Along the way, Penn State football won two national championships, completed four undefeated seasons, and won 16 bowl games. [4] The stadium, as well as its predecessors, is named after James A. Beaver (18371914), a governor of Pennsylvania (188791), president of the university's board of trustees,[5] and native of nearby Millerstown. The campus is beautiful and there's a great, downtown filled with cool shops, restaurants & bars. Penn State news by The increased scope included a brand-new gate/concourse, a large electrical upgrade re-feeding the north endzone buildings, and a complete re-paving underneath the bowl just two months before substantial completion. Annual IFC Holiday Lights Tour Brings Cheer To State College, Meet Canvas, Penn States New Course Management Platform Pilot, Chalk It Up: Penn State Seniors Unique Art Project Goes Viral, Penn State History Lesson: Martin Luther King Jr.s Speech In Rec Hall, Penn State Football Fires Wide Receivers Coach Taylor Stubblefield. Michigan Stadium: 107,601: 2: Beaver Stadium: 106,572: 3: Ohio Stadium: 104,944: 4: Kyle Field: 102,512: . American football stadium at Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. National championship seasons in bold; College Cup seasons in italics, Attendance record by Beaver Stadium capacity, List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums, "Beaver Stadium: The Home of Penn State Football", "The Nation's Best: Eighth Annual Herbie Awards", "Live Ms Student Section | Taco Bell | ESPN", "Penn State's Beaver Stadium wins the 2019 Ultimate Stadium Bracket", "Google Maps' Street View captures University Park, including stadium", "Penn St. officials looking to renovate or replace stadium in near future", "Penn State Dedicates Beaver Stadium Seat In Honor Of POW/MIA Soldiers", "New Beaver Stadium attendance record set in Penn State-Ohio State game", "Penn State-Ohio State Clash Delivers ESPN's Second Largest College Football Audience", "Penn State Fans Earn Top Four Finish in NCAA Football Attendance For 15th Consecutive Year", "Penn State ranked as one of top 25 tailgate colleges", "NHL wants trademark 'White Out' faded out", "Auburn vs. Penn State - Game Summary - September 18, 2021 - ESPN", "Zombie Nation - Penn State football blog", "How Penn State's White Out became the in thing", "ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit ranks Penn State's student section as college football's best", College of Information Sciences and Technology, Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beaver_Stadium&oldid=1127907960, Defunct athletics (track and field) venues in the United States, Tourist attractions in Centre County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2018, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1991, 2001, 2011, This page was last edited on 17 December 2022, at 09:24. When completed, this would mark Beaver Stadiums eighth expansion since its construction in 1960, with the most recent expansion occurring in 2001. Fans should reinstall the new Penn State athletics mobile app on their personal devices. With the needed structural updates and some nods to the future, the stadium should serve Penn State football well for decades to come. The capacity sits at 106,572. "When those athletes roll in on July 30 or 31st, whatever day it is on any . But antiquated infrastructure has prevented its wider use. Several expanisions and renovation projects helped increase seating capacity, improve amenities and enhance the overall experience for the most dedicated fans in college football. 2023. Penn State's student blog, Natty Nittany An expansion and renovation prior to the 2001 season added more than 12,000 seats, increasing the stadium's capacity to 106,572 and easing the waiting list for season ticket requests from Penn State fans. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I never would have thought when I arrived at Penn State four years ago that I ever would have gotten to experience something like that, and its all because of Onward State.. Beaver Stadium is widely known as one of the toughest venues for opposing teams in collegiate athletics. [24] After the Nittany Lions make a big play, (typically on defense) the stadium blasts the song "Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation which ignites 107,000 into a frenzied blur all bouncing up and down in unison, waving towels and shakers wildly chanting "WE ARE PENN STATE" during the break in the melody of the song. Through the years, the stadium has seen its fair share of renovation, standing still as history moved forward. Penn State does not have a start date for the stadium renovations and will continue to work with Kansas City, Missouri-based architecture firm Populous to implement the construction in phases. Penn State continued to address those questions as it announced the next phase of its Beaver Stadium renovation plan. Penn State's student blog, Natty Nittany One expansion phase was rather controversial. When was the last time athlete