Yahoo Sports Work for the $700M Beaver Stadium renovation has begun. Here’s a look at what’s happening
Construction at Beaver Stadium is underway as Penn State embarks on a $700 million renovation project that is expected to last a few years.
The projects that are being worked on now will provide specific improvements on the east side and end zones of the stadium that will be in effect for the upcoming 2024 season, Penn State athletics wrote in a July 22 construction update. Additionally, improvements are being made to the winterization of the stadium so events can be hosted there in the winter. Those projects include expanding Gates A and E, enhancing Gate F and south end zone videoboard improvements.
“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,” the update states. It added that “operational enhancements” will be announced prior to this season’s home opener.
The south end video board is being replaced with a new board with “improved resolution,” according to the update. Ribbon boards will be replaced, including ones at the north and south ends. Those will be replaced and will be bigger. A new ribbon board on the south end will also be installed.
A new “super ribbon board” will be installed at the top of the upper bowl in the south end, as well.
By expanding Gates A and E, fan circulation will improve on the fan level and on the east side of the stadium. Four escalators will be installed to help with vertical circulation on the east side of the stadium, and since there will be expanded corner space, more concession stands and restrooms will be available, according to the update.
Gate F, also located on the east side, will have an “open-air space” where fans can find food, drinks and an entertainment space, the update states. It will also have additional entry points and increased concession opportunities.
All of these updates are part of a large renovation of the stadium. In May the Penn State board of trustees approved spending up to $700 million on renovations for Beaver Stadium. About a year before that, they approved the first $70 million of the project.
A look at construction
The university released new photos Monday of the ongoing construction, including a photo of the iconic Nittany Lion weather vane that sits on top of the stadium. It was removed for construction but is expected to be back in place later this week, Kristina Petersen, senior associate AD for strategic communications, said in an email.
Below are other photos that showcase the work at the stadium.
