Penn State trustees to hear plans for $70M first phase of Beaver Stadium renovations
Penn State will have a chance to move forward with its plans for Beaver Stadium next week when the board of trustees considers the $70 million first phase of the major renovation project, according to the trustees’ agenda.
It’s one of several proposed athletics department projects up for approval during the May 5 meeting, totaling more than $150 million.
Athletic director Pat Kraft and his department will make the $70 million funding request for the first phase of the Beaver Stadium renovation that will “greatly improve the quality of the fan experience,” according to the agenda.
“As envisioned, the Beaver Stadium renovation will align Penn State Football facilities and operations with the highest competitive level within the Power 5 and Big 10,” the agenda states.
The plans, according to the agenda, include a focus on the west side of the stadium, with improvements for upgraded concourses, restroom additions and upgraded concession quality and capacity throughout the facility. The west side will have improved access for broadcasting and premium seating. Any changes would keep the stadium capacity over 100,000.
The trustees will also discuss an additional $22 million to expend funding and award contracts for the second phase of the Lasch Building renovation. The building, which houses the football program, would undergo renovation on the second floor in its offices and meeting spaces, along with the creation of new offices. There would also be an expansion over the current patio to create new event space.
No tuition would be used for the Beaver Stadium project, and all debts would be paid with revenue from the athletic department.
The Lasch funding would come exclusively from the athletic department, with no tuition or state funds being used.
There is also a proposal to renovate and add to Jeffrey Field, home of the university’s soccer programs, that would cost up to $21.25 million, and an indoor practice air supported structure that would cost up to $9.8 million.
The latter project would be southeast of Jeffrey Field and would be used seasonally — with a design allowing it to be taken down and put up each year. That would come with an artificial turf field, sports lighting and surface parking.
Renovations to the Greenberg Indoor Sports Complex, with the athletic department having the building returned to it after it became a swing space in 2014 after the construction of Pegula Ice Arena, are also included in the agenda. The $31.9 million project includes a training table for use by all varsity athletes; fitness and recovery spaces; an updated public entry; lower-level access; general circulation and flow improvements; site improvements; and a secondary connection to the Morgan Academic Center and the Lasch Football Building.
That will open the door for an additional $5.2 million to be used to renovate the area where the current athletic training space exists in the East Area Locker Room. That would include a first-floor renovation that impacts sports performance offices, a fuel station, an athletic lounge, updated entry, and general circulation and flow improvements.
The committee on finance, business and capital planning will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday to make a recommendation to the full board of trustees. The trustees meeting is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. Friday.
This story was originally published April 28, 2023 at 1:56 PM.
