Lions fans today are bidding one last public farewell to Joe Paterno.
The memorial service in the 16,000-seat Bryce Jordan Center here comes a day after the former football coach, 85, was buried following a private family funeral. Today's event, also being televised and streamed on the Internet, culminated three days of campus mourning for the legendary face of Nittany Lion nation.
Mr. Paterno died Sunday of complications from lung cancer.
Gates opened an hour ahead of today's 2 p.m. ceremony. Among those in early was Anda Bittna, of Camp Hill, Pa., a member of the Class of 1991 whose parents and siblings attended Penn State.
"I was born and raised and went to school here at Penn State. I'm 46 years old, so I'm as old as he head coached," said Ms. Bittner, who took a half day off from work to drive here. "I just feel I owe it to him to be here."
PG VIDEO: A FINAL FAREWELL
More PG video:
Excerpts of Jay Paterno's remarks
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Paterno interviews, talks
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Sue Paterno greets children, grandchildren
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Paterno highlights
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People flock to service
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SportsNOW
She said the service to her is both a celebration of a legendary life and a chance to move forward.
"It's closure, and I hope a start for something new," she said. "I still have issues with the way everything went down as far as his firing and all that. But it is what it is now.
"I think in the long run people are going to see Joe for what he was and what he did for the community," she added. "I think his reputation going down the road is only going to get better."
Her sister, Tracy Spalvins, 47, said she believes his passing will ultimately bring core supporters together.
"I think Penn State is going to go forward. I think they're going to get past this."
Several former football players adressed the crowd, telling stories about how Mr. Paterno influenced their lives. Among them were Kenny Jackson, a wide receiver, Todd Blackledge, who was quarterback of a team that won a national championship, and Jimmy Cefalo, a wide receiver.
Mr. Paterno's son Jay is expected to speak as are football players through the decades that Mr. Paterno coached. Also among the expected attedees is Penn State President Rodney Erickson.
First Published January 26, 2012 12:00 am
