Beaver Stadium Renovation: Here’s what to expect from Penn State University and the newly-approved $700 million plan

Earlier this week, the Penn State University Board of Trustees approved a $700 million renovation plan of Beaver Stadium.

The vote took place on Tuesday morning and passed 26-2 with Anthony Lubrano (of course) and Barry Fenchak being the two opposing the plan.

Notable board member Jay Paterno, son of long-time Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, was one of three members to abstain. 

Beaver Stadium: $700 Million Renovation Plan

After a 100-minute public meeting, Penn State's Board of Trustees approves plan for $700M renovation of Beaver Stadium. The vote was 26-2, with trustees Anthony Lubrano and Barry Fenchak voting against. Three trustees abstained.

— Mark Wogenrich (@MarkWogenrich) May 21, 2024

What is coming for Beaver Stadium?

The $700 million plan is described as a project that would propel the football team, the college, and the surrounding community into the future.

The renovations will include expanded concourses on the east and west sides, club, lodge, executive and founders suites on the west side of the stadium, upgraded lighting to meet NCAA standards, two new video boards to replace the ones currently in use, and upgrades to the restrooms, concessions, and press box.

Along with improved WiFi and cellular service (much needed), and added space for events like weddings and meetings during the non-football season. 

Beaver Stadium is getting renovated. Officially.

All you need to know about the renovation including answers to commonly asked Qs like:

-Capacity
-Timeline
-Seating on the West side
-Where's the full design?
-Financing
-What you'll notice this season⬇️ https://t.co/YGsQW8cSnv

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) May 21, 2024

The stadium will also go through a “winterization” process so the venue can be host to different events throughout the winter months, including a College Football Playoff game, starting in December 2024.

Snyder also reported that none of the $700 million will be taken from the education budget and it will be funded by the athletic department. 

Outside of Beaver Stadium’s scoreboard upgrade in 2014 and the new marquee boards in 2011, the iconic stadium in Happy Valley had its last major renovation in 2001. 

How Long Will It Take?

Here’s the projected timeline for #PennState’s renovation of Beaver Stadium. pic.twitter.com/UgpGJBMaAU

— Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) May 21, 2024

With the approval of the plan, the next step is to determine the total cost of the renovations, with October 2024 as the expected date. Phase one of the west side demolition will begin in 2025, with a phase happening each year until phase three in 2027. 

Beaver Stadium will receive maintenance and in-stadium upgrades (concessions, bathrooms, etc…), concluding before phase two begins in 2026. 

Initial Thoughts

Penn State has approved plans to renovate Beaver Stadium. Now, it's time to look at some pressing questions and early illustrations of what the finished project could look like.

Story: https://t.co/msDFy9hbdc pic.twitter.com/kUZT9iKQVa

— Blue White Illustrated (@PennStateOn3) May 21, 2024

Beaver Stadium currently offers the Mt. Nittany Club as the suite seating option, which is on the east side of the stadium. The proposed new suite options would be set to face the Mt. Nittany Club.

Nate Bauer of On3’s Blue White Illustrated said he does not think that Penn State fans don’t have an appetite for that sort of premium seating, rather it would be business and corporations buying those suits.

While there will always be people willing to shell out that extra cash for suite-type seating, I cannot help but agree with Bauer that it does not seem as if Penn State fans would prefer to be in a box rather than bleachers.

The winterization is one of the key things I am excited for. Not only would it be cool to see a College Football Playoff game at Beaver Stadium (if PSU can get in), but a Flyers versus Penguins Winter Classic, or any other ODR event, would now become possible at Beaver Stadium with the winterization.

Beaver Stadium is known for its large capacity, 106,572 seats, the second largest in the US. Head Coach James Franklin frequently uses “#107kStrong“. Athletic Director Pat Kraft said the stadium will remain above 100,000 seats, and Sports Illustrated reported that one BOT member referred to losing about 900 seats.

If that is true, Beaver Stadium would remain the second largest stadium in the US, Franklin just may need to get used to tweeting, “#106kStrong”.

At the end of the day, the renovation plan is bringing much-needed maintenance to the stadium, and as long as the suites don’t rob us of moments like the beginning of the 2019 Whiteout vs. Michigan, there is not a whole lot to complain about.

Penn State blasts Mo Bamba for their defense. RT if you miss college football pic.twitter.com/S9jycSuiRN

— Marsh Cristobal🤟🏽 (@hurricanesmarsh) April 18, 2020

Mandatory Credit: The image is a rendering of the proposed renovations to Beaver Stadium, projected to be complete by August 2027. The rendering comes from Penn State Athletics.