Penn State Football reveals upgrades to Beaver Stadium as part of revitalization project

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WHTM) — As the 2024 Penn State football home opener approaches, fans can witness Beaver Stadium’s new upgrades as part of its revitalization project.

Fans will enjoy several changes to the stadium during their visits this season, most notably the expansion of the concourses above Gates A and E and the addition of escalators inside Gates A and E.

Other new features for fans are the Gate F expansion to create a fan experience zone and upgraded South end video and ribbon boards.

WHAT’S NEW AT BEAVER STADIUM

Gates A and E Upper Concourse Expansion

• Located in the southeast (Gate A) and northeast (Gate E) corners of Beaver Stadium, the upper concourse expansion of Gates A and E will improve fan circulation. The expansion adds a combined 15,050 square feet of concourse space.
• Four new escalators, two each at Gates A and E, have been installed for enhanced vertical circulation on the East side of the stadium. The four escalators can transport up to 8,000 people per hour. The escalators will not be operational until the Illinois game.
• With the expanded upper concourse comes an increase in concession points of sale, grab-and-go options, and restrooms available to fans.

Gate F Expansion

• Outside of Gate F, located on the East side of Beaver Stadium, is an open-air, 34,000-square-foot space where fans can enjoy food and drink options in a lounge area.
• Gate F creates additional fan entry points, allowing for enhanced circulation by expanding the stadium’s security perimeter. There will be 20 additional points of ticket scanning and security.
• The enhancement of Gate F will also increase concession opportunities with more locations and offerings.
• In addition, space previously used as stadium storage space has been converted into 4,000 square feet of usable fan space to improve fan circulation on the field-level concourse.

New Gate Entry Process at Gates E and F

• There will be a new entry process at Gates E and F this year to assist in circulation and congestion at those gate entries. Fans will scan their tickets before walking through the magnetometers to limit lines and waiting.
• Please note that the entry process for all other gates will remain the same in previous years with fans entering through the magnetometers and then scanning their tickets.

Video Board Improvements

• The south-end video board has been replaced with a new video board with improved resolution.
• The ribbon boards located at the North and South ends have been replaced and have increased in size.
• An additional ribbon board has been added on the South end fascia to complement the updated, existing ribbon board and the new super ribbon board.
• Finally, super ribbon boards have been installed in the South end, flanking the South end video board. Please note, the super ribbon board will not be operational until the Ohio State game.
• Field-level LED videoboards have also been added to the North end.

Improved WiFi on the Concourses

• A total of 135 new access points have been installed on the concourses at Beaver Stadium. The access points are part of a  new stadium network, “PSU Fan.”
• The “PSU Fan” network is replacing the previous AT&T fan network.

Other Beaver Stadium Revitalization Improvements

• As part of the first phase of the Beaver Stadium Revitalization project, fans will see 50 new concession points of sale and 80 new walk-up self-service non-alcoholic beverage units.
• The first phase also winterized Beaver Stadium to allow the venue to host events in colder weather conditions, such as a College Football Playoff game.
• Fans will also see improvements to East side restrooms.

Francis Family Sensory Room

• The Francis Family Sensory Room debuted midway through the season last year. The sensory room is located on the concourse level behind Section SF and provides a quiet space designed to accommodate fans with sensory issues when they feel overwhelmed and overstimulated.
• Access to the room is free to fans of all ages. Fans are asked to see their closest guest services representative to access the room.

Penn State Football also issued the following updates and reminders for entering Beaver Stadium this season leading up to the home opener.

ENTRY INTO BEAVER STADIUM

Mobile Ticketing

• Mobile ticketing continues to be the preferred delivery method for Penn State Football tickets for all games in Beaver Stadium. Mobile ticketing allows for improved ticket delivery, management, and security.
• Fans are asked to please make sure to download mobile tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay on your phone in advance of game day.
• For step-by-step instructions on how to do this, please visit here .
• Multiple charging stations are located in and around Beaver Stadium, as well as the external customer relations booths. The kiosks have charging units and adapters for iOS and Android devices.
• To assist in the gate entry process, mobile ticket scanners and walkthrough metal detectors are at every entry point.
• Fans are asked to make sure they have the newly updated Penn State Athletics Mobile App downloaded ahead of the home opener. The app was updated in July and requires an update on Apple and a new download for the Google Play store. Download the Penn State Nittany Lions App: Apple · Android .

Penn State University’s Bag Policy

• Penn State University’s bag policy remains the same for the 2024 season.
• Clear tote bags, which can be sized 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller, will be permitted.
• In addition, a 4″ x 6″ x 1″ small clutch or wristlet will continue to be permissible.
• Complete information on the University’s bag policy can be found here .
• For questions or additional details, please contact the Office of the Associate Vice President, Police & Public Safety.

Family Friendly Gates are Back in 2024

• Two family-friendly gates will again be available to fans in 2024.
• Families with children 12 years and younger can expedite their entry by entering either Gate F or the ADA Gate.
• Gate F will be a one-lane entry while the ADA gate will be two lanes.
• The family-friendly gates open 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.
• Clear diaper or tote bags, which can be sized 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller, will be permitted.

