Penn State has chosen Populous, a global architectural firm that has drawn up blueprints for numerous NFL stadiums, to design its multi-million-dollar renovations at Beaver Stadium.
The university also named construction companies Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander to jointly serve as the project’s construction manager. Those companies have worked together on multiple athletic facilities.
The selection comes as Penn State prepares to embark on the $700 million makeover that aims to improve the fan experience and modernize the stadium by 2027. Patrick Kraft, Penn State’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said in a news release that the university is excited to partner with these “top-tier” firms.
“These companies have a strong history of both renovating and building college football and NFL stadiums and we know they will provide us with a great plan to make Beaver Stadium an even greater beacon for our university and department,” Mr. Kraft said. “We know these groups will preserve the history of Beaver Stadium while bringing it to a more updated and fan-friendly venue.”
In 2015, Populous renovated Kyle Field at Texas A&M University. That renovation was the largest stadium redevelopment in college football history, per Populous. The firm is currently creating a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills.
Penn State’s board of trustees approved the first stage of the Beaver Stadium renovation in May. That phase will be completed over the next year.
During this $70 million stage, crowd traffic control measures will be improved, field lighting performance will be addressed, and pipes will be insulated so the stadium can be occupied when temperatures are below freezing. That could allow the University Park stadium to host college football playoff games and other events during the winter months.
Construction of further phases is expected to begin in January 2025. Future phases will involve a complete reconstruction of the football stadium’s west side, premium seating options, improved restrooms and upgraded concessions.
After renovations, the stadium will still be able to house over 100,000 fans, university officials have said.
The long-term plan is to cover the project and any related debt service through dedicated revenues from football ticket sales, new premium seating options, concessions revenue, naming opportunities and a fundraising campaign aimed at raising $200 million.
No tuition dollars or educational budget funds will be used to fund the project, but trustees indicated in May that they would welcome funding assistance from the state.
The university decided to renovate rather than rebuild the stadium for economic reasons. Constructed in 1960, Beaver Stadium last underwent a major renovation in 2001. That renovation added 60 skyboxes to the stadium.
The stadium boasts a record attendance of over 110,000 fans.
First Published: October 17, 2023, 4:31 p.m.
Updated: October 17, 2023, 7:54 p.m.