Land development plan for Beaver Stadium renovation has been submitted. What happens next?
Penn State has submitted its land development plan to College Township, according to the municipality’s website.
The plan, submitted to the township on Aug. 19, shows what the university proposes as part of a $700 million stadium renovation project. The project narrative states they’re proposing to construct concourse level expansions at Gates A and D, and “vertical transportation escalator systems.” It also includes added expanded pavement areas and fencing around Gate F for more safety.
The College Township Planning Commission is slated to review the plan during its Sept. 17 meeting. Typically, the commission reviews the plan and will recommend approval, denial or approval with conditions. The township council then reviews the plan with the commission’s recommendations, and gives the final decision.
Earlier this summer the university submitted a sketch plan outlining its proposal. A sketch plan, while not required by the township, can be submitted for discussion and review of a proposed development, and to obtain advice on preparing the preliminary plan. It’s not a formal application for a planned development.
At the time, the commission reviewed the plan and the council was set to review it as well but it was pulled from the agenda before that could happen.
Penn State hopes to start construction on some of the early work at the end of the upcoming football season, a representative from the civil engineering firm working on the project said in May.
Although the land development plan is an important part of the planning process, it doesn’t show what the stadium is expected to look like once renovations are complete.
The university provided an early illustration to the board of trustees in the spring, and Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft and deputy athletic director Vinnie James told the Centre Daily Times Friday afternoon that a design plan could be coming in the fall.
“Packages will be released in about October,” James told the CDT. “But you’ll continue design all the way through June.”
“You’re never really done designing a building this size,” Kraft added. “... We’re going to start to roll out more and more of the images.”
In May the Penn State board of trustees approved spending up to $700 million in stadium renovations. Many details of the multi-million makeover have been largely unknown to the public, but the renovations will prioritize modern standards in the design, including improving circulation to alleviate congestion, a concourse expansion, improved press box and the ability to hold year-round events. There will be new restrooms, upgraded concession offerings and new premium seating, field lighting and maintain the current parking and tailgating experience. A welcome center at Beaver Stadium is also part of the plans.
The approval was the second stage of renovations to be approved. In May 2023 the board of trustees approved the first phase, a $70 million portion, which included paying for design costs, winterization and other pressing issues — like lighting. The winterization is important in order for the Nittany Lions to potentially host a College Football Playoff game in December when temperatures could drop below freezing.
Renovation updates
Penn State has posted a few construction updates throughout the summer. The projects that are being worked on now will provide specific improvements on the east side and end zones of the stadium that will be in effect for the upcoming 2024 season, Penn State athletics wrote in a July 22 construction update.
“All gates, South videoboard and ribbon boards will be operational in time for the 2024 Penn State Football home season. Escalators and super ribbon boards will be unveiled during the 2024 home season. Future revitalization phases will commence following the 2024 season and will take place through the summer of 2027,” the update states. It added that “operational enhancements” will be announced prior to this season’s home opener.
The university posted more photo updates on Aug. 12, as seen below.
Reporter Jon Sauber contributed to this report.