dorms and apartments were updated? In January 1965, King spoke to a sold out crowd at Rec Hall about voting rights and the fight for civil rights. Last year Beaver Stadium saw changes to the Gate E portion of the outer concourse and will see somewhat similar modifications with an additional concrete walkway connecting Gate E and Gate C as . A new barbecue stand will feature what Penn State calls a "farm to stadium concept" with pulled pork sandwiches, pork-in-a-dish and loaded sausage nachos. This stadium was built on the northeast side of Rec Hall, an area now occupied by the Nittany Lion Inn and the Nittany Parking Deck. 11/9/7 Penn State Takes Down No. The sweeping, 20-year project touched more than two dozen venues, created a 45,000-square-foot Center of Excellence and planned a significant refresh of the university's flagship sports venue. Put that money into facilities that attract athletes instead. Photo via Wikipedia. On the opposite side of the stadium, letters spelling, "Penn State Nittany Lions" have been added to the press box, with "Beaver Stadium" running below. Doing a few rough calculations (area under the curve and 2D), and assuming the fan density is the same as the bottom deck, it would come out to about .38 or a 38% increase. After moving fromOld Main lawn in 1893, the Penn State football team found itself a perfectlocation for a stadium: directly between present-day Osmond and Frear Laboratories. In 2019, it was named student section of the year by a committee of ESPN broadcasters and writers. Beaver Stadium reopened to fans in 2021, and the program reported a cumulative total of 747,595 ticket-holders for seven home games. Penn State said the study is expected to last through this summer. Reser Stadium - formerly known as Parker Stadium, is and has been the home for Oregon State Beaver football since 1953. Rows 53 and above in Section SC are . The limitations prevent wider use of the venue; the university would like to expand the number of events held at Beaver Stadium, such as major concerts and a long-discussed potential hosting of the NHL Winter Classic. Still, is that the best use of Penn State's precious sports dollars? Beaver Stadium Gate E Entrance Location. Photo Story The third home of Penn State could seat 30,000 people. In 1978, 16,000 seats were added when the stadium was cut into sections and raised on hydraulic lifts, allowing the insertion of . [13] Officials state that there is a recognized need in an upgrade in the facilities. It didnt look quite the same as it does right now because significant changes to the building were made around 1930. The boards are only the second of their kind made and are 4k UHD. Landscaping work on the Pennsylvania State University sign at the corner of Porter Rd. After failed experiments with "Code Blue" during the down year of 2004, a localized version of the "Winnipeg White Out" made national headlines during the 2005 game versus Ohio State. 1. The earliest date for stadium-wide alcohol sales is the Sept. 24 game against Central Michigan. Beaver Stadium has a capacity of 106,572 after its last upgrade in 2014. The $153 million project, which will fully renovate the stadium's west side, received approval by the OSU Board of Trustees . Onward Debates In the fall semester of 2015, university officials stated that they are seeking options to renovate or replace Beaver Stadium in the next 10 years. The Butz Family of Companies has partnered with Penn State on multiple projects at Beaver Stadium for more than 30 years. Its main goals are to identify and analyze upcoming large-scale maintenance projects within the stadium. In 2008, itwas recognized as having the best student section in the country for the second consecutive year. Many fans are opposed to replacing Beaver Stadium due to the history and tradition but many agree that there is a need for renovation. Once completed, the 106,572-seat, nearly six-decade-old Beaver Stadium could include a brick facade and see its capacity decrease to 100,000 to improve fan comfort and increase its ability to host events in such sports as professional hockey and soccer. . This ground was named for James Beaver in June 1892, the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1887 until 1891, and a war hero who got wounded 4 times during the American Civil War. Also, sell beer and wine stadium-wide. Alcohol is permitted in all areas around Beaver Stadium and is sold inside the stadium on home football games, as of 2022. The tailgating, the chanting, getting pelted in the head with cups full of ice or tobacco spit, the rivers of urine.ok, maybe its not all great, but it . During whiteout games, a special week-long camping starts on Monday instead of the usual Wednesday or Thursday. The "S-zone" was moved from the 20 yard line to its current location at the beginning of the 2011 football season, as the student section was shifted over to between the 10 yard lines. One expansion phase was rather controversial, 8. Beaver Stadium, in all its simplicity