Penn State officials are "seeking options to renovate or replace Beaver Stadium in the next 10 years," according to Travis Johnson of the AP. PSU has "hired an architecture firm to recommend improvements and funding plans for its 18 athletic facilities, including the world's third-largest stadium." PSU AD Sandy Barbour said, "Nobody's trying to either renovate Beaver or build a new stadium just to be doing it. There's a recognized need. I've not run into anybody that doesn't recognize that need." Johnson notes the 106,572-seat venue "has undergone seven expansions since moving from the other side of campus" in '60, but it "remains antiquated." Outdated plumbing "requires complete winterization each November," and elevators "are small and sluggish while concourses are narrow." The stadium also "lacks in concession options and still uses bleachers." The limitations "prevent wider use of the venue." Barbour said that she would "like to see concerts and other sports like hockey in the facility." Barbour is "hoping Penn State will be able to work with what it currently has rather than build a new stadium." Barbour is asking K.C.-based Populous to "survey athletes, coaches, alumni and fans and present its findings in July." PSU Deputy AD & COO Phil Esten said that the school will then "aggressively implement suggested upgrades" (AP, 10/1).
