Penn State's Board of Trustees has approved a massive $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, the university announced on Tuesday.
Get ready for a home improvement project for Beaver Stadium, home of the best fans in the country!
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) May 21, 2024
:https://t.co/TSknOsFl0m#WeAre pic.twitter.com/SDFeqB8Thh
Beaver Stadium’s upgrades will make it a year-round venue as the new 12-team College Football Playoff moves toward on-campus sites for first-round games. The upgrades will include widening concourses, new restrooms, improved concessions, revamped WiFi and improved premium seating. The approved plan will take place over the next three offseasons, and Penn State hopes to complete construction before 2027.
"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," Board of Trustees chairman Matt Schuyler said in a university press release.
According to Penn State's Board of Trustees agenda, the athletic department's largest renovation focus will be a winterization effort that includes insulating pipes and other upgrades that will allow stadium use in the dead of winter. Many of these renovations are expected to be completed before this year's first round of College Football Playoff games on Dec. 20-21.
The Beaver Stadium project will be fully paid for through "fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorship and ticket sales," according to the school's press release. Those funds will help the school eliminate a $200 million backlog in previously scheduled maintenance costs.
Beaver Stadium, built in 1960, has not received significant renovations since 2001. The new build also includes a new welcome center that will be used year-round for university student recruitment.
Beaver Stadium renovation approved by Penn State Board of Trustees.https://t.co/3pTKAp9MzF#WeAre pic.twitter.com/zU2NwYqtv9
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) May 21, 2024
"Many recognize 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," Penn State president Neeli Bendapudi said in a university press release. "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."
