Penn State University demolished Beaver Stadium’s historic press box Saturday morning, the beginning of a major phase of its $700 million renovation project for the college football stadium that is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Project executive Scott Mull described the “highly technical” process before the January 4 demolition in front of a cheering crowd.
“There is a highly technical exercise happening here, a series of … three black boxes going up the column all the way across the press box. There’s charges in those and those will be detonated … basically kicking the legs out from under this.”
Athletic director Pat Kraft joined hundreds of spectators in the Stadium West parking lot to watch the controlled explosion amid snow squalls. Steve Jones, Penn State football’s radio voice, hosted the event.
“It’s all about turning this into the palace you deserve,” Jones told the crowd. “Not [just] the press box, everything on the west side is going to be done. It’s all being done for all of you and for the football program, because it’s the best program in the country with the best fans, and you deserve the best experience.”
Take a look —
End of an era! Tons of unbelievable memories! Goodbye@beaver_stadium
press box!pic.twitter.com/V49McBksDG— Caveman Gamer (@CavemanGamer99) January 6, 2025
HD Drone Video of PSU Beaver Stadium Press Box Demolition!#ESPN #PSU #NittanyLions #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/adM1UQpwbY
— Justin Melanson (@avioindustries) January 5, 2025
The demolished press box held historical significance, originally part of New Beaver Field before being moved and reassembled during Beaver Stadium’s construction after the 1959 season. Its final configuration dated to 1980.
Construction crews began work December 22, following Penn State’s College Football Playoff game against SMU. Workers will operate around the clock for six weeks to clear debris and prepare for new construction.
The renovation includes multiple phases. The 2025 season will see temporary bleachers replace upper-level seating, while 2026 will involve lower bowl removal. Plans include new suites, club seating, a broadcast-level press box, and a 21,000-square-foot welcome center. The project also encompasses wider concourses and expanded security perimeters creating new fan experience zones.
Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved initial funding of $70 million in 2023, followed by authorization of up to $630 million more in May.
University officials confirmed no tuition or tax dollars will fund the project, which will be financed through university-backed debt paid by the athletic department and donations.
The university has already completed smaller upgrades, including new video boards, escalators at Gates A and E, and additional amenities before the 2024 season.
The athletic department plans to sell salvaged items, including upper West stadium signage and bleachers, at a future date. During Saturday’s event, fans could sign a bleacher from the upper West stands and enter a drawing for construction hats signed by Penn State coaches.
Construction is scheduled to maintain stadium capacity through temporary seating arrangements over the next two seasons, with full completion targeted before the 2027 season.