University Park, Pa. -- With the 2008 football season opener only a few weeks away, Beaver Stadium and Office of Physical Plant staff are in high gear preparing the stadium facilities.
Many facets of stadium operations are addressed each summer, in ongoing upkeep and new projects as well. Scheduled upkeep and service on the stadium and playing field are under way, which includes painting of the stands and underside of the stadium, structure upgrades and adjustments, and turfgrass management. In addition to these continuous projects, renovations and upgrades are being completed. These include new energy-efficient field lighting, "ribbon board" statistics reporting technology in each end zone, emergency services facility space, press box organization and widespread speaker installation.
This 1,000-piece speaker system is spread out in and around foot-traffic areas within the stadium facility. According to OPP electrician Bob Bair, the speaker system is a centerpiece of the university's emergency management plan: while it is designed to convey gameday audio to spectators not in the stadium bowl itself, the system also can be controlled by emergency services in the event that critical information needs to be relayed to spectators. The speakers can be found throughout the concourse and ground level of the stadium, as well as in bathrooms and concessions.
The current Beaver Stadium complex is entering its 48th football season. Major upgrades, including the upper deck seating and massive scoreboard fixtures, were finished in 2001. The 2008 Nittany Lions football season begins on Aug. 30 in the match against the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers.
For photos of the work currently under way, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1763 online.