It appears shrinkflation and inflation have come to the Beaver Stadium concession stands.
A year-over-year analysis shows that Penn State has raised concession prices by two percent on average.
While general price increases are anticipated year over year, Penn State has raised the price of a fountain soda by 19 percent, the most of any item. However, Penn State has also reduced the size of the cup at Beaver Stadium, which has resulted in a 79 percent increase in the price of soda per ounce.
Soda Prices
| Info | 2026 | 2025 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cup Size | 20 oz | 30 oz | -33% |
| Total Cost | $8.75 | $7.35 | 19% |
| Price Per Ounce | $0.438 | $0.245 | 79% |
In 2025, Penn State sold cups of soda that held 30 ounces of liquid. That soda cost Penn State fans $7.35 last season. The plastic-based cup featured imagery of Beaver Stadium on it.
In 2026, Penn State released a new, smaller cup that holds just 20 ounces of liquid. The cup – which features the Penn State chipmunk logo and the Pepsi logo – is made from a light aluminum, which is likely better for the environment.
It appears that benefit to the environment comes at that 19 percent cost increase. For comparison, while soda increased 19 percent, a bottle of Aquafina water runs fans $5.50. That is a 25-cent increase year over year, equating to a five percent increase.
No other items saw a 10 or more percent increase in price. The next closest in terms of percentage change was a cheese cup for French fries, which increased 7 percent year over year to $2.25. The legendary Beaver Stadium chicken basket saw a 3 percent increase at most locations, as did Penn State Creamery Ice Cream – sold at several kiosks throughout the stadium, including one near section NB.
While soda prices increased, beer prices largely remained the same year over year. Beers like Bud Light, Miller Lite and State Light all cost $12.60 once again in 2026.
Of 24 items that returned to Beaver Stadium in 2026, just four other items either remained flat year over year or saw a price decrease.
Candy and chips remained flat – which, similar to beer, are likely set by outside vendors. Beaver Stadium’s candy deal is with Mars after Penn State and Hershey’s split ways ahead of the 2025 season in several ways, including an overall sponsorship. Chips are provided by Utz, which is one of Penn State’s All-Conference sponsors, the second tier of sponsorship.
The only two items that saw price decreases in 2026 are slices of pizza. Cheese pizza is down to $11 (a 13 percent decrease) and pepperoni is down to $12 (a 12 percent decrease).
However, Penn State has dropped its deal with Caliente Pizza. The PA-based company sold pizza throughout several locations inside of Beaver Stadium over the last few seasons but did not return in 2026. Now Penn State sells pizza as a generic-branded 1855 Pizza Co.
With the pizza removed, Beaver Stadium concession prices increased four percent year over year.
Major Food Price Changes
| Item | 2026 | 2025 | Price Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda | $8.75 | $7.35 | 19% |
| Cheese Cup | $2.25 | $2.10 | 7% |
| Water | $5.50 | $5.25 | 5% |
| Blitz Brat | $7.75 | $7.35 | 5% |
| State Nachos | $7.75 | $7.35 | 5% |
| Fry Cup | $7.75 | $7.35 | 5% |
| Loose Sausage Sub | $13.25 | $12.60 | 5% |
| Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries | $15.25 | $14.70 | 4% |
| Buffalo Tender Basket | $18.50 | $17.85 | 4% |
| Bavarian Pretzel | $9.75 | $9.45 | 3% |
| Penn State Creamery Ice Cream | $13.00 | $12.60 | 3% |
| Old Main Hot Dog | $6.50 | $6.30 | 3% |
| Popcorn | $6.50 | $6.30 | 3% |
| Happy Valley Tender Basket (Chicken Basket) | $17.25 | $16.80 | 3% |
| Hot Sausage | $14.00 | $13.65 | 3% |
| Penn State Burger | $14.00 | $13.65 | 3% |
| Touchdown Chicken Sandwich | $14.00 | $13.65 | 3% |
| Victory Buffalo Chicken Sandwich | $14.00 | $13.65 | 3% |
| Nittany Sausage | $14.00 | $13.65 | 3% |
| Domestic Beer | $12.60 | $12.60 | 0% |
| Candy | $5.25 | $5.25 | 0% |
| Chips | $5.25 | $5.25 | 0% |
| Pepperoni Slice (Pizza)* | $12.00 | $13.65 | -12% |
| Cheese Slice (Pizza)* | $11.00 | $12.60 | -13% |
| Average | $10.66 | $10.46 | 2% |
| Average Without Pizza | $10.58 | $10.21 | 4% |
*Pizza is now sold directly by Penn State, not through Caliente Pizza
If you’ve enjoyed this content, please subscribe to Stuff Somers Says With Steve on YouTube. Or join our newsletter by entering your email below.
