On Tuesday, the Penn State Board of Trustees voted 26-2 in favor of the Beaver Stadium renovation project. The $700 million project will change the iconic stadium’s seating and amenities.
The renovation plans will expand the stadium to include an additional 21,000-square-foot welcome center for visitors. The center will also include multi-levels of open grass seating surrounding the field. The plan also includes upgrades to the stadium’s infrastructure, including safety and accessibility upgrades. The renovation will also make the stadium ADA-compliant.
The Beaver Stadium renovation is expected to boost revenue for the university and generate money for the future of all 31 athletics programs at Penn State. The project is being paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics and will not see any tuition dollars or funding from the university’s educational budget.
“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.”
The first phase of the project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024, with the entire project expected to take three years to complete. The renovation will also allow the university to host major events year-round, including the College Football Playoff game starting in 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,” 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.”
Source: www.psu.edu