and elegance, truly is a wonder. (814) 231-6461. Aaron is also a proud photographer and writer at Onward State. The record attendance at Beaver Stadium was achieved on September 29, 2018. Another expansion in 1976 increased capacity to 60,203. Official Fan Travel and Hospitality Services, https://gopsusports.com/sports/2020/7/30/football-game-day-home.aspx, Heading into Wild Card Weekend, 19 Nittany Lions Populate 11 NFL Playoff Organizations, No. This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Penn State remembers Dr. Kings monumental work for the civil rights movement. Penn State confident in Beaver Stadium's ability to host first-round CFP games. "This is an important commitment on the part of the University to the future of Penn State football," said head Coach Joe . Located within the campus of Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon, US, Reser Stadium is undergoing renovation and redevelopment. . In 2011, the stadium capacity was reduced from 107,282 seats to 106,572 to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.[12]. The study jointly conducted by Penn State Athletics and Populous is expected to run through the end of summer 2021. The project was completed prior to the first home game of the 2014 season. Zero first aid, recordable, and lost time incidents. 2012 is the exception, which was added to this list during the November 24, 2012 game against Wisconsin to honor the team that played after sanctions were passed down during the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Michael Baker Jr., Inc. [3] HOK Sport (2001 expansion) Tenants. 9/7/2021 10:42:00 AM. Officials said then that 100,000 is an "important number for us" regarding capacity, calling it a competitive advantage. Penn State University Beaver Stadium Expansion, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States. The stadium that finally brought the capacity of over 100,000 spectators took place in the year 2001. His first team played its home game on the Old Main lawn on campus in State College, Pennsylvania, before the 500-seat Beaver Field opened in 1893. I'm sure it didn't look much different than after the 1974 expansion. 35-year-old King spoked to a crowd of nearly 9,000 students and community members about voting rights and the fight for civil rights in 1965. The 2019 Whiteout game against Michigan underscored that point. There are several Penn State alumni within the company, two of which will be working closely with Penn State Athletics on this study. In 2006, the stadium underwent major structural and aesthetic upgrades. While it primarily housedthe football team, it also contained a track, baseball field, and lacrosse and soccer field. The Pennsylvania State University was founded in 1855 as the Farmers High School of Pennsylvania. But Beaver Stadium doesn't need a new facade or a dramatic physical overhaul that would add nine figures to the renovation budget. SRG Partnership, in collaboration with Populous, and design-build partner Hoffman Construction are leading the project which puts the . These are important revenue drivers and were requested in fan surveys. in the south endzone; renovation of the home team locker room and media room; and We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An iron gate has replaced the old chain-link face at the players' entrance into the stadium. In the years leading up to 1991, Beaver Stadium underwent a number of renovations, which significantly expanded the venue's seating capacity to fit a larger contingent of Penn State faithfuls. Pennsylvania State University Beaver Stadium Expansion: State College, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Engineering Buildings: State College, Pennsylvania . 7. Onward Debates For John Auerbach, the sound of chalk represents an outlet for expression. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. StadiumDB.com stadium database. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Another expansion in 1976 increased capacity to 60,203. "Let's Go, PSU" - A more recently started chant which plays during a performance of The Hey Song by the Penn State Blue Band prior to every game. Penn State says the expansion will . The stadium's capacity has been expanded nine times and renovated five times over the years. Gates, ramps and concourses need to be widened to smooth fan access to their seats. Zombie Nation is a tradition that was started during the 2004 football season. After the wave passes around the stadium twice, the student section slows down the wave to about a fourth the speed of the normal wave. After he stands back up, he and the Nittany Lion, who is holding his baton, take five high-steps toward each other, meeting 5 yards deep in the end zone. Were here to take you through on a visual journey, and help you experience the transformation from past to present. Penn State will continue to use mobile ticketing this season. And would some of that money be better spent elsewhere, perhaps on athlete facilities instead? A