UNL starts renovation of east side of Memorial Stadium

Posted By: Bayley Bischof Channel 8 Eyewitness News 

The east side of Memorial Stadium, near 14 and Vine, is getting a face-lift.

"This is the Loop Road Renovation project focused on Vine Street and starting to create a new plaza and green space environment in the heart of campus," Brooke Hay, director of Capital Construction for UNL said. 

The first part of this project started last month, that’s turning Vine street into a two-way street with parking along each side. That will cost about 2 million dollars.

That’s just the beginning of the 10 million dollar project..

"We will eventually take U street offline and make it green space and as well as the parking lot in the center, when appropriate replacement for that is found, then that will be green space as well," Hay said. 

Hay said there won’t be quite as many parking spots along the new street, but the quality of the streets themselves will see a much needed increase. 

It will also provide an event space that’s better suited for campus activities and special events like tailgating.

"Prime area for tailgating during football season will be maintaining that for sure, we think we’ll be able to enhance it," Hay said. "It’s just a standard parking lot and will be green space and better access to electricity and amenities."

The area will also be safer, because vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be separated. Hay said it will also be curbless, making it more accessible.

The first phase of this project, re-doing this street, will be done by the time school starts in the fall, but UNL doesn’t have a timeline for the conversion of U Street. They’re still working on funding for the 10 million dollars it will cost.