UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The proposed Phase II upgrades to the Mildred and Louis Lasch Football Building at University Park were recommended for approval today (Nov. 19) by the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning. The full board is expected to vote on the project at its meeting on Friday, Nov. 20.
In January, the board approved the $12 million project to expand and renovate the Lasch locker room and equipment room. The project, which also will upgrade the wet areas in the locker room, is being designed by Populous of Kansas City, Missouri. Populous also is the primary architect of the recently launched Athletics facilities master plan.
“Our players and staff are very appreciative of the board’s consideration of upgrades to the Lasch Building,” said James Franklin, head football coach. “I would like to thank everyone who has stepped up to support Penn State and this important project. Our vision is building the best football program in the nation and these upgrades to the football facility are another critical piece of that foundation.”
The proposed project will expand and reconfigure the locker room and wet areas, and include the installation of themed graphics and branding. The equipment room will be expanded and renovated with new work areas and office spaces. A new fitting room with uniform and equipment display with storage, as well as a new loading dock and parking lot reconfiguration are planned. Upgrades to mechanical systems are included as well as integration of video, sound and lighting in various areas, and an immersive digital experience.
If approved, construction will begin as early as late December, with portions of the project slated to open by August 2016.
The first phase of the Lasch Building upgrades are near completion, which include the installation of a nutrition bar for student-athletes and renovations to the football team auditorium and lobby. These updates were solely financed through private gifts.