Penn State renames Beaver Stadium in historic 22-8 vote
Penn State University announced Monday that Beaver Stadium will be renamed West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium for the next 14 seasons following a 22-8 vote.
The name change comes through a partnership with the Werzyn family and West Shore Home, according to a school statement from Patrick Kraft, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“We are incredibly grateful to B.J., P.J. and West Shore Home for this game-changing gift as their commitment to Penn State Athletics and the institution will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes, fans and community,” Kraft said. “As an alumnus of our great University and a business owner in Central Pennsylvania, B.J. understands the critical role that Beaver Stadium plays in our community, as well as the importance of preserving the great traditions of Penn State while helping us build a strong future. We are thankful for the Werzyn family and West Shore Home for their generosity and dedication to Penn State.”
The university described the project as part of a “revitalization” effort benefiting all campus teams.
Former Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin, who played for the Nittany Lions from 2010-2012, expressed frustration that the field wasn’t named after longtime coach Joe Paterno.
“Here we sit 14 years later [after the Paterno-Jerry Sandusky saga] and the field at Beaver Stadium has not been named Paterno field at Beaver Stadium,” McGloin said via Nittany Sports Now. “Personally, in my career, if I listened to criticism, I would not have set foot on Penn State’s campus in 2008. If we listened to criticism, this University would not have gotten through the 2012 year, which we all know, is the darkest period any university has ever faced. Without 2012, the year in which we essentially faced the death penalty, this University would look a lot different than it does today.”
McGloin, who began as a walk-on and became Paterno’s final starting quarterback before the coach’s death in January 2012, defended his former coach’s legacy.
“Every player that played for him, every player that walked through that tunnel, every player who graduated,” McGloin said of Paterno. “Every player who may not have made it. Every player whose life may not have been changed for the better. You’re trying to erase 46 years as a head coach.”
The university has maintained distance from Paterno following the Sandusky scandal.
Penn State opens its season Saturday, Aug. 30 against Nevada.
