Sept. 12, 2024
Contact: Christopher Ave, christopher.ave@missouri.edu
The University of Missouri Board of Curators unanimously approved the $250 million Memorial Stadium Improvements Project during Thursday’s board meeting on the campus of University of Missouri-Kansas City, authorizing a transformative renovation of the home facility for Mizzou’s football program.
The university will break ground on the project Nov. 30.
Scheduled for completion in 2026 to coincide with the stadium’s 100th anniversary, the project will elevate the fan experience and solidify Mizzou’s competitive standing in the Southeastern Conference.
"Today’s landmark decision to approve major renovations to historic Memorial Stadium reflects the board’s deep commitment to the University of Missouri Athletics and Mizzou Football," Board Chair Robin Wenneker said. “I’m extremely proud of the leadership our board and our administration have shown in enhancing the experience our fans so richly deserve. Our significant investments demonstrate our resolve to being highly competitive in the SEC and match our drive for global competitiveness across the entire university. This project will ensure that Memorial Stadium remains a source of pride for all Missourians and the greater Mizzou family for years to come."
Designed by Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group, the project includes a new multi-level north concourse addition and will feature a wide variety of new premium seating options, along with modernized concessions, enhanced restrooms and a new stadium entry plaza. The north concourse structure will total approximately 191,000 gross square feet, including 99,000 gross square feet of enclosed, climate-controlled areas.
“The most public-facing signal of championship expectations is the quality of an institution’s football stadium,” said Curator Bob Blitz, the chair of the board’s Mizzou Intercollegiate Athletics Special Committee. “Failure to invest now would cause a rapid decline in our fast-rising championship program.”
"The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project is a milestone in Mizzou’s continued growth,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “This project symbolizes the university's strategic vision to provide world-class facilities for our student-athletes while reinforcing Mizzou’s role as a driver of economic impact for the state. This investment is about more than football. It’s about community and economic development for the state of Missouri.”
Other primary elements of the renovation include a new retail outlet for Mizzou merchandise, the integration of an enhanced videoboard and sound system in the north end zone and improved wayfinding and graphics throughout the stadium. As part of the project, the Bunker Club in the south end zone will be converted into a recruiting center. Other features include enhanced LED field lighting, Wi-Fi improvements, upgrades to concourse restrooms and concessions, auxiliary locker room conversion and other stadium structural repairs.
As announced in April when the Board of Curators approved the hiring of DLR Group, the project envisions the development of 14 field-level open-air suites behind the north end zone and two new club sections, including a field-level, 300-person Rock M Club built directly under the historic Rock M Hill behind the current north end zone, and a 500-person Mezzanine Club. The project will explore the addition of 150 family loge boxes, 250 club seats and 28 “Tiger Den” private outdoor patio boxes for families or corporations. Under DLR’s design, the stadium’s capacity will increase to approximately 65,000.
"This project is a game-changer for Mizzou Football, our fans and our student-athletes,” Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. “This could not be possible without the leadership of our Board of Curators and President Choi. Their unwavering commitment continues to push Mizzou Athletics on an upward trajectory. This historic stadium renovation will not only enhance the overall fan experience but provide the resources necessary for our program to compete at the highest level in the SEC."
“This is an incredible statement by our Board of Curators and President Choi,” Missouri head football coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. “Their leadership has been instrumental in pushing this project forward. These stadium improvements are crucial for recruiting and developing the next generation of Tigers. We’re building something special here, and a renovated Memorial Stadium will be the heartbeat of that progress."
To learn more about the Memorial Stadium Improvements Project and see renderings of the design, visit MUTigers.com/WhyStopNow. Those interested in learning how to support Mizzou Athletics can contact the Tiger Scholarship Fund Office at 573-882-0704 and visit www.tsfmizzou.com.
Under Drinkwitz’s leadership, the No. 6 Tigers are 2-0 heading into Saturday’s home game against No. 24 Boston College, an 11:45 a.m. kickoff on SEC Network. The game will mark Mizzou’s eighth consecutive home sellout dating back to last season. Upcoming home games against Vanderbilt, Auburn and Oklahoma also have sold out.
