The University is suing the Michael Baker Jr. Inc. design firm because of structural problems in Beaver Stadium.

Jim Horne, University attorney, said Penn State wants to recover the $1.6 million it spent reinforcing the recently constructed seating deck's cracked cantilevers --concrete arms that hold up the access ramp. The cracks were caused by the Baker firm's faulty design, Horne said.

Eight of the cantilevers showed cracks after ultrasound testing in late June 1991. No cracks were discovered in the columns supporting the seating deck, which seats 10,300.

The University is suing for negligence and breach of contract, Horne said. The suit was filed Sept. 18.

Donald Fusilli, the firm's corporate lawyer, could not be reached for comment.

The design company -- founded by former University Board of Trustees President Michael Baker Jr. -- helped plan Beaver Stadium's 1958 relocation and helped design the 16,000 seat addition that was completed prior to the 1978 football season. The stadium currently seats 93,716.