If you ‘only shop after kickoff,’ this new State College apparel line might be for you

A new clothing and apparel line is hoping to generate interest — and a few laughs — in the State College community by creating T-shirts, hats and totes with sayings like, “State College Unathletic Club” and “I only shop after kickoff.”

The local effort is spearheaded by Rediscover State College, a marketing campaign designed to attract more families and individuals to the borough. It is funded by both the State College Borough and State College Redevelopment Authority.

Although Rediscover State College promises more apparel updates and designs in the future, the current store lineup features seven adult shirt designs, three child shirt designs and a half-dozen miscellaneous designs for items like hats, mugs and totes. One adult shirt reads, “State College. That’s it. That’s the name of the town,” while a kid’s shirt reads, “I survived Slab Cabin.” A mug adds, “Climb every mountain. Not only Mount Nittany.”

“There’s so much to be proud of in this town and we want to give everyone a chance to wear that pride,” said Regina Starace, who — along with fellow State College native Maggie Anderson — led the design process. “We hope it’s a way for people who lived here at one point to rediscover what makes this place special. And we hope it’s a way locals can help spread that message too.”

Rediscover State College started last year with a website, social media presence and weekly newsletter. The initiative is designed to persuade former residents to move back to the borough, with a website that outlines the positive changes and benefits to living here (e.g. State College ranks No. 8 in Forbes’ 2021 list of the 50 Best College Towns in America). The latest creative effort is an attempt to reinforce that.

Adult shirts are $25, kid shirts are $18, and other items range from $10 (ceramic mug) to $29 (denim tote). For more information, or to visit the shop, go to rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop.