Outdoor Hockey: Penn State Brings the Sport to Beaver Stadium
Attention, hockey fanatics! Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium is preparing for a historic event. On January 31, 2026, it will host its first ice hockey game, an outdoor double-header event that promises to be unforgettable. The Nittany Lions men’s and women’s teams will participate in this double header at the West Shore Home Field, within the iconic Beaver Stadium. The men’s team will face Michigan State, in an exciting match against the defending two-time Big 10 tournament champion. For their part, the women’s team will face Robert Morris University, in a match against their Atlantic Hockey America conference rivals.The Beaver Stadium, with a capacity exceeding 106,000 spectators, could break attendance records for outdoor games. The NHL has considered the possibility of holding an event in this stadium for years, but it had not materialized until now. The stadium is in the midst of a $700 million revitalization project, which is expected to be completed in 2027. The NHL has shown interest in hosting an outdoor game between the Penguins and the Flyers at Beaver Stadium once the work is finished. Penn State’s college hockey has experienced remarkable growth. The men’s team has participated in the NCAA tournament four times since 2017 and reached the Frozen Four for the first time last season. The women’s team has won its conference tournament and reached the NCAA tournament for three consecutive seasons. Additionally, the men’s team surprised the hockey world by signing Gavin McKenna, a 17-year-old considered the top prospect for next summer’s NHL draft.This is a historic moment for Penn State hockey, our fans, and the entire Penn State community. Bringing the excitement of college hockey to Beaver Stadium is something truly special.
Dr. Patrick Kraft, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
