Trustees OK $12.8 million in PSU field hockey stadium upgrades. Here’s what to expect
Editor’s note: This story has been updated following Friday’s board of trustees meeting.
The future of Penn State’s field hockey facilities became much clearer this week after university trustees recommended a new set of upgrades for the Nittany Lions’ University Park stadium.
On Friday, trustees unanimously finalized and approved a $12.82 million proposal that would provide a series of upgrades for the Penn State Field Hockey Complex, including improved locker rooms, concession areas and restrooms. The project would also add press boxes and a television broadcast booth, plus a multi-purpose hospitality room and a dedicated area for field storage. Construction will bring stadium seating up to 1,200 seats, an increase from 750 today.
A committee from Penn State’s board of trustees advanced a $12.82 million proposal that would provide a series of upgrades for the Penn State Field Hockey Complex, including improved locker rooms, concession areas and restrooms. The project would also add press boxes and a television broadcast booth, plus a multi-purpose hospitality room and a dedicated area for field storage. Renovations will bring stadium seating up to 1,200 seats, an increase from 750 today.
Construction is expected to begin in August and conclude by October 2023. The Nittany Lions will continue using the facility, adjacent to Pegula Ice Arena on Curtin Road, for games and practices throughout the project’s duration.
The university’s full board met at Penn State’s York campus on Friday to vote on the proposed stadium upgrades. The trustees’ Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning voted unanimously on Thursday to recommend final plan approval.
“We are looking forward to having a first-class facility that will benefit student-athletes, fans, family and friends,” Penn State field hockey head coach Char Morett-Curtiss said in a statement. “It is a facility that will showcase high level hockey and give us the opportunity to offer a premium experience to everyone when we host postseason events, both Big Ten and NCAA. These improvements and additions will also turn the Penn State Field Hockey Complex into a venue that will allow us to host alumni events and other functions all year long.”
The stadium upgrades will be funded mostly through philanthropy, trustees said. Nearly $7.75 million in gifts would support the project alongside $2.5 million in borrowing.
“I just want to note for the record the level of philanthropy involved through this project,” Trustee Anthony Lubrano said on Friday. “I think the athletics department, particularly Coach Morett-Curtiss, should be commended for their efforts.”
Penn State’s facility enhancements were designed by Crawford Architects out of Kansas City, Missouri. The project’s goals align with a master plan and a feasibility study completed by the university in 2019.
This story was originally published July 21, 2022 at 10:04 AM.
%202.JPG)