For the second time in a week, Penn State has announced an eight-figure donation toward the $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation project.
The $10 million gift from a donor who the athletic department says asked to remain anonymous follows a $25 million boost from the Misitano Family and PAM Health, which was the second largest donation in the history of the Penn State athletic department.
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Patric Kraft indicated the latest big-dollar gift is from a family with a deep history of supporting Penn State athletics.
“This generous family has supported our department in a number of ways, and we are so grateful to have them as a leader in our fundraising efforts for the revitalization,” Kraft said in a statement on Wednesday. “This gift is a unique symbol of a deep commitment to a significant priority. We are so thankful to have the support we have received in the early stages of fundraising for this project.”
Donations of $10 million or more toward the project are dubbed “Founders Gifts” and will be recognized in a plaza outside the stadium upon completion, which is scheduled for the summer of 2027.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support from this family that wishes to remain anonymous,” Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said. “The members of this family truly embody what it means to be Penn Staters and have embraced the ‘We Are’ spirit. The Beaver Stadium Revitalization will have a tremendous impact on our campus and our community, and we are thrilled to see loyal Penn Staters leading the way and making it a reality.”
Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved up to $700 million for the Beaver Stadium project, which the athletic department says will preserve the venue’s history while modernizing it to improve fan experience and make it a year-round facility.
The project is slated to include improved circulation, new restrooms, upgraded concession offerings, Wi-Fi, amenities and more premium seating options that university officials say are key to generating revenue. The main focus of the renovations is on the west side of the stadium.
A new west-side tower, which will be named in recognition of the Misitano’s gift, which will feature a welcome center, expanded concourses with views of the field, private luxury suites, loge boxes and two separate club seat areas with lounge access, as well as more than 59,000 square feet of public event space.
Initial work got underway this spring and summer and includes winterization, restroom improvements, increased concessions, a new south end zone video board, new ribbon boards and expansion and enhancements of three gate entries.
Future phases of the renovation will begin following the 2024 season and continue into the first half of 2027.
