Penn State now has a team in place to lead the $700 million, multi-phase renovation of Beaver Stadium.
The university announced on Monday that Populous has been selected as the architectural firm for the project, while a joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander has been hired as construction manager. Nations Group, which specializes in assisting universities with project development and construction management phases of athletic projects, has been retained as a consultant.
“We are excited to partner with these top-tier firms for the Beaver Stadium renovations,” Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft said in a statement. “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. We know these groups will preserve the history of Beaver Stadium while bringing it to a more updated and fan-friendly venue.”
Populous, led by former Penn State football captain Scott Radecic, has been working with the university on studies for Beaver Stadium renovations dating back to 2017. The firm’s recent projects include the renovated Kyle Field at Texas A&M and the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium, which is currently under construction.
Radecic said the “transformational renovation” will reimagine the fan experience at the stadium.
“Our team will work hand-in-hand with the University to design and bring to life the spirit and tradition of Penn State, while setting up Beaver Stadium to continue to serve fans for the years to come,” Radecic said.
The three firms serving as construction manager have worked together on multiple athletic facilities projects over the past 20 years and oversee the on-site renovation work.
“This project has been years in the making; to renovate Beaver Stadium is a passion project for many of us,” said Baton Mallow project executive Scott Mull, a Penn State graduate and State College resident. “Our team is eager to deliver a revitalized facility with fan-facing innovation and premium amenities while still honoring and preserving the legacy and traditions of Penn State football.”
Initial work will include winterization of the stadium with pipe insulation and other upgrades that will give the stadium the ability to host a College Football Playoff game beginning with the 2024 season and “other potential events beyond football games in the winter months, increasing revenue at the University and in the Centre Region,” according to a news release
“Improving priority safety and security, including crowd traffic control, and addressing field lighting performance,” will also completed in the initial phase.
Following the 2024 football season, the university will begin reconstruction of the west side of the stadium. While retaining the bowl seating, the project will add club and loge seats and suites. Other expected renovations throughout the stadium include improved circulation to ease spectator congestion, renovated restrooms, upgraded concessions, Wi-Fi and cellular upgrades and additional seating options, as well as code upgrades and accessibility improvements.
Construction is slated to begin in January 2025 with an anticipated completion before the start of the 2027 season.
Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved an initial expenditure of $70 million for the project in May for the initial phase of development and construction, but the overall project is estimated at $700 million.
University officials have repeatedly said that the project will be financed and paid for entirely by Intercollegiate Athletics and that no tuition or other education budget dollars will be used.
Penn State has already embarked on several smaller stadium improvement projects in the past two years, including gate expansions, the Legacy Plaza, the Tunnel Club and new concession offerings, as well as the addition of beer and wine sales
