The exhilarating matchup featured the undefeated and No. 3 ranked Nittany Lions battling fiercely against their rivals, trailing the Buckeyes 17-13 at the time the official attendance was announced in the middle of the third quarter. This record-breaking figure eclipses the previous record of 110,889, set six years ago during another thrilling game between these two teams, which saw the Lions narrowly lose 27-26 in the final moments.
Beaver Stadium, with an official seating capacity of 106,572, is now recognized as the second-largest stadium in the United States, just behind Michigan Stadium, which seats 107,601. Ohio Stadium, home to the Buckeyes, ranks third at 102,780. The significant turnout on November 2, 2024, reflects the passionate fanbase and the excitement surrounding Penn State football this season.
The incredible attendance record comes on the heels of an impressive 2023 season, where Beaver Stadium nearly set a single-season attendance record with a total of 758,864 fans over a seven-game home schedule. This impressive number averaged to 108,409 fans per game, ranking second all-time in the program’s history, only behind the 2007 season, which boasted an average of 108,917 fans per game.
Last season alone featured three of the top ten crowds ever recorded at Beaver Stadium, including 110,856 fans against Michigan, 110,830 against Iowa, and 110,747 against West Virginia. The energy and enthusiasm of the Penn State faithful are palpable, particularly during high-stakes games against formidable opponents like Ohio State.
In light of this remarkable achievement, Penn State officials have also embarked on a $700 million renovation project aimed at modernizing Beaver Stadium. The renovation includes demolishing and rebuilding the stadium’s West side, although officials have reassured fans that they intend to keep the stadium’s capacity above 100,000 following the upgrades.
As the Nittany Lions continue their quest for excellence on the football field, the record-setting attendance at Beaver Stadium serves as a testament to the unwavering support from the community and the enduring legacy of Penn State football.