Penn State's $700M Beaver Stadium Renovation Reaches Key Milestones

Pennsylvania, USA – September 2025 - At Penn State University, located an hour northwest of Lewiston, Pa., the biggest plays of the season are happening off the field. While the football team prepares for its next season, a massive three-year, $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium is underway, with construction crews taking center stage in what will be one of the most ambitious stadium revitalizations in the country.

First Phase Completed: West Side Demolition and Temporary Seating

The first phase of the project, which began right after the conclusion of the 2024 football season, has been completed. This phase included demolishing the stadium’s west side, notably the four-floor press box, which once housed media, broadcasting facilities, and the original suite levels. On demolition day, charges were detonated in a carefully choreographed sequence, sending the massive structure crashing to the ground.

In addition to the press box, the seating deck below it was also removed. Construction crews then moved quickly to install more than 9,000 temporary bleacher seats, ensuring that fans would still have ample seating during the upcoming football season.

Work also began on pouring concrete and laying the foundation for a new signature tower that will house two premium seating clubs, the Schuyler Family Club and the Marzano Club. This tower will feature 4,500 larger-sized premium seats, along with 70,000 square feet of lounge space. Seats will start at $4,500, and fans will need to make a $10,000 gift to secure a reservation.

Complex Construction While Stadium Stays Operational

One of the most challenging aspects of the project is that Beaver Stadium must remain operational throughout the renovation. Demolition and construction work are carefully scheduled around football games, with restricted areas clearly marked to keep fans safe.

The plan is to expand the construction footprint during the off-season for faster progress and shrink it during football season to make space for game-day activities like parking and tailgating. Despite the scale of work, Penn State has confirmed there will be no limitations on parking or tailgating on game days.

Second Phase: Lower Bowl and Club Completion

In 2026, after the football season concludes, phase two of the renovation will begin. During this stage, the lower bowl, referred to as the superstructure, will be demolished and completely rebuilt.

Meanwhile, the new club levels constructed during phase one will be finished, including additional seating and enhanced amenities. The stadium will maintain a capacity of over 100,000 spectators throughout the entire construction process.

Modern Upgrades and Expanded Fan Experience

The revitalization will more than double the concourse space on the west side of the stadium, significantly improving crowd flow and access. Upgrades will include:

• New escalators, elevators, and pedestrian ramps to increase vertical circulation.
• Upgraded stadium lighting for improved game-day presentation.
• A new north videoboard and ribbon boards on the west side’s intermediate and upper levels.

Architectural renderings show a modernized venue with gradually sloping stands designed to preserve clear sightlines to the field. Notably, the bowl will remain roofless, retaining Beaver Stadium’s iconic open-air feel.

In line with Penn State’s sustainability goals, the project aims to achieve LEED certification, making it a benchmark for environmentally conscious stadium design.

Economic and Community Impact

The university’s board of trustees approved the investment in May 2024, with the goal of transforming Beaver Stadium into a year-round venue that can host concerts, events, and other activities beyond football, driving economic growth and development in the region.

During the peak of the renovation, 800 to 1,000 unique tradespeople will be employed each summer, with 450 workers onsite daily. This will generate an estimated $15 million in economic impact for the local area.

Penn State also confirmed that 75% of materials and labor used in the first phase were sourced from within Pennsylvania, ensuring the benefits of the project stay local.

Leadership and Design Team

The revitalization is being overseen by a tri-venture construction management team consisting of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Construction, with Nations Group serving as a key consultant. This team has collaborated on numerous large-scale sports facilities for over 20 years.

The global design firm Populous, known for its work on major stadiums and entertainment venues worldwide, is leading the architectural vision for the project.

By the end of September 2027, Beaver Stadium is expected to be fully transformed into a modern, world-class facility while preserving its historic legacy.

Pat Kraft, Vice-President of Intercollegiate Athletics, emphasized the significance of the project:

“The improvements we made on the east side following the 2023 season have enhanced fan experience and circulation throughout the building. Our next phase will modernize the west side of Beaver Stadium while maintaining its historic roots.

This project is not just a project for football, it is one that will impact all 31 sports teams at Penn State, our campus community, and the Centre Region for years to come.”

The renovation represents a new era for Penn State athletics, ensuring Beaver Stadium remains one of the most intimidating and celebrated stadiums in college football while providing year-round value to the wider community.