Beaver Stadium Student Entry

• The following protocols will remain in effect for student entry this season.
  • Students should have their mobile season ticket and Penn State ID ready as they begin the entry process.
  • After presenting their mobile season ticket, students will receive a non-transferable wristband to validate their entry into the student section.
  • At each portal, students will be required to show their wristbands each time they enter to ensure only students are in the student section.
  • Students are required to wear their wristbands throughout the entirety of the game, including while sitting in their seating section.
  • Students will also see an operational change in how the student section is filled, which will improve safety and ease of entry.
  • Students and fans are encouraged to report any issues by texting NITTANY to 69050 and demonstrate their Happy Valley Hospitality by exhibiting behaviors to make Beaver Stadium game day safe.

Lap Ticket Policy in Effect for Children Under 2

• Fans looking to bring children under the age of two to a football game in Beaver Stadium may purchase a lap ticket(s) at a discounted rate of $10 for their infant (subject to availability).
• This ticket will allow entry to the venue, but the child must sit on their parent/guardian’s lap.
• If a seat must be occupied by the child and/or carrier, then a regular ticket must be purchased.
• Fans can purchase lap tickets on the day of the game at Beaver Stadium when box offices open at either Gate E or Gate B.

PREGAME AND TAILGATING

Beaver Stadium Block Party is Back in 2024

• The Beaver Stadium Block Party returns this season and will take place on Curtin Road, between University Drive and Porter Road.
• Fans can expect food, football, and fun each week with different activities along Curtin Road such as live music, inflatable games, fan photo booths, food trucks, caricature artists, and more.
• Penn State Football poster and buttons will be available at the marketing table.
• The live music will be performed on the main team arrival stage for all games.
• Penn State Bookstore merchandise trailers selling officially licensed Penn State gear and traditional book-style game programs will be spread out along Curtin Road, as well as other locations around the stadium.
• Cheer on the team as they arrive at Beaver Stadium at the Team Arrival Pep Rally two hours before kickoff featuring the Penn State cheerleaders, Lionettes dance team, Penn State Blue Band, and the Nittany Lion mascot.
• The Penn State Blue Band marches down the middle of the Block Party approximately one hour before the start of each game.
• Bathrooms will be open and available for fans in both the Bryce Jordan Center (via gates A and B) and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Happy Valley Hospitality and Tailgating Reminders

• Penn State Athletics reminds fans to be respectful, show their Happy Valley Hospitality and exhibit the behaviors to make Beaver Stadium game day safe. Be loud, proud, respectful, responsible, great fans and gracious hosts.
• Fans are asked to please be alert to cars entering and exiting the parking lot.
• Intercollegiate Athletics has also worked diligently on recycling and sustainability across ICA events and activities. Those sustainability efforts include making recycling bags available in the Beaver Stadium parking lots. Fans are encouraged to be environmentally responsible and participate in Penn State’s recycling and sustainability efforts by separating recyclable items before, during, and after the game.
• Blue recycling bags and clear trash bags are located throughout the Beaver Stadium parking lots. Bottles and cans only should be placed in the blue recycling bags. All other items should be placed in the clear trash bags.

19 Penn State Bookstore Locations

• The Penn State Bookstore will have 19 locations inside and outside of the stadium on game days.
• Penn State merchandise and book-style game programs are available at all 19 locations.
• All locations will be cashless.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC

Game Day Traffic Pattern Remains in Effect

• Penn State football’s game day traffic pattern will be in place once again this season.
• Please visit here to get to know your route to Beaver Stadium before you depart for the game.
• One-way traffic patterns will begin tentatively 2.5 hours prior to kickoff for all games.
• Fans can stay up to date on travel restrictions by visiting www.penndot.gov. Motorists can also stay up to date on the latest travel conditions by visiting www.511PA.com .
• Fans can follow @beaver_stadium on Twitter for traffic and parking updates on game day.

Day of Game Parking Purchase Location

• Day-of-game parking can only be purchased (credit or debit only) at both Lot 25 and Lot 36.
• Game day parking sales will begin when lots open until sold out or kickoff, whichever comes first.
• General parking purchased in advance is variably priced starting at $50 per game, while day-of-game parking will also be variably priced starting at $80 per game, pending availability.
• Fans are encouraged to purchase parking passes in advance to not only to benefit from the savings but also to assist in smoother traffic and parking operations by displaying the pass as they approach roads to stadium parking.
• Fans can purchase up to three advance single-game parking passes per account, per game, pending availability.
• Parking Zone colors are as follows this season: West (green), North (blue), East (orange), and South (purple).
• More information on parking and traffic can be found at: gopsusports.com/gameday.

Overnight Lot Presented by Lerch RV

• Lerch RV will be at all Penn State home football games this season, providing service to those in the Overnight RV Lot, as needed.
• The ORV lot will open at 6 p.m. on Thursdays before home games.

Penn State’s 2024 home opener is this Saturday, September 7 at 12 p.m. against Bowling Green.

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