Regents Approve Memorial Stadium Renovation Plans

On Oct. 5, 2023, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents gave initial approval for a proposed $450 million renovation to Memorial Stadium that will modernize the state’s most iconic facility for its next century and beyond.

Informed by a 2022 survey that drew responses from 22,000-plus Husker fans about what improvements they wanted to see in the stadium, the modernization project has three overarching goals, according to 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.”

“The University of Nebraska is proud to be investing in excellence in all areas – academic and athletic. Facilities are a crucial part of that strategy,” said University of Nebraska President Ted Carter. “Just as we are making unprecedented investments in our classroom and laboratory space, outstanding athletics facilities help to build Nebraskans’ excitement about their university and add to the power of our national brand.

“This project is an exciting part of our vision for Nebraska to compete at the highest levels across the board.”

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.

Pending Board approval of a waiver of Regents Policy 6.3.6, $45 million in infrastructure work will begin soon, prior to the Board’s review of intermediate design documents. The policy waiver is being sought so as much work as possible can be completed during the off-season.

Completion of the entire stadium renovation project is targeted for July 2026, with occupancy to follow in August.

Frequently Asked Questions
What impact will the Memorial Stadium renovation have on fans and seating for the 2024 season?
We do not anticipate any significant seating impact or disruption for the 2024 season.

When will the seating bowl be impacted by the demolition of the South Stadium and construction? 
To complete a construction project of this scale at Memorial Stadium there will be disruption. The expectation is that South Stadium would be demolished after the 2024 season and rebuilt over the course of the next two years. There would not be any seating in South Stadium for the 2025 season. We are hopeful some seating may be available in the South Stadium for the 2026 season, but that will be largely dependent on the impact of weather on the construction timeline.

I have season tickets in the South Stadium.  What are my options for seating while the South Stadium is unavailable and in the future?
Season ticket holders impacted by any approved Memorial Stadium renovations will receive direct communication as more details are finalized. Any season ticket holders interested in relocating to different seating locations in the stadium as early as the 2024 season should sign up for the Seat Selection Process during the renewal period in December of 2023. Our athletic administration has tasked our staff to develop a fair and equitable approach to address season ticket holders who will be displaced.

What will the capacity of Memorial Stadium be after the project is completed?
When the entire project is completed, we anticipate a 10-12 percent reduction in seating capacity at Memorial Stadium. The current capacity is 82,841.

Why is it necessary to do this project if it will impact so many ticket holders who will not have seats for one or two seasons?
The short-term disruption is necessary to provide for the best possible Memorial Stadium and fan experience for the next 50 years. The goal is to provide a revitalized Memorial Stadium that will transform the game-day experience for fans in and around the stadium for the next half-century.

What new amenities can fans expect when the renovation project is completed?
We are committed to upgrading as many aspects of the fan experience as possible, including concessions offerings and efficiency, restrooms, greater ease to move around the facility with connected concourses, easier access to seating areas, and greatly improved WiFi service.

How will the project be funded? 
The project will be a true public/private partnership, paid equally from private funds ($225 million) and other funding sources, including Athletic Department reserves and $50 million from the university’s internal lending program. No student tuition dollars or university general operating dollars will be used. Unlike many athletic departments, Nebraska’s does not receive a subsidy from the university.