Penn State Football: Venerable Beaver Stadium expansion plans released

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: Joe Paterno is seen on the scoreboard during a time out against the Temple Owls during the game on September 17, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 17: Joe Paterno is seen on the scoreboard during a time out against the Temple Owls during the game on September 17, 2016 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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The first stage of the much-talked-about plan to renovate the beloved Beaver Stadium has finally been revealed by a Penn State Board of Trustee committee, which will submit it to be voted on by the full board today, May 5th.

The main objective of the initial project is to completely renovate the west side of the stadium, which includes improving amenities, enhancing broadcasting accessibility, optimizing circulation, constructing new restrooms, upgrading concessions, implementing winterization measures, and providing premium seating. The overall cost of the stadium renovation project is estimated to be $700 million and it will be solely financed and funded by Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics without utilizing tuition fees or educational budget funds for the renovation.

Based on the documents, the design process for the project is set to commence in June 2023, followed by pre-construction activities starting in June 2024. The initial phase of actual construction will prioritize safety and security measures, including crowd control and addressing field lighting performance. The winterization work will also be completed, which involves insulating pipes and making other upgrades to enable the stadium to be utilized during sub-zero temperatures, allowing Penn State to host a College Football Playoff game from 2024 onwards and other events during the winter season.

Before August 2027, the comprehensive project plan involves a complete overhaul of the west side of the stadium, retaining the traditional bowl-style seating while also incorporating anticipated club and loge seats and executive and founder’s suites. Additionally, the anticipated upgrades throughout the facility include ongoing code improvements, accessibility enhancements, and fan amenity upgrades. These upgrades are expected to include improved circulation throughout the stadium, upgraded restrooms, concession facilities, Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, and additional seating options.

The proposed renovation plan, targeted for completion in August 2027, is set to cover the 2025 and 2026 football seasons. Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft stated that the construction work would affect one football season, leading to a reduction in seating capacity. However, he reassured that the impact would be minimal, and the athletic department has already started addressing the issue.

Kraft acknowledged that “it’s impossible to undertake the renovation work without losing seats, but he clarified that the number would not be significant, unlike ten to twenty thousand seats.” Beaver Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 106,572, is the second-largest venue in the United States. When questioned if the stadium’s capacity would dip below 100,000, Kraft asserted to the board committee that they would never drop below the 100,000 mark.