Penn State's Beaver Stadium, also known as "The House That Joe Built," is one of the most iconic and beloved stadiums in college football. With a seating capacity of over 106,572, it is the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth-largest in the world. The stadium's name is a tribute to James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania and president of the university's board of trustees. The stadium has undergone several renovations since its construction in 1960, with the most recent expansion completed in 2001. This expansion added over 12,000 seats and improved the stadium's amenities, including the addition of a new video scoreboard and an expanded concourse.
History of Penn State Field Facts

The history of Penn State field facts dates back to the early 20th century, when the university’s football team first began competing at Beaver Field. The team played at this stadium from 1909 to 1959, before moving to the current Beaver Stadium in 1960. During this time, the team experienced significant success, including several conference championships and bowl game appearances. The stadium’s field has been named after several notable Penn State alumni and coaches, including James A. Beaver and Joe Paterno. The field itself is made of natural grass, which is meticulously maintained by the university’s grounds crew to ensure optimal playing conditions.
Seating Capacity and Configuration
The seating capacity of Beaver Stadium is one of its most notable features. The stadium has a total of 106,572 seats, which are divided into several different sections. The lower deck of the stadium has a seating capacity of over 60,000, while the upper deck has a seating capacity of over 40,000. The stadium also features several luxury suites and club seats, which offer premium amenities and views of the field. The seating configuration of the stadium is designed to provide optimal views of the field, with each seat offering a unique perspective on the action. The stadium’s seating capacity has been expanded several times over the years, with the most recent expansion adding over 12,000 seats to the upper deck.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 106,572 |
| Field Surface | Natural Grass |
| Stadium Dimensions | 360 feet x 160 feet |
| Expansion Years | 1972, 1981, 1991, 2001 |

Key Points
- The seating capacity of Beaver Stadium is over 106,572, making it one of the largest stadiums in the world.
- The stadium's field is made of natural grass, which is meticulously maintained by the university's grounds crew.
- The stadium has undergone several renovations since its construction in 1960, with the most recent expansion completed in 2001.
- The stadium's design takes into account the importance of sightlines, with each seat carefully positioned to provide an unobstructed view of the field.
- The university's commitment to providing a world-class experience for its fans is evident in the attention to detail and care that goes into maintaining the stadium.
Penn State Field Facts: Recent Developments

In recent years, Penn State has made significant investments in its athletic facilities, including Beaver Stadium. The university has added new amenities, such as a state-of-the-art video scoreboard and an expanded concourse, to enhance the fan experience. The stadium has also undergone several renovations to improve its accessibility and safety features. These developments have helped to solidify Beaver Stadium’s reputation as one of the premier venues in college football. The stadium’s natural grass field has also been upgraded, with the installation of a new drainage system and the addition of new turf care equipment.
Stadium Amenities and Features
Beaver Stadium offers a wide range of amenities and features to enhance the fan experience. The stadium has several concession stands and restaurants, offering a variety of food and drink options. The stadium also features several luxury suites and club seats, which offer premium amenities and views of the field. The stadium’s concourse is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a large video scoreboard and a sound system. The stadium also has several accessible seating areas, which provide optimal views of the field for fans with disabilities. The stadium’s amenities and features are designed to provide a world-class experience for fans, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and entertainment.
What is the seating capacity of Beaver Stadium?
+The seating capacity of Beaver Stadium is over 106,572.
What type of surface does the field have?
+The field has a natural grass surface.
How many times has the stadium been expanded?
+The stadium has been expanded four times, in 1972, 1981, 1991, and 2001.