Penn State, like Wisconsin, is gearing up to host home games in December as the Nittany Lions announced the first expenditure of renovations to Beaver Stadium.

Winterization work will be completed, which entails the insulation of pipes and other upgrades to allow the building to be occupied when temperatures are below freezing, which gives Penn State the ability to host a College Football Playoff game beginning in 2024 and other potential events beyond Penn State football games in the winter months, to increase revenue at Penn State and in the Centre Region.

The first stage of the renovation, expected to be completed over the next 12 months, will also include architect and engineer procurement, design and structural maintenance. Initial construction will focus on improving priority safety and security, including crowd traffic control and field lighting.

The initial $70 million expenditure will be funded through a bond sale planned for June. The bonds will be repaid entirely by the athletics department, and the entire project will be paid for through fundraising, concessions, naming opportunities, sponsorships and ticket sales, including new premium seating options to be added during the renovation, Penn State announced.

The total project, to be completed in 4 years, is estimated to cost about $700 million.

The preliminary plan for the full project involves a complete reconstruction of the west side of the stadium, which will maintain traditional bowl-style seating, but also add club and loge seats and executive and founder’s suites.

There will also be code upgrades, accessibility improvements and upgraded fan amenities. These involve improved circulation to ease spectator congestion, improved restrooms, upgraded concessions, Wi-Fi and cellular upgrades and additional seating options.