Athletics

Athletics announces $5M contribution for Beaver Stadium Revitalization Project

A mockup rendering of a renovated Beaver Stadium. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Athletics received a $5 million contribution from Pennsylvania-based Playfly Sports toward the Beaver Stadium Revitalization project. The contribution from Penn State Athletics’ multimedia rights (MMR) partner brings the Beaver Stadium Revitalization fundraising total to $60.25 million, which includes a lead commitment of $25 million from the Misitano Family and PAM Health.

“We are very grateful for Playfly Sports and their commitment to Penn State Athletics, not just as our MMR partner, but in this important project for our department and University,” said Patrick Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. “As a Pennsylvania-based company, Playfly Sports understands the economic and cultural significance Beaver Stadium and Penn State Football hold in our community, region and state. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on all 31 of our sports programs as these renovations play a critical role in increasing revenue to support all of Penn State Athletics.”

Support from donors will be vital in allowing Penn State Athletics to execute a renovation plan that will not only preserve the rich history of Beaver Stadium, but also modernize the facility while making it a year-round venue. The Beaver Stadium Revitalization project will provide increased revenue benefiting all 31 sports programs at University Park and foster economic growth in the region. The Beaver Stadium Revitalization gifts will be recognized inside or outside of Beaver Stadium at the renovation's completion.

“We have only begun to scratch the surface of the opportunities this relationship between Playfly Sports and Penn State Athletics will generate,” said Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties. “The Beaver Stadium Revitalization project, spearheaded by 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.”

About Playfly Sports

Playfly Sports is a sports media, marketing and technology business centered around the team, league, brand and network. Believing in "Fandom as a Service" and focusing on a consultative, data driven approach to reach, engage, monetize and measure fandom gives the company’s partners and brands a competitive advantage. Playfly connects more than 2,000 brand partners with approximately 83% of all U.S. sports fans.

Through the proprietary platform the business delivers scalable, data-oriented marketing, technology and media solutions with capabilities including exclusive MMR management, sponsorship sales and activation, streaming, consulting and ticket/premium sales, all along with new revenue-driving platforms and technologies. Founded in September 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. Follow Playfly Sports on social media @PlayflySports or visit www.playfly.com.

About the Beaver Stadium Revitalization

In May 2024, the Penn State Board of Trustees approved investing in a $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, which will grow revenue-generating opportunities, transform the fan and community experience and fuel the future funding for all 31 athletics programs at Penn State. The approved renovations will enable year-round use of Beaver Stadium, further driving economic growth and development in the surrounding region.

For more information on the Beaver Stadium Revitalization, please visit gopsusports.com/beaverstadiumrenovation.

About Philanthropy at Penn State

Support for the Beaver Stadium Revitalization project advances the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the Commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.

Last Updated September 24, 2024

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