Title: New Era Begins in Happy Valley: Penn State Inks Historic Naming Rights Deal with West Shore Home for Beaver Stadium
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — In a groundbreaking move that merges tradition with modern commercial partnerships, Penn State University announced Monday morning that it has entered into a naming rights agreement with West Shore Home, a Pennsylvania-based home remodeling company, for the iconic Beaver Stadium. The new name, West Shore Home at Beaver Stadium, represents the first-ever naming rights deal in the university’s storied football history — and it’s already stirring up passionate reactions across the Nittany Lion faithful.
The 10-year deal, valued at a reported $117.5 million, was unveiled during a press conference at the stadium, where university president Dr. Neeli Bendapudi and athletic director Pat Kraft stood alongside West Shore Home CEO B.J. Werzyn to announce the partnership.
“This is more than a business agreement,” said Kraft. “It’s a proud Pennsylvania company joining forces with a proud Pennsylvania institution. West Shore Home shares our values of excellence, grit, and loyalty — and this partnership will directly benefit our student-athletes, facilities, and the overall fan experience.”
The funds from the deal will help finance long-awaited renovations to Beaver Stadium, including expanded concourses, upgraded restrooms and concessions, enhanced Wi-Fi infrastructure, and winterization capabilities for potential year-round use. This modernization push is part of Penn State’s broader athletics strategic plan, aiming to maintain its place among the elite programs in college football.
Still, for many Penn State purists, the idea of altering the sacred name of Beaver Stadium is a tough pill to swallow.
“It’s bittersweet,” admitted former quarterback Trace McSorley, who attended the announcement. “You grow up dreaming of scoring in Beaver Stadium — not a corporate version of it. But if it helps keep us competitive and improves the fan experience, I get it. We just can’t lose the soul of the place.”
West Shore Home, founded in Mechanicsburg and now operating in over 35 states, emphasized that the partnership is about preserving legacy, not overshadowing it.
“We didn’t want to take Beaver Stadium’s name off the marquee — we wanted to stand beside it,” Werzyn said. “This is a stadium that means something to generations of Pennsylvanians. We’re proud to support its future.”
To that end, signage throughout the stadium will read West Shore Home at Beaver Stadium, preserving the heritage while acknowledging the partnership. The famed student section, White Out traditions, and “We Are” chants will remain untouched.
Penn State head coach James Franklin expressed excitement about the impact this deal could have on the football program’s trajectory.
“This is about future-proofing our program,” he said. “If this helps us recruit better, train smarter, and win more — while staying true to who we are — I’m all in.”
The first game under the new stadium name will be a high-profile primetime clash against Auburn on September 6, and it’s already being billed as a “Home Improvement Game” — a nod to the new naming partner, with commemorative T-shirts, giveaways, and a custom helmet decal for that game only.
Love it or hate it, the future has arrived in Happy Valley. And as the stadium’s new signage gleamed in the morning sun, there was no denying it: a new chapter of Penn State football has officially begun — right at West Shore Home at Beaver Stadium.
