Despite plans to move about 1,000 football parking spaces this fall for baseball stadium construction, Penn State officials said the project will not have a negative effect on alumni.

The parking spots affected are usually reserved for alumni, who pay anywhere from $600 to $1,799 per season for preferred football parking through the Nittany Lion Club, said Bob White, Beaver Stadium suites and club seats marketing director.

John Powell, associate athletic director for marketing and development, said the problem is short term because 500 of the parking spaces will be restored after the baseball stadium construction is complete.

"Of course, a few people will be upset about having their parking spaces moved," he said.

"But I think that the majority will realize that this is just short term," he added.

Powell added that once stadium construction is complete, a new 500-space parking lot would be available along Porter Road on the south side of Beaver Stadium for both football and baseball parking.

Plans are currently underway to make alternate parking accommodations for the 1,000 parking spaces both north and south of the stadium, Powell said, but no specific location has been set.

Paul Wangsness, College of Agricultural Sciences senior associate dean, said the temporary parking fields will need new turfgrass and gravel roads leading to them before cars can park there.

"We would like to get started on that as early as possible this spring so that the fields are ready for the fall," he said. "That means that we will be deciding the definite location of the new parking fields soon so work can begin."

Powell added that even though there would be 500 fewer parking spaces once construction is done, everyone would be accommodated.

Frank Pope, director of event parking, said some of the football parking may be redirected to decks on campus, such as the Eisenhower Parking Deck or the East Parking Deck, which are closest to Beaver Stadium.

"Some space in these decks is used for football parking now, but I think that will increase once the ripple effect with the baseball stadium construction begins," he said.

He added that the fee for the parking decks and campus lots, which was $5 last season, is not likely to increase with more cars using the facility.

"I see no direct correlation between price and the increased amount of cars that may need to park in our decks and lots," Pop said.

"We try to stay consistent and keep our prices as low as possible," he added.

"We are trying to get the spaces relocated as close to the stadium as possible," he added.

White said preference for parking spots is based on a point system in the Nittany Lion Club, with one point equaling $50 donated to the club.

"We try to give first priority to the people who have been with the club for years and who have accumulated a lot of points," he said.

Since spots are renewed every football season, alumni can choose not to pay for a parking spot this upcoming season, but once money has been paid for a spot, it is not likely that it could be refunded, he said.

"We have had people discontinue their membership with us over the years for various reasons, so I wouldn't rule out that it could happen again," he said.

April Scimio, Penn State Alumni Association spokeswoman, said the organization has not heard any negative reaction from alumni about the parking loss.

Powell said he is waiting until future parking plans are set to notify alumni of the official parking changes.

Jeff Nelson, director of sports information, said he does not anticipate any loss in revenue or decline in football attendance because of the changes.

"I can't foresee any major changes," he said. "Everyone who needs a parking spot will still have one."

Powell said he has received calls from people inquiring about parking, but everyone he has spoken to so far has been willing to cooperate until the construction is complete.