University Park, PA (WJAC) — Penn State's board of trustees has overwhelmingly approved a $700 million renovation plan for Beaver Stadium.
University president Neeli Bendapudi termed the renovation “vital for the community and fan experience,” and says it will have a major economic development impact.
Penn State administrators considered two other stadium options before recommending the renovation.
They say building a new stadium would be too costly, an estimated two billion dollars, and simply making repairs to the stadium infrastructure would cost about two hundred million dollars but would simply be a short-term fix that wouldn't address future needs and options.
Penn State feels the renovation project will make Beaver Stadium one of the premier "sports entertainment" centers in the nation.
The eighty thousand who recently turned out for Luke Comb's stadium concert was cited as an example of future events at the stadium.
The renovation will center on the stadium's west side, where luxury suites and upgraded seating will be added.
Work is already underway and expected to wrap up in 2027.
Bendapudi said of the impact of a renovated Beaver Stadium," we can go from great to greater to compete with our peers.”
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