University Park, PA (WJAC) — A "big decision" is expected this week on the future of Penn State's Beaver Stadium.
The university's trustees are slated to vote on a renovation plan that's expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and there are already questions about where Penn State is going to come up with that kind of money.
Beaver Stadium’s current construction zone is work that is being funded by a $70 million allocation approved by the Penn State trustees last year.
But what’s on the table for the trustees’ special meeting on Tuesday is larger, a much larger amount, expected to be closer to $700 million for a stadium renovation that will include adding luxury suites, and upgraded seating on the stadium's west side.
With a new state budget taking shape in Harrisburg, we asked one Centre County lawmaker if there's any talk of state funding for the stadium project.
“When you look at the Beaver Stadium renovation, no one has come to us at this point, to my knowledge, asking for any money for that project. In fact, there was a question asked awhile back about monies being put in the budget, at one time. Those monies would have expired. It never moved forward. So, at this time, no one has come to me for a request, and to my knowledge there is no money being put in the budget at this time.”
Penn State does receive an annual state funding allocation, but that money is earmarked for specific purposes.
“One of the things everyone has to remember is the monies we give to Penn State are for the students, it’s not for any construction. It’s not for any other type of things they want to do.”
More details on the proposed Beaver Stadium renovation are expected to be unveiled by the university’s athletic department at the trustee meeting.
If approved, a previous timetable noted the entire project would be completed by the start of the 2027 football season.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLS4xK2rnqpdma6quNhop6ytXam%2Ftr%2FTnpysZZWtvaav056bZqyfYrqit8RmmaKfXZmypLXSoqanZZ%2Bjeq%2Bx161kqaCRqLJuu8VmmZ6Zppq%2Fbr%2FTmpuirZ1ivbO7yZ6arQ%3D%3D