Full Breakdown
Penn State Unveils Paterno Family Football Experience Room
9/2/2026, 3:45:12 AM
Core Event: New Permanent Exhibit Opens at Beaver Stadium
Penn State Athletics and the Penn State All-Sports Museum announced that the Paterno Family Football Experience Room will first open to the public on Thursday, September 3, at 10 a.m. The permanent exhibit, located within West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, showcases more than a century of Nittany Lions football history, including a recreation of former head coach Joe Paterno’s original office desk and workspace. Public hours are scheduled for September 4 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and September 6 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Background & Context
The exhibit marks the university’s most significant recognition of Joe Paterno since his dismissal in 2011 amid the Jerry Sandusky sexual-abuse scandal. The All-Sports Museum, opened in 2002 at the southwest corner of Beaver Stadium, has traditionally honored Penn State’s athletic achievements. The new room expands that mission by integrating historic artifacts, interactive digital displays, and multimedia storytelling that trace program milestones, championship seasons, and fan traditions such as the “White Out.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Joe Paterno – former head football coach (1966–2011), 409 career wins, College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2007).
- Pat Kraft – Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Penn State.
- Matt McGloin – former quarterback, alumni-elected trustee, vocal critic of recent naming decisions.
- Sean Mummert – Penn State alumnus who contributed state-of-the-art technology for the exhibit.
- Michael and Patty Kirschner – donors who supported the Coach Paterno desk exhibit.
Timeline
- September 3 – Exhibit opens at 10 a.m.; evening “Night at the Museums” event runs 4–8 p.m.
- September 4 – Public hours continue 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- September 6 – Public hours continue 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Data & Statistics
- Paterno coached 46 seasons (6 as head coach, 16 as assistant) and amassed 409 victories.
- The exhibit will display Penn State bowl trophies, John Cappelletti’s 1973 Heisman Trophy, and other national awards.
- Admission is suggested at $8 for adults and $5 for children, seniors, and students.
Official Statements & Responses
The university also highlighted contributions from alumnus Sean Mummert and the Kirschners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Penn State Football’s history belongs to generations of student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters who helped build this program,” — Vice President
- “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.” — Matt McGloin
What’s Next
The museum will align future public hours with its regular schedule, and additional programming—such as donor gatherings and letterman events—will be hosted in the new space. Details on extended hours will be announced by Penn State Athletics.
