What’s new at Beaver Stadium for 2025? Penn State fan guide to renovations, parking, student entry and more
Penn State Athletics is ready to host Nittany Lion fans for the football team’s seven-game home schedule that starts next Saturday when Nevada rolls into Beaver Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. Much of what you’ve come to expect when attending a game in State College will still be in place. But, it goes without saying that some things are different amid a $700 million, multi-year renovation project that is in the “second quarter,” according to athletic director Pat Kraft.
“First quarter [was] kind of getting the demo, getting everything down, and [then] up and running,” Kraft said this week. “So yes, knock on wood, but we’re really in a good spot. We’re moving. We’re on time. “What you will see, over there, there will be walls up. We’re still working through the year. Now, we’ll stop construction on Thursday night and get ready for game day.
“They’ll continue to do all the things they can behind the scenes. You will not get to see the depth of the concourses, because we’re blocking it off so that we can continue to do construction.”
Here’s everything you need to know.
Let’s start with the most important thing
Below, you will find many references to specific gates. So, a map would help, right? Here it is for reference (Note: Gate F is not depicted on this map. But, it’s on the east side behind the suites):
Access to Beaver Stadium on the west side is changing
That’s no surprise, of course. When fans were last entering the west side of the venue, the press box was still standing. It came down in early January, and a lot of work, including the installation of temporary bleachers (which equate to 7,900 seats) and new walkways to access them, among other things, has been done since.
“For fans entering the stadium, Gates B and C will be open with entry to the existing West side field level concourse, where they can access their seats in the West lower bowl, use restrooms and concessions on the West field level concourse, or access the North and South quadrants of the stadium,” a Penn State news release says.
“The field level also provides access to four new stair towers for vertical circulation. The four towers give fans access to the new upper concourse level. The West upper concourse level connects the stadium’s North and South ends in similar fashion to the East concourse connecting the North and South ends.”
You can get a feel for those stair towers and the walkways to access them that are connected to existing infrastructure, in our photo gallery below:
What will be new to Penn State fans on the east side of Beaver Stadium?
Two escalators at Gate A and two at Gate E were in place last year. Now, “six new stair towers (two permanent, four temporary) have been added to the East side to help improve vertical circulation as well,” per Penn State.
Two temporary sets of bleachers have also been set up above Gates A and E. But, for those wondering, “the concession points of sale, grab-and-go options and restaurants available to fans will remain at full service,” around them.
What technology upgrades are now in place?
Penn State highlights new WiFi info in addition to new video boards. Here’s the complete information from the news release:
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“A new LED board will now frame the South Tunnel team entrance, replacing the existing Nittany Lion tunnel cover.
New field-level LEDs have been added along the railings of the field wall.
Temporary wireless access points are in place throughout Gates B and C on the West side, including the main concourse and club levels.
The access points are part of the stadium network, “PSU Fan.”
Fans should be aware of new ADA gates
The moves were neccessary because of construction on the west side of the stadium. Penn State says:
“The two ADA entrances are located at the Club/Letterman entrance (next to Gate A in the Southeast corner) and the All-Sports Museum entrance (next to Gate B in the Southwest).”
What is new with the student section?
Here’s the rundown, verbatim from the news release:
- 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. New in 2025, the number of color sections has increased from three to six.
- Students wishing to sit together should enter the stadium together to be given the same color wristband.
- At each portal, students will be required to show their wristband each time they enter to ensure only students are in the student section and that they are in the correct section.
- Students are required to wear their wristband 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 entry.
There is now a Bud Light Beer Garden at Beaver Stadium
Located at Gate F on the east side of the stadium, this setup will open three hours before kickoff and close one hour following the game. A game ticket is required for entry. And, there is no reentry allowed.
“Highlights of the Bud Light Backyard Beer Garden include lawn games, live televised football coverage featuring live action from across the league and nation, and a premium double-decker sports bar open to all fans, providing the perfect spot to catch the game,” Penn State says.
“A wide variety of food and beverages will be available to keep fans fueled and game day ready.”
Is the bag policy still the same?
Yes, it is. Per Penn State: “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.”
Is the one-way traffic pattern still a thing?
Yes, it is. It will go into effect approximately 2.5 hours before games (though it could always happen earlier) and will be in effect for 60-90 minutes after each contest. Fans will only be able to access their lot from certain directions during those times. Here’s a reminder of how it works:
“When the one-way traffic pattern is in effect, you must follow the entry point for your parking zone: N = Fox Hollow Road; E = Park Ave from I-99; S = Porter Road; W = Park Ave from Atherton St.”
Lots open at 7 a.m. for Noon kicks. They open at 8 a.m. for non-noon kick times.
Here’s the parking map:
Where can Penn State fans buy day-of-game parking?
It’s available in lots 25 and 36 (see above). And, you can only pay with a credit card.
Where is the rideshare pickup and drop off?
Here’s what Penn State says:
“Rideshare pickup and drop offs will be located at Pegula Ice Arena and the North Transit on the corner of Fox Hollow Road and Park Avenue.”
When will the overnight RV lot open before Penn State games?
Per PSU: “The ORV lot will be open for entry at 6 p.m. through midnight on Thursdays before home games, 6 a.m. through midnight on Fridays before home games, and either 7 a.m. (for noon kickoffs) or 8 a.m. (for all other game times) on game day.”