Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1528325
1 2 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State has broken the $60 million fundraising mark for its Beaver Sta- dium renovation plan. It did so with a $5 million donation from Playfly Sports, a sports media, marketing and technology company based in Berwyn, Pa. Playfly Sports had a relationship with Penn State prior to making its contribu- tion to the plan, which will transform the stadium extensively over the next three years. The company entered into a 15-year multimedia rights agreement with the university in January 2023. "We have only begun to scratch the surface of the opportunities this rela- tionship between Playfly Sports and Penn State Athletics will generate," Christy Hedgpeth, president of Playfly Sports Properties, said in a news release. "The Beaver Stadium revitalization project, spearheaded by [athletics director] Pat [Kraft], proves the deep commitment the athletics department has for its student- athletes, alumni, donors and fans, and we at Playfly couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of it." PSU has now raised $65.25 million in private donations for the project. The uni- versity previously received a $25 million gift from the Misitano family and PAM Health, as well as a $10 million donation from Ira Lubert and his wife, Pam Estadt. In addition, there have been two sepa- rate gifts of $10 million from anonymous donors. And on Oct. 17, Penn State an- nounced a $5 million donation from Frank and Jennifer Marzano. In recognition of the Marzanos' gift, the primary club on the west sideline of the renovated stadium will be named the Marzano Club. In addition to its use on Penn State football game days, it will serve as an event space for the university com- munity and Centre Region. "Our family's connection to Penn State runs deep, and we take immense pride in contributing to this transformational project," said Frank Marzano, founder of the GM Advisory Group, a wealth man- agement firm. The stadium renovation plan ap- proved by Penn State's board of trust- ees in May is expected to cost $700 million. Work on the west side isn't slated to begin until after the 2024 season is com- plete, but other upgrades are already un- derway. Some aren't visible to the public, like winterization of plumbing and HVAC fixtures and systems. Those improve- ments will ensure that Penn State is able to host a College Football Playoff game in December if needed. Other upgrades, like the expanded east side concourse, offer fans a place to gather before heading to their seats. New ribbon and video boards around the scoreboards and on the field level are ac- tive, and an escalator has been installed on the stadium's east side. ■ A new video board and ribbon boards were installed in the south end zone at Beaver Stadium prior to the season. The video board offers a higher-resolution picture than its predecessor. PHOTO BY GREG PICKEL With Support Growing, Beaver Stadium's Makeover Underway G R E G P I C K E L | G R E G . P I C K E L @ O N 3 . C O M Escalators have been installed at the stadium's south- east corner to help speed pedestrian traffic. PHOTO BY GREG PICKEL A new concession area is located on the upper northeast concourse of the stadium. PHOTO BY GREG PICKEL