UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 30, 2006 - The first phase of improvements to enhance the appearance and safety of Beaver Stadium have been completed, with further enhancements to take place later this season.
A sellout crowd of 108,838 was in attendance at Penn State's Big Ten home opener against Northwestern and the throng saw changes to the facing of the stadium press box and suites for the first time.
Large, blue letters that spell "The Pennsylvania State University" have been affixed near the top of the East side suites. Lower on the suites facing, the Nittany Lions' undefeated and championship years during the program's glorious 120-year history have been added.
The undefeated and championship years listed are: 1894, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1920, 1921, 1947, 1968,1969, 1973, 1982, 1986, 1994 and 2005.
On the facing of the press box, "Penn State Nittany Lions" runs across the top of the west side facility. "Beaver Stadium" also has been added to the press box facing.
Since the Sept. 2 season opener with Akron, new railing has been installed that separates the seats from the playing field. The new railing is stronger than the previous one.
Prior to the season, nine markers featuring different aspects and traditions of Penn State Football and Beaver Stadium were placed around the 107,282-seat facility. Among the marker subjects are: tailgating, the student section, Paternoville, the Blue Band and the blue busses that bring Joe Paterno's squad to the stadium on gameday.
Several additional stadium enhancements will occur in October. Prior to the Oct. 14 showdown with Michigan, banners featuring "Success With Honor" will be mounted outside the stadium. Later in the month, the side walls surrounding the playing field will be refaced with Pennsylvania limestone. And a new iron gate will be installed at the players' entrance on the south side of the stadium.
Tomorrow's contest will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and air on ABC, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.
All of Penn State's Big Ten home games are sold out. A limited number of tickets remain for the Nov. 11 Temple game at www.GoPSUsports.com, or by calling 814-865-5555 or 800-863-3336 weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.