As Penn State continues to embark on its journey on upgrading its facilities, notably the $700 million Beaver Stadium revitalization project, the monetization of its program continues. Earlier this week, Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved the naming of Beaver Stadium’s field to West Shore Home in exchange for a $50 million gift through the 2039 season.

The donation made by West Shore Home is the second largest in Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) history behind Terry Pegula’s $88 million that fueled the development of Penn State’s hockey program. Overall, the donation inches closer to the ICA’s goal of $134 million fundraised for the revitalization project, as the ICA has now reached $130.675 million.

 

“As an alumnus of our great University and a business owner in Central Pennsylvania, B.J. [Werzyn] 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,” Penn State VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft said in a release. “We are thankful for the Werzyn family and West Shore Home for their generosity and dedication to Penn State.”

 

Penn State’s Board of Trustees did not take the gift lightly as through analysis it discovered naming rights proposals that were on the table over the years through many of the Big Ten Conference’s signature venues.

 

 

Penn State and Iowa take the field at the same time to to play in a White Out football game at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa.© Dan Rainville/USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State for a two-year term at $5 million that was on the table in 2022, University of Washington in 2015 to brand Husky Stadium and the complex surrounding Washington’s athletic village for a 10-year term at $41 million. Even the Rose Bowl back in 2017 entertained a 10-year $10 million naming rights proposal.

 

Despite all the analysis and goodwill, the news has been met with unnecessary fervor from Joe Paterno loyalists who continue to insist Penn State’s crown jewel be named for the man most responsible for its success.

 

Anthony Lubrano, whose ascension as a trustee was riding this fervor for Paterno during the Sandusky fallout, was a not surprising opposition to the name change. Lubrano went even as far as suggesting that naming it after Paterno would be just as valuable.

 

“Given the great public interest around the naming of the field at Beaver Stadium, I believe we should pause to explore other possibilities, including Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium,” Lubrano said at the board meeting. “You want to see transformational? We agree to Paterno Field at Beaver Stadium, and we will raise hundreds of millions of dollars.”

 

Another emotional plea came from Paterno’s final starting quarterback Matt McGloin, who resigned after a two-day coaching tenure at Boston College under Bill O’Brien—who coached McGloin in 2012, came in defense of his former head coach.

 

 

“You’re trying to erase 46 years as a head coach, and what’s happening now may look like a successful move, but I don’t believe it’s a very honorable one,” McGloin said in a statement to the board. “And success without honor is an unseasoned dish. It will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste very good. I’m urging you to do the right thing for Penn State, to do the right thing for the Paterno family, to do the right thing for Joe. There shouldn’t be a price for our identity here at Penn State.”

 

Not all of Paterno’s lettermen had the same sentiments.

 

“I played for Joe Paterno. My dad played for Joe. My brother played for Joe. Certain his legacy isn’t about a name on a field—it’s about what we do on it and the impact we make outside the lines. IMO best way to honor him is to go win a national title. Let’s get aligned around that,” said former linebacker Michael Mauti on X who was a former teammate of McGloin’s.

 

 

 

No matter the situation, Penn State is caught in a proverbial “Catch-22” with how it will try to honor Paterno.

 

With the continued professionalization of college football, the fact networks are so few and there are so many schools competing for the dollars, schools have to keep their options open.

 

Any chance a school can monetize it will. Sheronne Moore’s official title at Michigan isn’t head coach it is the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach. They are not alone in that regard. If you are willing to write a check, you can name anything you want—and trust me they need it in collegiate athletics.

 

Both McGloin and Lubrano’s points are shortsighted. Lubrano may be right they could raise “hundreds of millions of dollars” but how long will that zeal last for the Paterno name? We are nearing nearly 15 years since Paterno’s death. Will his name resonate with donor decades from now to motivate folks to donate the money?

 

I find using a head coach’s name only creates a niche market of select donors willing to pay the money. If this was college football that I grew up with in the 1980s and 90s, naming a field after Paterno would be a slam dunk. But with how the landscape has shifted, it doesn’t make sense to have a tribute for a football coach that cannot give you the millions of dollars you need to compete.

 

Penn State’s strategy of openness allows it to fully maximize its brand to the highest bidder. In an ultra competitive landscape, any edge you get you have to maintain.

 

I also find McGloin’s points shortsighted. Who knows how Penn State will try to honor Paterno with its new stadium revitalization? Penn State can take a cue from the venue we last saw Penn State play football, Hard Rock Stadium. Penn State could do what the Miami Dolphins have done with Don Shula and have Paterno’s name and career win number on Beaver Stadium’s Ring of Honor.