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Penn State is gearing up for the first day of training camp, but before the players take the practice field for the first time this summer, they were shown the newly renovated locker rooms in the Lasch Building. Judging by their reactions, the players are big fans of their new home.
Aaaaand we're in! pic.twitter.com/FbIdo8yJAO
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 4, 2016
When you see the new locker room for the first time... #PSUCamp pic.twitter.com/Mw7lqXC2OX
— Kris Petersen (@GoPSUKris) August 4, 2016
Think that's what we call a happy dance @NoahBeh & @haleyboy10 pic.twitter.com/DI437K9bfs
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 4, 2016
Uh, guys. Practice is tomorrow. And no pads. We went over this all in squad...
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 4, 2016
pic.twitter.com/qGZ3fbJnNE
UNBELIEVABLE!! The new players locker room at Lasch is beyond first class! #WeAre #PSUnrivaled pic.twitter.com/tWhVSTOC6Z
— Coach Limegrover (@CLimegrover) August 4, 2016
The new Penn State Locker Room... #PSUnrivaled pic.twitter.com/6xyMOfdF0s
— PJ Mullen (@psuPJ) August 4, 2016
The players were also sure to thank President Eric Barron, Athletic Director Sandy Barbour, and all the donors who made the locker rooms possible.
Huge thank you to @SandyB_PSUAD.President Barron and all of our donors for our too dope locker room. This season is our appreciation to all
— DaeSean Hamilton (@SkeeterMills__) August 4, 2016
HUGE THANK U to Pres. Barron @penn_state and @SandyB_PSUAD for the most LIT locker room I've seen in my life!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/POwUg4dFq5
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) August 4, 2016
The plan for the renovations were introduced last August, and $12 million later, it looks like the money was well spent. In the never ending arms race in college football, these updated locker rooms — and the renovated Holuba Hall turf — were a much needed addition to the football program.
Although nicer locker rooms won’t improve the play on the field this season, it will attract more recruits. As you could see from the current players’ reactions above, having state of the art facilities are an important part of college football in 2016. And for a program that is looking to return to prominence, James Franklin and company will want every advantage they can get.