The University of Missouri board of curators has approved a $250 million renovation for Memorial Stadium, used primarily by the Missouri Tigers college team.
The project, which will break ground Nov. 30 when the Tigers play border rival Arkansas, will most notably enclose the north end zone with a multilevel concourse and premium seating. The grassy berm and block “M” formed from whitewashed rocks, where many fans now sit, will remain below the concourse, but with a reduced footprint.
“This project is a game-changer for Mizzou football,” said Tigers athletic director Laird Veatch, who was hired in May after Desireé Reed-Francois left for the same job at Arizona. “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.”
Memorial Stadium is one of the oldest football stadiums west of the Mississippi River, tracing its opening to Oct. 26, 1926, and a game against Tulane. It has undergone numerous renovations over its nearly 100-year history, most recently a nearly $100 million renovation that created suites and stand-level decks along with general seating in the south end zone.
“I’ve never been one who says the athletic department is the front porch of the university, because that isolates something. It’s part of a university. It’s very visible. It draws people in,” Sankey said. “I think those are incredible, healthy opportunities, and that continued growth is a part of what happens on campus.”
