Penn State Seeks $90 Million for Athletics Facilities Upgrades
Penn State Athletics is requesting more than $90 million for facilities upgrades that include the next phase of the Lasch Football Building renovation and long-awaited upgrades for the soccer program.
At its May 5 meeting, Penn State's Board of Trustees will vote on $90.15 million in funding for five athletics projects to support a variety of programs. In addition, the board will vote on a $70 million plan to begin the first phase of renovations to Beaver Stadium. Athletic Director Patrick Kraft made facilities a priority upon arriving at Penn State last year, and the department still has a list of projects to complete from its 2017 facilities master plan. The proposed projects cover a variety of needs.
Lasch Football Building
What's happening: Penn State recently completed Phase 1 of renovations to the football team's home, which included a $48.3 project highlighted by a new weight room. In Phase 2, Penn State plans to renovate offices and meeting spaces on Lasch's second floor as well as build an expansion above the Lasch patio to create event space.
Proposed cost: $22 million, funded by Penn State Athletics.
Jeffrey Field Complex
What's happening: The home of Penn State's men and women's soccer teams since 1972 will see quite an overhaul. Plans call for a new operations center, locker rooms, training and treatment facilities, coaches' offices and more. The addition will comprise about 24,000 square feet and serve as the programs' home.
Proposed cost: $21.25 million, funded by Penn State Athletics. In December, Kraft said that fundraising had reached half its goal. The athletic director called Jeffrey Field the athletic department's "No. 1 priority."
Training Table at the Greenberg Indoor Sports Center
What's happening: Once the home of Penn State hockey, Greenberg became a university general-use facility after the Pegula Ice Arena opened. Now, Penn State is returning Greenberg for athletics use. The department plans a 38,000-square-foot training table for athletes from all 31 varsity sports. The venue will serve meals and house fitness and recovery spaces.
Proposed cost: $31.9 million, funded by Penn State Athletics.
Indoor Practice Facility
What's happening: Penn State plans to build a seasonal indoor practice facility, or bubble, for athletes participating in Olympic sports. The bubble will cover 106,000 square feet and can be taken down annually. Bubbles are significantly cheaper than permanent structures.
Proposed cost: $9.8 million, funded with bond financing.
East Area Locker Room Renovation
What's happening: Some training spaces will relocate from the East Area Locker Room to Greenberg, freeing space in the building. Penn State plans office space, athletic lounge and a fuel station in the building's first floor.
Proposed cost: $5.2 million, funded with bond financing.
"You've got to be able to go put your money where your mouth is," Kraft said in December. "If you are committed to go win a national championship, and I am in everything, then we have to be able to do it and find the resources. One of the biggest things we've had to do in the last five to six months is completely rebuild our budget to make sure we're focusing on those being able to be nimble and focus on the initiatives that help our student-athletes reach their full potential on the field."
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