Penn State’s Beaver Stadium press box will be demolished this weekend. Here’s where to watch
Penn State’s decades-old Beaver Stadium press box is finally coming down — and fans and journalists alike are invited to watch.
The demolition of the press box, which kicks off the large-scale demolition of the upper West side of the stadium, is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday. A public viewing area will be set up in the Stadium West parking lot, next to the marquee of the Bryce Jordan Center.
According to the athletic department, a number of activities will be at the demolition — such as a DJ, an opportunity to sign a bleacher from the upper West stands and a drawing to win signed construction hats by Penn State coaches. Food and drink will also be available for purchase (credit card only), such as coffee, hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches and breakfast pastries.
Those interested in attending the demolition are directed to park in the Yellow H Shields lot, near Pegula Ice Arena, the Orange A lot at Katz Building, and the Eisenhower Parking Deck, using ParkMobile or HONK for $1 per hour. The East Parking Deck will also available at $2 for the first hour and $1 per hour for additional time.
The demolition is part of a $700 million renovation project that’s already seen some significant changes to Beaver Stadium, such as the addition of new escalators at Gates A and E. But the most intensive work wasn’t expected to begin until 2024’s home slate was finished and, shortly after the Nittany Lions upended SMU in a home College Football Playoff game, work resumed.
Temporary seating will be in place for each of the next two seasons, to maintain the stadium’s capacity, and construction is scheduled to be finished before the 2027 season. Upgrades will be made to the restrooms, concessions and select seating, in addition to improvements such as concourse expansion, fencing and “fan experience zones,” and more.
In a press release, the athletic department also noted that a number of items — including West stadium signage and bleachers — have been salvaged and will be available for purchase at a later date.
Road closures
The Bryce Jordan Center East and Stadium West parking lots will both be closed from 5 p.m. Friday until the area is cleared by safety crews. And the athletic department also emphasized that no drones (or other aircraft) are permitted in the area.
The following road closures will also be in effect:
- Curtin Road (from University Drive to Porter Road): Starting 7 a.m. Saturday until cleared by safety crews
- University Drive (from Park Avenue to Curtin Road): Held during detonation/demolition, starting at about 7:55 a.m. Saturday
- Park Avenue (from University Drive to Porter Road): Held during detonation/demolition, starting at about 7:55 a.m. Saturday
This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 12:44 PM.
