JoePa ‘returns’ to campus

Posted: January 24, 2012

STATE COLLEGE - The body of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno arrived back at campus this morning for a public viewing set for this afternoon.

Accompanied by Paterno's sons Scott and Jay, the football legend's casket was brought to the rear of the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center about 8:30 a.m. in blue hearse.

The center will open at 1 p.m. for a 10-hour viewing for students, alumni and well wishers.

The family has arranged for one current and one former member of the team to stand on each side the casket on a rotating basis throughout the day. A second viewing is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday before a private family funeral in the afternoon.

Police have blocked off parking lots and streets around the center, keeping onlookers at a distance.

Scott Paterno declined to comment as he arrived and asked reporters to honor his mother's request that they respect the family's privacy.

Team members dressed in dark suits and ties arrived about 10 a.m. on blue team busses. Newly named head football coach Bill O'Brien was also spotted entering the center.

Tickets to a memorial service Thursday at the campus' 15,000 seat Bryce Jordan disappeared five minutes after they were made available on a university website today.

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