Penn State hires architect, construction managers for $700M renovation of Beaver Stadium

Penn State has awarded a contract for architectural work on its planned $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium to a firm versed in major sports construction projects, including on Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills stadium now being built.

Monday’s announcements of hiring Populous to handle architectural work, as well as hiring a construction manager with Penn State and State College ties, are the latest moves involving the planned $700 million upgrade and restoration of the home of Nittany Lions football for six-plus decades.

The multi-year project is anticipated to finish ahead of the 2027 football season. Construction is expected to begin in January 2025.

Populous was selected after a competitive bidding process, as was the construction manager, a joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander, officials said.

Scott Mull, project executive from Barton Malow, is both a Penn State alum and State College resident, university officials said.

“We are excited to partner with these top-tier firms for the Beaver Stadium renovations,” 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.”

Kraft added, “We know these groups will preserve the history of Beaver Stadium while bringing it to a more updated and fan-friendly venue.”

Populous has done previous design work for Penn State, including its 2001 Beaver Stadium expansion.

In February, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced that the university would seek to renovate rather than replace the landmark stadium. She and other officials said the project will be paid for entirely with athletic department funds without using taxpayer or tuition dollars.

Beaver Stadium stands at the corner of Porter Road and Park Avenue and has been at that location since 1960. Its capacity of nearly 107,000 places is among the largest in college football.

Bill Sitzabee, Penn State’s chief facilities officer, said work initially will focus on improving safety and security for traffic and pedestrians and addressing field lighting performance, as well as winterization work that will allow stadium use when temperatures are below freezing. That will enable Penn State to host a College Football Playoff game in 2024 and non-football events, boosting revenue for Penn State and the Centre County region.

Penn State will then begin a multi-year effort to reconstruct the west side of the stadium, preserving the traditional bowl-style seating while adding club and loge seats and executive and founder’s suites, Sitzabee explained.

There will be work throughout the stadium to lessen spectator congestion, improve restrooms, upgrade concessions, upgrade Wi-Fi and cellular service, and provide additional seating options.

Populous, a global design firm, was chosen “for its background in creating iconic shared human experiences that serve campuses and communities around the world,” Penn State said in a project update.

It added that the three companies managing the project have a rich history of working together on multiple athletic facilities over the past 20 years.

“This project has been years in the making. To renovate Beaver Stadium is a passion project for many of us,” said Mull, the project executive and a Penn State alum. “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.”