In a major development for Penn State athletics and the local community, the Penn State Board of Trustees has given their overwhelming approval for the renovation of the historic Beaver Stadium. The project, which will be financed and paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics, will not rely on any tuition dollars or funds from the University's educational budget. The renovations aim to transform the fan and community experience, generating revenue and fueling funding for all 31 athletics programs at Penn State.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Matt Schuyler, expressed his excitement about the renovation, stating that it will benefit student-athletes, boost local and state economies, and maintain Beaver Stadium's status as a premier facility in college athletics. The renovation plans, approved by a 26-2 vote with three abstentions, include three distinct phases that will be carried out over the next three football offseasons. These phases will introduce new seating options and improved amenities, such as upgraded restrooms and concessions.

Since the initial expenditure of $70 million was approved in January 2024, construction work has already begun at Beaver Stadium. The focus has been on enhancing safety and accessibility, including widening concourses, installing new escalators, and upgrading field lighting and videoboards. The ongoing winterization work will ensure the stadium can be occupied even in below-freezing temperatures, potentially allowing Penn State to host a College Football Playoff game starting in 2024.

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi expressed her enthusiasm for the renovation, highlighting its positive impact on the community, ability to attract top student-athletes, and symbol of pride for students across the Commonwealth. The Beaver Stadium renovations will also enable the stadium's year-round use, driving further economic growth and development in the surrounding region.

Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Patrick Kraft, emphasized that the investment in a premier football stadium holds great potential for tourism and economic growth, with home football games already bringing in an average of $16.2 million to the region. Alongside improving the fan experience, the renovations will address issues such as circulation congestion and modernizing safety standards. Moreover, the project will prioritize sustainability, aiming for LEED certification by incorporating energy-efficient designs and construction practices.

Notably, the renovation plans include the construction of a new welcome center for the community. This 21,000-square-foot facility will serve as a connection point and host various events, supporting enrollment efforts for prospective students and future student-athletes. With personalized and immersive campus visits leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Penn State aims to enhance the recruitment experience and showcase its areas of distinction.

The entire renovation project, including the already approved first stage, will have a maximum budget of $700 million and is set to be completed before the 2027 college football season. All costs will be covered by fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships, and ticket sales, ensuring no tuition dollars or educational budget funds are used. Apart from revitalizing Beaver Stadium, the renovation will also eliminate approximately $200 million in major maintenance backlog costs.

As the renovation progresses, Penn State assures the community and stakeholders that further updates will be shared. The university's commitment to achieving a thriving and competitive future in sports entertainment remains steadfast, powered by this visionary project.

For more information on the Beaver Stadium renovation, visit gopsusports.com.

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