STATE COLLEGE — Penn State is conducting renovations to Beaver Stadium with the goal of increasing its capacity to over 109,000 by the end of 2026. This expansion aims to surpass Michigan Stadium, which has held the top capacity in college football since 1956.

The renovations are projected to bring Beaver Stadium's capacity to slightly more than 108,000 by the start of the 2026 season. Further adjustments are anticipated to push the stadium's capacity beyond 109,000 later in the 2026 season. Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft stated the renovation cost is $700 million and includes new bleacher seats on the west side of the stadium.

Kraft expects all upper bleachers to be in place by October 10, when Penn State is scheduled to face USC. He noted, "We continue to count, but I think we'll be north of 108,000." Penn State held a "topping out" ceremony in June 2026 for the Beaver Stadium renovation, which will include a new West Tower reaching 195 feet. Kraft added concerning the final capacity, "I think we could get to 109,000, but what people don't understand is there are all these nooks and crannies that we're using now."

Beaver Stadium held less than 50,000 people when it opened in 1960. Renovations and expansions have added more than 60,000 seats to its current capacity of 106,572. Michigan Stadium currently holds 107,601 fans. From 1997 to 1998, Michigan Stadium increased its capacity to 107,501. In 2015, Michigan Stadium's capacity dropped to 107,601 due to the removal of seats and the addition of handrails to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Ahead of the 2023 season, Michigan Stadium removed 45 seats but added standing room only to maintain its capacity after removing portable seating from the tunnel.

Pat Kraft also negotiated a 15-year, $50 million deal for the naming rights to the field at Beaver Stadium. Penn State reported generating record revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, topping $250 million in gross athletics revenue, and spent more than $250 million for the first time during the same fiscal year. The university also developed new business and marketing partnerships, generating more than $1 billion in future athletics revenue. Penn State signed a 10-year apparel deal with Adidas that took effect July 1, 2026, and unveiled new Adidas football uniforms in June 2026.