Workers walk along the super ribbon board structure in the south end zone.

Welder working on the super ribbon board structure in the south end zone.

Electrical work on ribbon board installation in the south end zone.

The 10 ft. long Nittany Lion weathervane was relocated temporarily for safe keeping during renovations to the ribbon board.

Workers install metal decking for Gate A main concourse expansion facing out towards Mt. Nittany.

Workers install metal decking for Gate A main concourse expansion facing North.

Crane lifting new south video board panel section into place.

Iron worker welding structural steel at Gate A.

Steel decking being loaded onto new steel structure at Gate E main concourse expansion.

Workers installing steel structure for new South Endzone ribbon boards.

Construction is underway for the early revitalization projects of Beaver Stadium.  

Current ongoing projects are focusing on providing specific improvements on the East side and end zones of the stadium that will be in effect for the 2024 season. In addition to these projects, there have been a number of improvements to the winterization of the stadium to allow for hosting events in the winter months. These projects include the expansion of Gates A and E, the enhancement of Gate F and South end zone videoboard improvements.

Expansion of Gates A and E

• Located in the southeast (Gate A) and northeast (Gate E) corners of Beaver Stadium, the expansion of Gates A and E will improve fan circulation on the field level, as well as the East side of the stadium.
• Four additional escalators, two each at Gates A and E, are being installed for enhanced vertical circulation on the East side of the stadium.
• With expanded corner space will come an increase of concession stands with additional points of sale and restrooms available to fans. 

Enhancement of Gate F

• Outside of Gate F, located on the East side of Beaver Stadium, will feature an open-air space at the stadium where fans can enjoy food and drink options and an entertainment space.
• Gate F will create additional fan entry points, allowing for enhanced circulation by expanding the stadium’s security perimeter. 
•  The enhancement of Gate F will also increase concession opportunities with more locations and offerings.

Videoboard Improvements

• The South end video board is being replaced with a new videoboard with improved resolution.
• Ribbon boards located at the North and South ends are being replaced and will increase in size.
• A new ribbon board on the South end will be installed to complement the updated, existing ribbon board and the new super ribbon board.
• There will also be the addition of a super ribbon board, located at the very top of the upper bowl of the South end. 

Operational enhancements will be announced prior to the 2024 home opener.

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.    

On May 21, 2024, the Penn State Board of Trustees approved investing in the renovation of Beaver Stadium, which will grow revenue-generating opportunities, transform the fan and community experience, and fuel the future funding for all 31 athletics programs at Penn State. The approved renovations will enable year-round use of Beaver Stadium, further driving economic growth and development in the surrounding region.

Since January 2024, when the initial expenditure ($70M) for the Beaver Stadium renovation was approved, steps have been underway at the stadium and will continue leading up to the 2024 college football season. Initial construction has prioritized safety and accessibility through the widening of select concourses and the installation of new escalators, as well as field lighting performance and videoboard replacements. Winterization work also is ongoing, which entails the insulation of pipes and other upgrades to allow the building to be occupied when temperatures are below freezing, giving Penn State the ability to host a College Football Playoff game beginning in 2024 and other potential events beyond Penn State football games in the winter months.

Full Press Release

Intercollegiate Athletics has recently signed substantial partnership agreements with Playfly, Elevate and Oak View Group. These agreements represent a nearly 43% increase in revenues in the same category compared to fiscal year 2024. The projected value of these three agreements is more than $1.1 billion dollars over the life of these agreements. The Playfly agreement is one of the largest multimedia rights agreement in college sports history, while the Elevate deal is the largest in college sports history. These new revenue streams were built into the proforma presented to the Board of Trustees in preparation for the June vote on the renovation.

Penn State takes great pride in having one of the largest stadium capacities in the world, which we plan to continue. This is one of the reasons why we are pursuing a renovation rather than a rebuild, which would have been significantly more expensive and resulted in a facility with a much smaller seating capacity.

Renovation is far more economical than a new build. The stadium’s footprint will not change, nor will the atmosphere or experience fans expect at a Penn State football game. A rebuild would also result in a facility with a much smaller seating capacity.

Design and pre-construction commenced in June 2023 and priority maintenance projects and winterization are currently under way. Construction on the west side renovation is anticipated to begin in January 2025 and the project is projected to be completed in advance of the 2027 season in August of that year.

The winterization includes installing insulation on pipes and other upgrades to allow the building to be occupied when temperatures are below freezing. Winterization will give Penn State the capability to host other potential events beyond Penn State football games in the winter months.

It’s too soon to confirm at this time. However, growth in premium seating and other new seating options are expected to create new revenue streams.

Penn State Athletics is one of a handful of self-sustaining intercollegiate athletics departments nationwide, which means the department’s revenues are equal to or exceed its operating costs. The renovation will be paid for through fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships, multimedia rights, and ticket sales, including new premium seating options. No tuition dollars or educational budget funds will be used toward the renovations.

Beaver Stadium needs significant repairs and maintenance, which could cost hundreds of millions anyway, and it makes the most sense and is the only financially viable option to undertake a significant renovation instead. None of these costs will be borne by the University because Penn State Athletics is one of a handful of self-sustaining intercollegiate athletics departments nationwide, which means the department’s revenues are equal to or exceed its operating costs. The Intercollegiate Athletics budget is completely separate from the university’s budget and this project will be paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics, using no tuition dollars or funding from the educational budget. The renovations will pay for themselves and bring additional revenue into the Athletic Department, university and local community.