Haven’t seen Beaver Stadium since last Penn State football season? Expect big changes
Penn State fans who are returning to Happy Valley this weekend for the first time since the last football season ended will see many changes to the iconic Beaver Stadium.
The Blue-White game on Saturday will give people the chance to see how construction at the stadium has progressed. The Penn State board of trustees approved the project in May 2024 with a budget of up to $700 million and construction began shortly thereafter.
Some significant changes at Beaver Stadium were already on display during the 2024 season, such as the addition of new escalators at Gates A and E. But the press box demolition in January marked the start of more intensive work.
Several several ground level structures were removed, as was the west side upper bowl to allow for construction of the PAM Health Misitano Family Tower, Schuyler Family Club, Marzano Club and suites levels. So as you look at the stadium from University Drive or Curtin Road, it may be jarring to see the entire stadium exposed due to the missing side.
Earlier this month, the first steel column was installed. During Blue-White festivities Saturday on Curtin Road, fans can sign a steel beam that will be installed on the new west side.
Construction will limit entrances fans can use to Gates A and E. And although temporary seating on the west side, and northeast and southeast corners is expected to be installed by Aug. 1 for the 2025 season, it won’t be ready yet for the Blue-White game. No seating will be available on the west side of the stadium; seating is limited to specific areas in the north, east and south ends of the stadium.
There will also be limited restrooms and concession stands open during the Blue-White Game due to construction. Restrooms on the north, south, east and upper north and upper south ends will be open. Limited concession stands will be open between Gates A and E.
What are the Beaver Stadium renovation project plans?
Plans for the full project will provide new restrooms, upgraded concessions and seating, improved field lighting, a renovated press box and the construction of a new welcome center at the stadium. Other site work, including hardscape replacement, will help improve circulation and alleviate congestion on stadium concourses and exterior plazas.
More changes will be completed over the next couple of years, with completion anticipated for the 2027 football season.
Penn State Athletics said there will be between 800 and 1,000 tradespeople working on the project each summer, and 450 workers on site each day at the peak of the project. The jobs are expected to generate $15 million in economic impact for the region, Athletics said in a Feb. 13 construction update.
The project has received tens of millions of dollars in donations. Last month the trustees approved a new name for the field at Beaver Stadium — West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium — for the next 15 years. West Shore Home will donate $50 million over that time period, and all of that money will go toward the project. With the approval, the Penn State athletic department has now raised nearly $131 million toward a stated goal of $134 million in funding from gifts to go toward the project.
The Blue-White game kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday; parking lots open at 8 a.m. and stadium gates open at 12:30 p.m. (club and suite entrances open at 11 a.m.). Admission is free.
