Nebraska unveils plan for $450 million renovation of Memorial Stadium
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a $450 million renovation to the historic Memorial Stadium next week.
In a press release Thursday, university officials unveiled the renovation plan, which includes seating improvements and a new south stadium.
WATCH: Nebraska AD Trev Alberts talks Memorial Stadium renovations
The plans will go before the board at its Oct. 5 meeting in Omaha. The board approved the initial contract for the renovations at a meeting in April.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider renovation plans for Memorial Stadium that will modernize Nebraska’s most iconic facility for its next 100 years.
More on the proposed plans laid out today by the university and AD @TrevAlberts: https://t.co/1ESClye4mY pic.twitter.com/3fGdftxYDb
— University of Nebraska System (@u_nebraska) September 28, 2023
Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts said the project has three main goals: enhancing the fan experience, creating a modern facility and providing affordable access for all Husker fans.
“Of the history that has happened in our stadium, it’s pretty remarkable,” Alberts said at a press conference. “We need to make sure that while we’re here, we need to ensure an infrastructure that’s here for the next 100 years.”
In 2022, the university sent out a survey to Husker fans asking for input on improvements to Memorial Stadium.
The over 22,000 responses helped inform the university on what improvements fans wanted to see, officials said.
Part of the renovation plan is to demolish and rebuild the south stadium, including an improved student section and place for the band.
The university also plans to modernize bathrooms and update concessions.
“We had one chance to do this,” Alberts said. “If we’re going to do this right, we’re going to do it entirely. So a holistic vision, not just a south stadium vision, not just east or west.”
Another part of the renovation is improved access for those with disabilities.
This renovation would result in a 10% to 12% decrease in capacity from widening aisles, putting in handrails and other changes.
If approved, the project will be paid for equally by private funds and other sources, officials said, including up to $50 million from the university’s internal lending program.
No student tuition or general operating dollars will be used for the renovations. The project is scheduled to be finished in July 2026.
The proposed renovation received mixed reactions from students.
“It’s already good,” said Ava Arts, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student. “Like, we already have the people coming to the games. I don’t think we need the renovation. Like, if it’s not broke, we shouldn’t fix it.”
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