Penn State announces intent to renovate Beaver Stadium
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft said in December that plans for Beaver Stadium were “almost there” and a renovation was the direction the university was leaning. Friday afternoon, the university officially announced that trajectory in a formal fashion.
Providing a press release from the athletic department, Penn State announced that a “major renovation” is “under consideration” for the 63-year old home of Nittany Lion football.
Backed by president Neeli Bendapudi, it’s expected to take shape as a multi-phase renovation, which will be brought to the university’s board of trustees for a vote in the “near future.”
“After extensive research and consultation, renovation for Beaver Stadium is the direction we want to take as it is far more economical than a new build. In addition, it’s important to note that no part of this project will be funded by tuition, student fees or any of our educational budget,” said University President Neeli Bendapudi. “I know there is a lot of interest in this project, and we are at the beginning of a multi-year journey, which still must include proposal review and approval by the Board of Trustees. Athletics also will need to put the project out for bid.
“Penn State has some of the most dedicated and loyal fans in the world and they deserve a facility that has upgraded amenities and improved circulation around the facility to enhance the fan experience. It is my commitment that we will do what we must to preserve one of our most iconic spaces in the most economical way possible.”
The first step taken, announcing an intention to renovate instead of build new for Beaver Stadium, the process toward the project’s realization is many years away.
Noting in the press release that Penn State is “not yet in a position to share financial projections for the renovation project,” the renovation plan has not yet been finalized. Additionally, no timeline was set for setting the wheels into motion, though the university announced that a funding model, which Bendapudi announced would not include tuition or education dollars, was also still under consideration.
