As the University of Nebraska celebrates the 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium, the Board of Regents is set to consider renovation plans that will modernize the facility.
The proposed $450 million renovation initiative will be presented to the Board on October 5.
Informed by insights gleaned from a 2022 survey, which received responses from over 22,000 Husker fans, the modernization project is guided by three primary objectives, articulated by Athletic Director Trev Alberts:
- Enhance the evolving fan experience that encourages families to come to Memorial Stadium on game day.
- Ensure a modern facility with infrastructure suited for the next century.
- Provide equitable and affordable access for all Husker fans, including dedicated space for students.
“One hundred years ago, Nebraskans came together to celebrate the first game at Memorial Stadium – the start of what would become a century’s worth of memories for students, alumni, fans and families all across our state,” Alberts said. “Now our fans have an opportunity to come together again to ensure that we can make memories for another century. After 100 years, the reality is our stadium needs significant modernization.
“A project of this scale can’t happen without some degree of disruption, but we ask our fans to give us grace as we work through our ambitious plans. We could not be more excited to bring this proposal to the Board of Regents and share our vision with Nebraskans for making Memorial Stadium the home of one of the best fan experiences in college athletics.”
If approved by the Board, the project will be paid equally from private funds ($225 million) and other funding sources, including up to $50 million from the university’s internal lending program.
No student tuition dollars or university general operating dollars will be used. Unlike most athletic departments, Nebraska’s does not receive a subsidy from the university.
Specific planned renovations include:
- South Stadium demolition and replacement with chair-back general seating.
- New chair-back seating in West and East stadiums.
- 360-degree main-level concourse connection and 270-degree upper-level concourse connection.
- Concession upgrades, refurbished menu options and added points of sale throughout the stadium.
- Restroom modernization throughout the stadium.
- Academic curriculum space, with specific uses guided by UNL’s academic leadership.
- Enhanced student life amenities.
- ADA upgrades throughout the stadium.
Completion of the entire stadium renovation project is targeted for July 2026, with occupancy to follow in August.
