Anthony Wilson
The Penn State Board of Trustees approved a massive $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, the university announced Tuesday. The new improvements will make the stadium a year-round venue and an ideal place for College football The playoffs move to on-campus sites for first-round games.
The upgrades are a comprehensive redesign of the stadium that ushers in a new era in college athletics. They include expanded concourses, new restrooms, improved concessions, revamped WiFi and improved premium seating. The approved plan will take place over the next three off-seasons and is scheduled for completion in 2027. Due to the works, capacity will be slightly reduced for the 2025 season.
“I am pleased that the renovation will benefit our student-athletes, elevate the importance of Beaver Stadium in driving local and state economies, and ensure that Beaver Stadium continues to be a premier facility in all of college athletics,” said Board Chairman of trustees Matt Schuyler in a university news release.
Among the biggest undertakings will be a winterization effort, insulating pipes and other upgrades that will allow the stadium to be used in the depths of winter. Many of these renovations are expected to be completed before the first round of this year’s College Football Playoff games on December 20-21.
According to the release, the Beaver Stadium project will be paid for in full through “fundraising, grants, naming opportunities, sponsorship and ticket sales.” Additionally, the upgrades eliminate a $200 million backlog in previously scheduled maintenance costs.
This is the first major renovation of Beaver Stadium since 2001. The venue was built in 1960. The construction also includes a new welcome center that will be used year-round for college student recruitment.
“Many recognize Beaver Stadium as the finest stadium in college football, and we want to preserve the atmosphere that our fans, alumni and community have come to expect as we build this history of excellence for generations to come,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. in a university press release. “The renovations will have a wide range of positive impacts on our community, will help us remain a national leader in attracting the best student-athletes, and will continue to serve as a symbol of belonging and pride for students across the Commonwealth.”
Penn State athletics
Why does this matter
Penn State has consistently established itself as one of the top 15 programs in the country under head coach James Franklin, making it a likely host for the expanded College Football Playoff. However, Beaver Stadium rarely hosts games until December, when the weather starts to turn cold.
Main football is no longer played outdoors in winter due to logistical issues. For example, the Chicago Bears are planning to abandon historic Soldier Field and build a new domed stadium to streamline logistics.
It’s clear that college football — especially in the Big Ten — prides itself on surviving the elements. Part of the appeal of home games is forcing teams from the South and West to endure brutal weather. Updating Beaver Stadium for the winter is an important step in making these home games a success.
While there is no history of CFP’s approach to headquarters sites, Penn State wants to ensure it can handle the logistics. If games are canceled or rescheduled due to weather concerns, it could affect the willingness of all parties to return to the venue. Losing an important game due to inadequate facilities would be a nightmare scenario.