major and somewhat controversial construction project took place in 2001, raising the stadium's total capacity to 107,282. It didnt have a stand so its not officially recognized as Penn States first ground, though.Old Main / George Chriss / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en. There are several Penn State alumni within the company, two of which will be working closely . When the renovations are complete, the capacity . Penn State says the expansion will reduce congestion and improve fan circulation around the stadium. After OSU played in the 1965 Rose Bowl, additional end zone bleacher seats were added to raise the capacity of the stadium to 33,000. . Iconic Beaver Stadium is home to our beloved Penn State football team, 107,000 of our closest friends, and the best student section in the country. Beer coolers are seen in a stadium corridor after the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. Advanced purchases: $15/car and $60/RV. The Reser Stadium Expansion at Oregon State University (OSU) will transform the stadium into a best-in-class football facility with year-round amenities accessible by all students, athletes, faculty and staff. Beaver Stadium has an official seating capacity of 106,572,[6] making it currently the second largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. There's a fine line to walk between maintaining the old-school feel while upgrading the interior infrastructure to better serve fans. In 1909, New Beaver Field opened just northeast of Rec Hall, roughly in the current location of the Nittany Parking deck. Beaver Stadium was expanded by 16,000 seats to bring the capacity to 76,639 in1978. From 1969 through 1980, the stadium expanded to 83,770, followed by the addition oflights in 1984.in 1985, the ramps added to each corner of the stadium slightly reduced the seating capacity by 400. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. [10], Beaver Stadium was the first to have its interior included in Google Street View. It was rebuilt in the northeast corner of campus and renamed Beaver Stadium., During this reconstruction, the capacity was also increased to 46,284 seats, which was still only the size of the lower half of the stadium today.New Beaver Field which was dismantled and rebuilt / Wiki Commons. [21] This was deemed a success, as the student section was declared "the best in the country" by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, and the Nittany Lions won the game in an intense defensive battle, 1710. This is known as the "trademark drill" of the Blue Band. Most notably, Gates E and F have been expanded to ease the entry process and reduce congestion near the Beaver Stadium ticket office. In a news release, Penn State said that, through the survey, it seeks to develop recommendations about "Beaver Stadiums near- and long-term maintenance needs, operational efficiencies, partnership opportunities as well as improvements to the fan and student-athlete experience.". Heres an overview of Beaver Stadium history facts regarding the expansions: Back in 2011, the stadium capacity was slightly reduced and the total capacity of Beaver Stadium right now is 106,572. The New Beaver Field, which could seat 30,000 people, was completely dismantled in the year 1959. . 100k+ fans, great tailgating and one of the top football programs in the country. Beaver Field, as it was called, seated 500 spectators, and was christened with a 32-0 victory over what we now unfortunately know as Pitt. Penn State officials have drawn parallels between their plans and the $485 million renovations Populous oversaw of Texas A&M's Kyle Field. Parking passes are $60 when purchased on gameday and $50 in advance. This will make Beaver Stadium the second largest collegiate stadium behind The University of Michigan, which is expanding to 107,000 seats. Expansion of Beaver Stadium's Gate C. Penn State has expanded the area around Gate C in the stadium's northwest corner to smooth fan entry into Beaver Stadium. Beaver Stadium Gate E is located on the northeast corner of Beaver Stadium. Beaver Stadium has more than doubled in size since it was moved from its former west campus site just northeast of Rec Hall to the east side of campus in 1960. In late October, the walls surrounding the field were refaced with Pennsylvania limestone. The expansion of the sale of alcohol in Beaver Stadium has been under consideration and the university and ICA have been putting plans in place for this possibility. Lets just say that not everybody appreciated this upgrade, even though it meant that the stadium in Pennsylvania officially became the second-largest stadium in the United States after this.The stand that blocks the view of Mount Nittany / Wiki Commons. Beaver Stadium . The renovation expanded the size of the video boards by eliminating the current game clock and lamp matrix display. It is also featured in Penn State's White Out games, which use Zombie Nation's Kernkraft 400 as the fight song instead of Fight On, State.