It has been home to the Penn State Nittany Lions football of the Big Ten Conference since 1960, though some parts of the stadium date back to 1909.

[6] The stadium, as well as its predecessors, is named after James A. Beaver (1837–1914), a governor of Pennsylvania (1887–91), president of the university's board of trustees,[7] and native of nearby Millerstown.

Its natural grass playing field is aligned northwest to southeast at an approximate elevation of 1,150 feet (350 m) above sea level.

[11] In March 2019, USA Today conducted another poll asking voters to decide the best stadium in the United States during "Bracket Madness", which coincided with the 2019 NCAA basketball tournament.

[13] Until 1893, Penn State teams participated in sporting events on Old Main lawn, a large grassy area in front of the primary classroom building of the time.

In 1909, New Beaver Field opened just northeast of Rec Hall, roughly in the current location of the Nittany Parking deck.

The stadium has been expanded six times, reflecting Penn State's rise to national prominence under Joe Paterno.

This expansion is particularly noticeable, as there's a distinct color change when crossing from the original, New Beaver Field steel grandstands onto the newer, stone and concrete additions.

In 1985, walkways were added around the tops of the end zones and entry ramps at the stadium's corners resulted in lowering the capacity to 83,370.

An expansion was completed for the 1991 football season, placing an upper deck addition over the north end zone and raising capacity to 93,967.

2012 is the exception, which was added to this list during the November 24, 2012 game against Wisconsin to honor the team that played after sanctions were passed down during the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

The renovation expanded the size of the video boards by eliminating the current game clock and lamp matrix display.

Also on the back of both boards is a LED Nittany Lion logo that lights at night and was added to promote the "Penn State brand".

In the fall semester of 2015, university officials stated that they are seeking options to renovate or replace Beaver Stadium in the next 10 years.

The limitations prevent wider use of the venue; the university would like to expand the number of events held at Beaver Stadium, such as major concerts and a long-discussed potential hosting of the NHL Winter Classic.

Many fans are opposed to replacing Beaver Stadium due to the history and tradition but many agree that there is a need for renovation.

The approved renovations will enable year-round use of Beaver Stadium, further driving economic growth and development in the surrounding region.

Including the first stage of the Beaver Stadium renovation, which was approved in May 2023, the total project will cost no more than $700 million and will be completed before the 2027 college football season.

[1] In 2002, Penn State set an NCAA record for most fans to ever watch a college football team over the course of a single season at home.

is perhaps the most well-known chant across campus; "We Are Penn State" conveys the university's sense of unity and school pride.

"Let's Go, P-S-U" - A more recently started chant which plays during a performance of The Hey Song by the Penn State Blue Band prior to every game.

After failed experiments with "Code Blue" during the down year of 2004, a localized version of the "Winnipeg White Out" made national headlines during the 2005 game versus Ohio State.

The student section was widely credited with aiding the defense, which kept the Buckeyes' future Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Troy Smith, in check by intercepting a pass and recovering a decisive fumble in the final minutes.

[29] After the Nittany Lions make a big play, (typically on defense) the stadium blasts the song "Kernkraft 400" by Zombie Nation which ignites 107,000 into a frenzied blur all bouncing up and down in unison, waving towels and shakers wildly chanting "WE ARE PENN STATE!"

[31] Zombie Nation along with the "Penn State Whiteout", have been direct influencers of Beaver Stadium being home to what many consider the best student section in college football.

After he stands back up, he and the Nittany Lion, who is holding his baton, take five high-steps toward each other, meeting 5 yards deep in the end zone.