Nebraska pivots plans for $450 million renovation of Memorial Stadium

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen released new information Friday on the future of Memorial Stadium.

Dannen — who was hired after the sudden departure of Trev Alberts — said the university is changing the plans for the stadium’s renovation.

Under Alberts, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved a $450 million renovation, which included seating improvements and a new south stadium.

But Nebraska is now focusing on designing and planning improvements for the east and west stadiums, rather than tearing down the south stadium after the 2024 season.

The south stadium renovations “will remain within the scope of the overall project,” Dannen said in a statement, but there is no timeline for when that work would begin.

The athletic department isn’t currently seeking board approval for any work beyond the upgrades approved in October.

“No further construction work will occur until we bring detailed plans and funding back to the Board,” Dannen said in the statement. “Our financial stability is a great credit to the work of previous leaders who operated with great fiscal integrity, as well as the generosity and loyalty of Husker fans who have invested in our programs and student-athletes for decades.”

Channel 8 asked Husker fans about their thoughts on the new announcement.

One student said he hopes the new changes are more student friendly. 

“I’s definitely like to see more space in the student section,” Dawson Hike said. “And, instead of having it separated by east and south, have it all in one area so students can really empower the game more.”

Interim NU President Chris Kabourek said he supports the change in plans.

“College athletics is changing fast, and Troy has outlined a responsible and thoughtful path forward that will keep Nebraska in the driver’s seat while preserving what is perhaps the greatest single asset of Husker Athletics — our financial stability,” he said in a statement.