Athletics

Committee endorses Lasch Building and Beaver Stadium press box renovations

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Proposed upgrades to the Mildred and Louis Lasch Football Building, and Beaver Stadium Press Box, as well as the appointment of AP Architects to design improvements to the Penn State Lacrosse Field were recommended for approval today (March 19) by the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning. The full board is expected to vote on the issues at its meeting on Friday (March 20).The Lasch Building opened in 1998 and was considered one of the finest football training facilities in the country. Since that time, it has seen few upgrades. The facility remains functional and continues to serve the majority of needs for Intercollegiate Athletics and Penn State football, but there are a number of functional requirements that are not being met, according to athletics officials.

The proposed $2.3 million project in Lasch will include the creation of a nutrition bar adjacent to the weight room, enabling football student-athletes to have convenient access to healthy food around practices and strength and conditioning sessions. The Lasch project also includes the addition of a  video projection system to the ongoing $2 million lobby renovations and team auditorium with new graphics, as well as new lighting and an audio system in the team auditorium.

In January, the board approved a $12 million project to expand and renovate the Lasch locker room, equipment room and recruiting lounge. Fundraising efforts for the projects are underway as the renovations are to be completely financed through private gifts.

The Beaver Stadium press box was last renovated in 1978 and the minor proposed renovations will assist in maintaining its functionality. Among the items included in the $2 million project are: replacement of the South elevator, replacing some windows and refurbishing others to improve ventilation on the third floor, replacement of some carpeting and other finishes, minor improvements to restrooms, cleaning and painting of some interior and exterior areas, and replacing emergency lighting fixtures and some lighting on the third floor. The project is scheduled for completion before the Sept. 12 football home opener.

The Penn State Lacrosse Field was constructed in 2011 with limited bleacher seating and fan amenities. The proposed $8.4 million project will include terraced seating on the hillside next to the facility, a press box, restrooms and concession facilities. The Penn State men’s and women’s lacrosse teams begin play in the newly sponsored Big Ten Lacrosse conference this spring.

Last Updated March 19, 2015

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