Memorial Stadium Renovation Plans Revealed: Replace South Stadium And Reduce Capacity To Mid-70,000 While Enhancing Fan Experience
Memorial Stadium Renovation Plans Revealed: Replace South Stadium And Reduce Capacity To Mid-70,000 While Enhancing Fan Experience
Oct 01, 20239420 Shares177741 Views
Memorial Stadium, often referred to as the "third-largest city" in Nebraska during football games, is set to undergo a massive $450 million modernization project aimed at enhancing the overall fan experience. This ambitious endeavor will usher in significant improvements, including the replacement of bench seating with comfortable chair-back seats in the South, East, and West Stadiums, upgraded restroom and concession facilities, and enhanced accessibility to the upper sections of the stadium, which has been in use since its inauguration in 1923.
However, one of the most noteworthy aspects of this modernization plan is the reduction of Memorial Stadium's seating capacity. The renovation will see the stadium's capacity decrease from nearly 90,000 to approximately 75,000 seats. During the 2025 football season, approximately 23,000 seats will be temporarily displaced due to construction. The demolition phase is scheduled to commence after the 2024 football season, with an anticipated completion date of July 2026.
Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Director, Trev Alberts, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "We have a 100-year-old stadium that we need to ensure is viable for another 100 years." This sentiment reflects the university's commitment to preserving its historic sports venue for generations to come.
The proposal for this monumental renovation is set to be presented before the University of Nebraska Board of Regents during its meeting on October 5, 2023.
One key aspect of the funding plan for this project is that it will be divided equally between private donations and various funding sources. Athletic department funds will contribute $100 million, and an additional $50 million will be sourced from the university's internal lending program. Importantly, no student tuition dollars or general university operating funds will be utilized.
The impetus for these renovations stemmed from a survey initiated by Alberts shortly after he assumed the role of athletic director in 2021. Over 22,000 fans participated in the survey, and university officials also undertook tours of recent stadium renovations at Wisconsin and Notre Dame, as well as the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
The most conspicuous changes will involve the demolition and replacement of the South Stadium section, originally constructed in the 1960s. The new seating in this section will feature comfortable chair backs, improved access to upper levels, and upgraded concessions and restroom facilities. Moreover, the new South Stadium will house the student section and a designated area for the NU band.
Alberts emphasized his vision of "activating" Memorial Stadium with activities and academic programs throughout the year, extending its role beyond the traditional seven Saturdays each fall when football games are played.
While the renovation work may cause some inconvenience and disruption, Athletic Director Trev Alberts hopes that fans will remain patient, recognizing the long-term benefits of this ambitious modernization project. Memorial Stadium, initially built as a memorial to Nebraskans lost in World War I, remains an iconic symbol of the state's love for football and has been part of an ongoing NCAA-record 382 consecutive sellouts, a streak that commenced in 1962. With this modernization, Nebraska fans can look forward to an even better game-day experience in the years to come.
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