During a lengthy and somewhat tense meeting Monday morning, Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted to approve a proposal that would sponsor Beaver Stadium’s football field.
According to the proposal, the stadium would now be renamed as West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium.
By a 22-8 vote, the university’s Board of Trustees approved to accept a $50 million gift from the Werzyn family and West Shore Home renovation company, in exchange for the naming rights.
BJ Werzyn, the founder of West Shore Home, is a 1999 Penn State graduate and a Johnstown native.
“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,” said Patrick Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. “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.
University officials say the naming rights gift will be paid out over 15 years, with an accelerated payment during the first ten years of the term.