With the initial stages of the $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation having begun this summer, Penn State fans will encounter a variety of changes and improvements during the 2024 home schedule.
Expanded concourses, additional concessions, new video boards, improved WiFi and more await the Nittany Lion faithful when Penn State kicks off its home slate at noon on Saturday against Bowling Green. More improvements, including new escalators and a super ribbon board, also will come online throughout the season
Here’s a look at what’s new at the stadium this season as announced by the Penn State Athletic Department on Monday evening.
GATE A AND E CONCOURSE EXPANSIONS
The expansion of the upper concourses at Gates A (the student entry at the southeast corner) and E (northeast corner) add 15,050 square feet of space to improve fan circulation. With the expanded space, the number of concession points of sale, grab-and-go options and restrooms have increased.
Four new escalators — two at Gate A and two at Gate E — will not be operational until the Illinois game on Sept. 28. Once up and running, they will improve vertical circulation on the east side of the stadium with capacity to move 8,000 people per hour.
GATE F EXPANSION
A 34,000-square-foot, open-air space has been added outside Gate F on the east side of the stadium for fans to enjoy food and drink in a lounge area. The expansion creates additional entry points and extends the security perimeter, adding 20 points of ticket scanning and security.
Gate F will have more concession locations and offerings, and space previously used for storage has been converted into 4,000 square feet of usable fan space to improve circulation on the field level concourse.
NEW GATE ENTRY PROCESSES AT GATES E AND F
To assist with circulation and alleviate congestion, a new entry process will be in place at Gates E and F. Fans will scan their tickets prior to walking through the magnetometers to limit waiting times.
Entry processes at all other gates will remain the same, with fans entering through magnetometers then scanning their tickets.
VIDEO BOARD IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS
The south end video board has been replaced with a new, higher resolution board, and the ribbon boards at the north and south ends have been replaced with larger ones.
Another ribbon board has been added to the south end to complement the updated existing board and a new super ribbon board.
The new super ribbon board at the south end flanks the video board. It will not be operational, however, until the Ohio State game on Nov. 2.
Field-level video boards have also been added to the north end.
IMPROVED WIFI
Fans should see better WiFi connections on the concourses with the addition of 135 new access points. The access points are on the new stadium network “PSU Fan,” which replaces the previous AT&T fan network.
OTHER CHANGES
Throughout the stadium, 50 new concession points of sale and 80 self-service units for non-alcoholic beverages are being added in the first phase of the Beaver Stadium project.
Improvements have been made to the east side restrooms.
The stadium has also been winterized, a key upgrade for the ability to host a College Football Playoff game and other cold-weather events.
WHAT’S RETURNING
• The Francis Family Sensory Room, which debuted midway through last season, is located on the concourse level behind Section SF and provides a quiet space for fans with sensory issues when they feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. Fans are asked to see a guest services representative to access the room, which is open to all ages.
• Mobile ticketing remains the preferred delivery method, and fans should download their tickets prior to arriving at the game.
• Game day traffic patterns will remain in effect, and one-way traffic patterns will begin two and a half hours before kickoff. Day of game parking can only be purchased — by debit or credit card only — at Lot 25 and Lot 36. Variable game day pricing starts at $80, pending availability. Parking purchased in advance is variably priced starting at $50.
• The stadium bag policy remains unchanged: Clear tote bags, sized 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller, will be permitted, along with a 4″ x 6″ x 1″ small clutch or wristlet will be permitted.
• Two family-friendly gates return at Gate F and the ADA gate for families with children 12 and younger to expedite entry. They open two and a half hours prior to kickoff, and clear diaper or tote bags, sized 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller, will be permitted.
• Fans who wish to bring under the age of 2 may purchase a lap tickets at a discounted rate of $10. They can be purchased on game day at Gates E or B. If a seat must be occupied by a child or carrier, a regular ticket is required.
• The Beaver Stadium Block Party will return to Curtin Road between University Drive and Porter Road. The pregame events will feature live music, inflatable games, photo booths, food trucks, caricature artists and more. The Block Party is the site of the team arrival approximately two hours prior to kickoff and the Blue Band will march through about one hour before kickoff. Bathrooms will be available for fans in the Bryce Jordan Center and Medlar Field.
