The Penn State Board of Trustees have approved a US$700 million plan to renovate Beaver Stadium, an outdoor college football stadium on the campus of Pennsylvania State University. The project will include video board replacements, improved field lighting and a new welcome center.
The university says that the multi-year, multi-phase renovation will grow revenue-generating opportunities, transform the fan and community experience, and fuel the future funding for all 31 athletics programmes at Penn State. It says the approved renovations will also enable year-round use of Beaver Stadium, further driving economic growth and development in the surrounding region.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to share there is overwhelming support for the University’s recommendation to renovate Beaver Stadium,” said Board of Trustees chair Matt Schuyler. “I’m pleased that the renovation will benefit our student-athletes, elevate Beaver Stadium’s significance in driving local and state economies, and ensure Beaver Stadium remains a premier facility in all of college athletics.”
Populous was selected as architect for the project in October 2023, along with a joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander as construction manager.
“Many recognise Beaver Stadium as the best stadium in college football, and we want to preserve the atmosphere that our fans, alumni and community have come to expect while building on this history of excellence for generations to come,” said Neeli Bendapudi, Penn State president. “The renovations will have a wide variety of positive impacts on our community, help us remain a national leader by attracting top student-athletes, and continue serving as a symbol for belonging and pride for students across the Commonwealth.”
The project plans encompass three distinct phases over the course of the next three football off-seasons and will offer a new mix of seating options and improved amenities, such as restrooms and concessions.
“With home football games averaging US$16.2 million in tourism and economic growth in our region, the potential return on investing in a premiere football stadium is significant,” said Patrick Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. “Beyond the increased ability to host major events year-round as we ‘winterise’ the stadium and build inventory, the experience for our fans will be greatly enhanced while providing the facilities our football programme needs to continue competing at the highest level. I am grateful for the support of President Bendapudi and Penn State’s Board of Trustees in making this investment for the future of our university community and athletics programmes.”
Kraft emphasised that improved circulation to alleviate congestion and a focus on modernising safety and operational standards are critical to the stadium’s redesign. In alignment with Penn State’s commitment to global sustainability, the Beaver Stadium renovations will be designed with a high standard for energy efficiency, construction and eventual operation of the renovated stadium and with a commitment to achieving LEED certification.
Importantly, a new welcome centre is planned for the community that will include a 21,000ft2 facility for events. This will as a connection point for all in the community, and augment enrolment efforts for prospective students and future student-athletes.
Including the first stage of the Beaver Stadium renovation, which was approved in May 2023, the total project will cost no more than US$700 million and will be completed before the 2027 college football season. This multi-year project is financed and paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics.
Penn State Athletics is one of a handful of self-sustaining intercollegiate athletics departments nationwide, which means no tuition dollars or educational budget funds will be used toward the renovations. The entire project will be paid for through fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships and ticket sales, including new premium seating options to be added during the renovation.
