When Penn State fans flock to State College by the thousands this fall, they’ll find Beaver Stadium in a different state than they left in.
Ahead of the Nittany Lions’ season opener against Nevada on Aug. 30, the university revealed specific changes to the stadium as the $700 million mega-renovation reshapes one of the nation’s most iconic venues.
West Side
Though the project isn’t slated for completion until 2027, construction crews have been hard at work over the offseason, notably demolishing the West side and putting up temporary bleachers. According to a release from the university, Gates B and C will allow access to the lower bowl on the West side of the stadium. To help improve circulation, there are four new stair towers and the upper concourse connects directly to the North and South sides, creating alternate options to reach seats.
Temporary seating in the upper deck has a capacity of 7,900, contributing to this season’s total stadium capacity of 106,304, announced by athletic director Pat Kraft on Tuesday. This marks a slight downgrade from 106,572 in previous years but still maintains Beaver Stadium’s status as the second largest sports stadium in the country and fourth largest in the world.
East Side
On the East side, four escalators – installed last season – and six new stair towers will enable fans easier vertical transportation.
Sets of temporary bleachers have been added above Gate A and Gate E.
New Tech
Penn State’s iconic team entrance will also look different this fall. The tunnel cover has been replaced with an LED board enabling more lighting opportunities, and additional LEDs have been added on the field level around the outside railings.
New WiFi access points have been added throughout the East side to provide better connection for fans, a common gripe among the Nittany Lion faithful.
Stadium Entrance
Due to construction, the ADA access points have been moved to the club and letterman entrance near Gate A and by the All Sports Museum by Gate B.
Student entry will also see adjustments, with the student section divided into six sections instead of three, assigned by colored wrist bands received when entering the stadium. By dividing students more evenly, it prevents overcrowding near certain areas. The release states students wishing to sit in the same section should enter the same gate together.
The release also says the student section will have a different operation for seating is filled, but didn’t include specifics.
Beer Garden
The Bud Light Backyard Beer Garden has been added to Gate F and opens three hours before kickoff, allowing fans access to an area with lawn games and televised college football games with a “wide variety” of food and beverage options for sale.
