Penn State Board Approves $700M Beaver Stadium Renovation, Eyeing College Football Playoff

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It looks like Beaver Stadium is going to undergo a major renovation. On Tuesday, the Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $700 million plan to renovate the facility, with the project scheduled to conclude in 2027.

According to the release on Penn State's official athletics website, "No tuition dollars or educational budget funds will be used toward the renovations. The entire project will be paid for through fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships and ticket sales, including new premium seating options to be added during the renovation." 

The school is gearing up for a potential College Football Playoff game at the stadium, and mentioned that as a reason for the "winterization" of the stadium, which is part of the renovation. 

"Winterization work also is ongoing, which entails the insulation of pipes and other upgrades to allow the building to be occupied when temperatures are below freezing, giving Penn State the ability to host a College Football Playoff game beginning in 2024 and other potential events beyond Penn State football games in the winter months," the website says. 

Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, home of the Nittany Lions football team.

Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, in preparation for a potential College Football Playoff game.

(Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

There's long been talk of a Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Winter Classic NHL game at Beaver Stadium, given Penn State's location relative to those two cities. However, that hasn't happened, in part because the stadium isn't equipped to handle the event. 

However, the "winterization" efforts could factor into future plans for the NHL's highest-profile regular season game each year. 

Penn State Board approves Beaver Stadium renovation in preparation for a potential College Football Playoff game

More importantly, though, is the potential for the College Football Playoff, as the format expands. Penn State has not reached the Playoff in its current format, but they have been in the Top 12 in several different seasons. It's certainly likely that the Nittany Lions will host a College Football Playoff game in the next five years. 

"Many recognize Beaver Stadium as the best stadium in college football, and we want to preserve the atmosphere that our fans, alumni and community have come to expect while building on this history of excellence for generations to come," said Neeli Bendapudi, Penn State president.

Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, in preparation for a potential College Football Playoff game.

Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, in preparation for a potential College Football Playoff game.

(Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

As a Penn State graduate, I can attest that the Beaver Stadium atmosphere is incredible. Night games under the lights in central Pennsylvania remain one of the best experiences in sports. In this NIL era, Penn State needs facilities and money to compete. 

Money isn't an issue – Penn State has a massive endowment – but the facilities, while classic, certainly could use an upgrade. 

I can't wait to head back to Happy Valley to see the new-and-improved Beaver Stadium. I'm setting a calendar alert for 2027 right now. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.