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Penn State gets $5 million Beaver Stadium renovation gift from Marzano family; what will it go toward?

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•10/17/24•

GregPickel

penn-state-football-beaver-stadium-welcome-center
(Artist rendering courtesy of Penn State Athletics)

Penn State Athletics announced on Thursday that it has received another seven-figure gift toward its $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation project. Frank and Jennifer Marzano donated $5 million and will have the new West sideline’s primary club. No renderings were released of what it will look like. But, a news release described it as follows:

“The Marzano Club will offer a tremendous game day experience and will be a hub of campus and community activities on non-game days. This space will be one of the premier event spaces in all of Pennsylvania, filling a critical need for both the University community and the Centre Region.”

With the Marzano’s donation, Penn State has now raised $65.25 million for the renovation.

“Our family’s connection to Penn State runs deep and we take immense pride in contributing to this transformational project,” Frank Marzano said in a news release. “Beaver Stadium is very special to our family and has been a place we have gathered for years to celebrate the rich history and traditions Penn State has to offer. This project is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in the future of Penn State, in the memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, and in ensuring that the legacy of our athletics department continues to thrive. We are proud to be part of something so meaningful, not only for our family but for generations for all Penn State fans for years to come.”

Added his wife, Jennifer:

“The way we raise our kids and Frank’s professional journey have all been shaped by a profound respect for discipline, commitment, hard work and competition – all of which we have learned through our experiences at Penn State,” said Jennifer Marzano. 

More on the Penn State Beaver Stadium renovation project

Some work on the stadium — new ribbon and video boards, an east side escalator, and winterization work necessary to host a College Football Playoff game — is already done. The bulk of the true west side renovation work, however, will not start until after the 2024 season. Work is to be completed before the 2027 season.

More: PSU lands two on BTN midseason awards list

“We are incredibly appreciative of Frank and Jenn for their generous gift to our Beaver Stadium Revitalization project,” PSU athletic director Pat Kraft said. “The Marzanos are a Penn State family through and through and have strong roots in our Happy Valley community. They understand the importance of Beaver Stadium and the impact it will have on our student-athletes, alumni and fans as one of the premier venue for years to come.”

See photos of already completed Beaver Stadium work below:

A new concession area and new portable toilets are located on the upper northeast concourse at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
A new concession area and new portable toilets are located on the upper northeast concourse at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
The open-air area for fans at the expanded Gate F at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
The open-air area for fans at the expanded Gate F at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Penn State has added numerous portable toilets around the upper and lower concourses at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Penn State has added numerous portable toilets around the upper and lower concourses at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
The inside portion of the expanded fan area near Gate F at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
The inside portion of the expanded fan area near Gate F at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Escalators are being installed at the southeast corner of Beaver Stadium. Penn State expects them to be operational by the Illinois game. (Pickel/BWI)
Escalators are being installed at the southeast corner of Beaver Stadium. Penn State expects them to be operational by the Illinois game. (Pickel/BWI)
One of the new grab and go market concession stands around Beaver Stadium in 2024. (Pickel/BWI)
One of the new grab and go market concession stands around Beaver Stadium in 2024. (Pickel/BWI)
Ribbon boards now wrap around the north end zone at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Ribbon boards now wrap around the north end zone at Beaver Stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Another look at a new concession stand at Beaver Stadium. This one is in the northeast corner of the stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
Another look at a new concession stand at Beaver Stadium. This one is in the northeast corner of the stadium. (Pickel/BWI)
A look at the new video board and ribbon boards in the south end zone at Beaver Stadium. The main video board is new and offers a higher-resolution picture than its predecessor. The super ribbon boards to the right and left of it will be ready for the Ohio State game. (Pickel/BWI)
A look at the new video board and ribbon boards in the south end zone at Beaver Stadium. The main video board is new and offers a higher-resolution picture than its predecessor. The super ribbon boards to the right and left of it will be ready for the Ohio State game. (Pickel/BWI)

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