Penn State Athletics announced that 1982 Penn State graduate and former co-captain of the lacrosse team Ken Panzer, along with business partner Jordan Kaplan, donated more than $3.5 million to help construct major facility changes to the Penn State Lacrosse Field.

The facility will be renamed Panzer Stadium in honor of the donations.

“Our men’s and women’s lacrosse student-athletes are among the most talented and dedicated in the nation. We have exceptional leadership atop both programs, and Ken Panzer’s gift will have a significant impact on their continued excellence,” Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said.

Renovations to the facility were not originally listed among the changes announced in the master plan. Plans for an upgrade have been in the works for several years, but Penn State Athletics announced it needed donors (with fundraising goals of at least $5.5 million) as part of the “Lacrosse Stadium Project” report.

The facility, located next to the Bryce Jordan Center and University Drive, will add approximately 1,300 stadium-style seats on the vacant hillside to the Penn State Lacrosse Field’s current setup. Permanent concessions, bathrooms, and a ticket office will be included. There will also be a press box with broadcasting capabilities for the increased games Penn State plays on BTN and ESPN.

The upgrades allow Penn State to host a number of events, including the NCAA Tournament and the Big Ten Tournament.

“[Panzer’s] donation, and Mr. Kaplan’s, will allow us to create one of the nation’s best venues for college lacrosse, and we are extremely excited to see all the plans come to fruition,” Penn State women’s lacrosse coach Missy Doherty said.