It’s been over four years since Penn State Athletics announced its Facilities Master Plan, which includes substantial renovations to Beaver Stadium.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly pushed Penn State’s timeline back, it isn’t too early to think about the renovations Beaver Stadium deserves. From a swimming pool to a cocktagon, the stadium could add a lot to build its reputation as one of the best venues in college football.

Half Gallons Of Ice Cream From The Creamery

Why wouldn’t you want to satisfy your dairy needs with the best ice cream in the world on a hot day in Beaver Stadium? I know that some concession stands already sell pints of ice cream from the Creamery, but portions that small are for amateurs. As Eliza Dushku once said, “Go big or go home.”

Swimming Pool

Most people may be opposed to this one, but it could work. Many newer stadiums, such as the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, TIAA Bank Field, have put in swimming pools for fans to frolic in while the game is going on. Figuring out who gets to use the pool may be a logistical issue that Penn State Athletics would need to deal with, but I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to put on their floaties and take a dip in November’s 30-degree weather while Penn State clashes with Rutgers. That’s probably more entertaining than a battle with the Scarlet Knights anyway.

Par 3 Golf Course

Playing golf in Beaver Stadium would be an offseason activity, but it would be very cool to rip a 7 iron off the top of the press box. Stadiumlinks has set up par 3 courses in stadiums all around the country, and it could easily be done in Happy Valley. Plus, trying to hit a golf ball through the uprights is a great drill to improve your accuracy.

Restaurant Stands

Many stadiums have famous restaurants that rent out stands and serve food to fans. Beaver Stadium could partner up with your favorite downtown staples and serve some fine cuisine inside the stadium. If you thought chicken baskets after too much beer water is the perfect Beaver Stadium meal, just wait until you try Canyon Pizza in the stadium.

A Lion’s Den

No, we’re not talking about the bar in downtown State College. Many college football teams have live mascots, and Penn State can piggyback on this idea by adding an actual lion’s den in the stadium. The stadium’s DJ would no longer need to play a lion roar soundbite if there’s an actual mountain lion to pump up the crowd.

Miniature Football Field

MetLife Stadium has a miniature football field outside of its main gate where fans can try to make passes and kick field goals before, during, and after Jets and Giants games. The next time fans want to get on a Penn State kicker’s case for missing a field goal to two, they could try to make one themselves at Penn State’s mini practice field. We bet Sam Ficken would’ve gotten a lot less hate if Beaver Stadium had one of these things in 2012.

Cocktagon

The urinal troughs are classic, but there’s nothing like taking care of your business in a cocktagon. Bringing the *other-worldly* experience to Beaver Stadium would take the gameday experience to a whole other level.

The JoePa Statue

Eric Barron, if you’re reading this, just think about it. Please.