The much-photographed statue of the school's mascot will soon be surrounded by a stone plaza instead of mulch.
The Centre Daily Times reported Thursday that the site will also have better lighting, a new sidewalk and steps made of stone from Mount Nittany.
University trustees approved the project last week. The improvements are the gift from the Class of 2012.
Officials hope the changes will make the site more accessible at times like graduation and football games, when lines to take pictures can be dozens of people deep.
A Penn State spokesman says work is expected to run from March to August. The total cost isn't yet known.
