Penn State University (PSU) is considering renovating or relocating its football stadium, but the school's athletic director insists such action is only due to a real need.
Speaking with The Associated Press, Sandy Barbour indicated that need is clear to her and to many people in State College. The school even hired an architecture firm to upgrade its 18 athletic facilities.
"Nobody's trying to either renovate Beaver or build a new stadium just to be doing it," Barbour told The AP. "There's a recognized need. I've not run into anybody that doesn't recognize that need."
She did allow that she is hoping for a renovation rather than building a new stadium, acknowledging the intangible atmosphere inhabiting Beaver Stadium. But Barbour would like to see the arena hosting concerts and non-football sporting events, The AP noted.
"That would absolutely be my preference, no doubt about it, for a variety of reasons," she said. "Not the least of which is history and tradition."
Some of those non-football uses will require updated plumbing, concession stands, and better navigation avenues like wider concourses and better elevators. Renovations may also include removing the bleachers, which are increasingly becoming a thing of the past.
The school revealed in a news release they contracted Populous, an architecture firm based in Kansas City, to update the school's athletic facilities. The firm will also survey students, alumni, fans, faculty, student-athletes, and athletics employees before turning in a report next July.
"This facilities master plan will be critical in conjunction with our strategic plan as we develop our road map for the short and long term future," Barbour said in the release. "This study will encompass all our venues and spaces and be vital in helping us determine our options in creating the best conditions for success for our student-athletes, enhance the fan experience and add value for our passionate alumni and fans while maximizing the potential of all our facilities."
