Penn State’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft touched on several topics in a 26-minute press conference Monday at the 2024 Big Ten Football Media Days in Indianapolis, Indiana.
From the White Out to Penn State wrestling, Kraft touched on several subjects in an update on Penn State’s biggest athletic concerns.
On The White Out Kickoff Time
Kraft confirmed previous reports that Penn State’s November 9 matchup against Washington won’t kick off at noon. It’ll be either a 3:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. start.
He explained that the start time will be determined during the traditional 12-day window before the game. Penn State and Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettiti worked with FOX to ensure the game would not kick off at noon.
On Beaver Stadium’s Readiness For Playoff Games
Penn State Athletics has done a ton with Beaver Stadium recently, and it’s just the beginning. Perhaps the highest priority was winterizing the stadium to potentially host a College Football Playoff game, and Kraft said it is “ready to go.”
Penn State announced improved circulation, more concessions, and ribbon boards on Monday. In addition to that, Kraft said more bathrooms are being implemented.
Kraft said he hopes the construction of four new escalators will be completed prior to the Nittany Lions’ Big Ten opener against Illinois on September 28. He did not provide a specific target date for the ribbon boards to be ready, but said that construction is moving “really fast.”
Additionally, Kraft was adamant that “nothing is off the table” of happening at Beaver Stadium because of the renovations when asked about wrestling. However, he did say that Penn State lost a major event because the stadium lacked premium seating options.
On Cael Sanderson Extension Talks
Kraft said no new contract extension talks for Penn State wrestling head coach Cael Sanderson have taken place despite longtime assistant David Taylor leaving for Oklahoma State’s head coaching vacancy.
Sanderson signed a contract extension with undisclosed details in 2022. Kraft added that he’s open to talking about an extension if Sanderson wants one, saying, “If Cael wanted to talk contract extension today, we would talk contract extension.”
However, Kraft explained that Sanderson is focused on other things, including getting the team’s three Olympians ready for the Paris games.
On Penn State’s NIL Boost
New in-house NIL rules are a boost for Penn State football, according to Kraft. Elimination of scholarship limits is “perfect” for Penn State, he also said.
NIL is now better for Penn State because it can “basically build a marketing agency,” Kraft said.
Penn State is working with PlayFly and former football standout LaVar Arrington to improve its NIL.
On The Future Of Penn State Hoops
Kraft expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. He thinks the Nittany Lions are in a great position after the offseason, and he was impressed with Mike Rhoades’ first year as the head coach.
“I think last year, Mike did a great job,” Kraft said. “You come in and you have three players, but you need to build a roster.”
“I’m excited about this team,” Kraft continued. “I think they did a remarkable job in the offseason and the portal. We’re long, we’re athletic. I think Mike would tell you the Big Ten is a physical conference, and you have to go through it to appreciate how physical the Big Ten is.”
Kraft said the goal is always to make the NCAA Tournament. However, he seemed optimistic that this season will see Penn State return to the big dance.
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