Proposed plans for the $450 million renovation of Nebraska Memorial Stadium are on the agenda for the October 5th meeting of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
The meeting will be at 9 a.m. at the Wigton Heritage Center, 42nd and Emile Streets, on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus in Omaha.
The goals of the project come from a 2022 survey of Big Red fans about what improvements they wanted to see in the stadium that is celebrating its centennial this year, and, in a news release, Athletic Director Trev Alberts says the modernization project has three overarching goals:
· 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 large feature involves South Stadium demolition and replacement with chair-back general seating.
The South Stadium, like the North Stadium, was built on gridiron success spurring massive ticket demand in the 1960's, with a final addition on top in 1972 after Nebraska's first two National Championships.
Other planned renovations include:
· 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 concession stands 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.
Completion of the entire stadium renovation project is targeted for July 2026, with occupancy to follow in August.
If approved by the Board, the project will be paid equally from 225 million dollars in private funds 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.
(Pictures from Getty Images)
Photo: Steven Branscombe / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images