"The rich get richer": Fans go wild at Penn State's $700M project by demolishing press box

Penn State is set to transform Beaver Stadium with a $700 million renovation project, approved by the Board of Trustees and scheduled for completion before the 2027 college football season, according to ESPN. The ambitious upgrade ensures the stadium retains its status as the second-largest in college football, with a seating capacity of over 100,000.

The renovation will be entirely self-funded, relying on fundraising, sponsorships, ticket sales and concessions. Importantly, no tuition dollars or educational budget funds will be used. The university may take up to $700 million in debt to finance the project.

Fans erupt as Penn State unveils its ambitious $700M project, starting with the demolition of the press box.

"The rich get richer," one fan commented.

“700m can't get you a brand new stadium?,” another wrote.

“There is a reason why Penn State graduates are the best Walmart greeters,” one wrote.

Screenshot, via Instagram

“Keep the money coming in. I want to seat 200k by 2030,” a fan wrote.

“World of greed,” another wrote.

“Doesn’t it seem like an incredible waste to spend 700m on a college football stadium? Students there will be in debt the rest of their lives from loans. But woooo new football scoreboard!!” a fan wrote.

Screenshot, via Instagram

Penn State Beaver Stadium’s major upgrades

The trustees have officially approved renovation plans for Beaver Stadium after a thorough analysis envisioning a vibrant future for Penn State athletics and the surrounding community. The project will be fully funded by Intercollegiate Athletics, ensuring no impact on tuition fees or the educational budget.

Key upgrades include:

• A new 21,000-square-foot welcome center
• Widened concourses
• New escalators
• Improved field lighting
• Videoboard replacements
• Winterization for year-round usability

Significant donations have already boosted the project, including:

• $25 million from the Misitano family and PAM Health
• Two anonymous $10 million contributions
• $10 million from Ira Lubert and Pam Estadt to name the welcome center

The project, approved by a 26-2 vote with three abstentions, will address $200 million in deferred maintenance costs while unlocking new revenue opportunities.