A rendering of the exterior of the Physical Education Building at Penn State Abington after renovations are completed.

General 5/12/2026 12:00:00 AM

Trustees Approve $25 Million Renovation of Athletics Building at Penn State Abington

Project will modernize the Physical Education Building to Improve Health and Wellness at the Philadelphia-area Campus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Board of Trustees approved a $25 million renovation of the Physical Education Building at Penn State Abington at its meeting today (May 8), authorizing a comprehensive overhaul of the campus's primary indoor athletics and recreation facility. The project was designed by Kimmel Architecture of Blue Bell, will be built by West Chester-based PJ Dick and is scheduled to begin construction in June 2026.

The building, expected to open in September 2027, marks the latest in a series of major facility investments at Penn State Abington and across Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses. Over the past decade, the Board of Trustees has advanced the construction and renovation of campus-based academic buildings, laboratories, libraries and recreational facilities, all designed to enhance the student experience.

"This investment reflects the commitment from Penn State's leadership and our Board of Trustees to the success and growth of our Commonwealth Campuses," said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. "Our campuses play a vital role, delivering access to a world-class Penn State education in communities across the state."

Completed in 1973, the Physical Education Building has served as Penn State Abington's hub for athletic programs, physical education courses, intramural activities and special events for more than 50 years.
According to a project summary presented to the Board of Trustees Finance and Investment Committee, the renovation will enhance the health, wellness, educational and athletic experiences for all students by modernizing interior spaces, improving accessibility, and upgrading infrastructure while expanding Abington's capacity to host events and support a broader range of activities.

The approved project encompasses both a full renovation of the existing 46,483-square-foot building and 6,017 square feet of new infill construction. Key elements include:

Modernized athletic spaces: Renovated gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium, weight room and training room, with improvements to team spaces designed to support student-athletes and coaching staff
New fitness and student spaces: The second floor will feature new space for fitness and cardio equipment along the exterior of the building to maximize natural light
Expanded public commons and entry: A redesigned main entrance and welcoming public commons area, with outdoor seating and improved campus connectivity
Enhanced locker rooms and ADA improvements: Upgraded locker rooms, restrooms, and public spaces to meet current accessibility standards
Air conditioning: For the first time, the facility will be fully air conditioned, significantly expanding its capacity for summer use and events

The design blends the modern programmatic needs of the campus with the existing concrete-framed architecture of the building. It prioritizes the student experience, positioning fitness spaces toward the building's exterior to activate the space with natural light and highlight activity toward campus.

Penn State Abington enrolls approximately 2,900 students and fields 14 NCAA Division III teams that compete in the United East Conference. When renovated, the building's equipment and programs will enhance the wellness and health for all students.

Chancellor Gary Liguori welcomed the board's action as a milestone for the campus and its students.

"Over the past several years, we have seen transformative investments in our academic spaces, our laboratories, and our technology infrastructure, and now we are delivering the same level of commitment to our athletic and recreational facilities," Liguori said. "Renovating the Abington athletics building, along with installing new turf at Memorial Field in 2026, builds on our momentum. I am sure this will be a home that our student-athletes can be proud of, and a space that every student at Abington will benefit from and enjoy for decades to come."

A former student-athlete himself, Liguori says the new facility will help support Abington's coaches recruit in a competitive corner of the commonwealth for college athletics. The renovation will also expand the campus's ability to host athletic events and tournaments, particularly during the summer months when air conditioning will make the facility usable in ways it has not been before.

The Physical Education Building renovation is the latest in a wave of investments that are reshaping Penn State Abington's campus for students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

New academic building (opening fall 2026): Construction began in August 2024 on Penn State Abington's first new academic building in more than 50 years. The $68 million, three-story, 85,554-square-foot facility will include 17 classrooms, four laboratories, collaborative spaces, faculty offices, and student support areas when it opens for the fall 2026 semester.

Renovated biology labs: Students enrolled in biology courses are already benefiting from a $5 million renovation of existing labs and the addition of a new lab in the Woodland Building. The project, completed in 2025, included spatial reconfiguration, new interior finishes, and upgrades to support modern laboratory instruction.
Bloomberg terminals: Installed in spring 2026, students at Abington have access to Bloomberg terminals that provide real-time and historical news and market data to support the popular business-related majors and classes. Faculty plan to incorporate the terminals into their courses starting in August 2026.

Forthcoming cybersecurity lab: In December 2025, Penn State Abington was awarded $248,500 in state funds, secured with the support of State Rep. Ben Sanchez, toward a Cybersecurity Analytics Lab expansion. The project will create an industry-standard cybersecurity lab where students can simulate threats, conduct vulnerability assessments, and gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world security challenges.

Taken together, these investments represent a comprehensive commitment to the Penn State Abington student experience – academic, athletic and beyond.

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