Nebraska unveils plans for a $600 million stadium renovation project

An overhaul of the historic Memorial Stadium in Lincoln could be on the horizon.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a $600 million Memorial Stadium renovation plan at its meeting next Friday, and pending approval, construction would start after the upcoming fall season. The athletic department hopes to fund the project with “at least $250 million in philanthropic support and $350 million in private bond financing,” a Friday press release said.

The plan calls for the East Stadium to receive the most costly overhaul at more than $250 million. The West Stadium seating bowl and entire South Stadium are both scheduled to be demolished, according to the board’s agenda. The west side will get “new premium seating and improved general seating." The West Stadium renovation would include upgrades to indoor seating, the club level, restrooms and concourses. The stadium will have a new seating capacity of 80,000 by 2028. Currently, the athletic department lists the capacity at “beyond 85,000” and the plans note that it seats more than 90,000 after the East Stadium addition in the early 2010s.

Capacity for the 2027 season, during which work would still be underway, would be 65,000.

Also in the proposal, fans will be able to walk around the entire stadium from the 100 and 200 levels. A new "South Plaza" as it's named by Nebraska Athletics, will be a "new gateway to the west edge of campus." Renderings provided by the athletic department show the plaza as a grassy, walkable area where a parking area sits today.

“The Board is set to consider this important initiative, which represents an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the entire University System and will bring real economic benefits to the state of Nebraska,” Board of Regents Chair Paul Kenney said in the press release. “Memorial Stadium is a representation of our state’s values and traditions, and this restoration project will help preserve its legacy for future generations.”

Nebraska Athletics said the renovation could add 7,300 new jobs and generate an estimated $1.1 billion in economic impact statewide. The athletic department anticipates annual revenue to hit $95 million, which it called a 40% increase.

Renovations would include more changes to concessions. Additional places to buy food and drinks and new menus would be a part of the changes. Fans tasted a different menu and sipped on alcohol for the first time starting last fall, when concessionaire giant Aramark took over operations in the century-old stadium. Previous reporting by Nebraska Public Media News noted fans' frustration with the lack of concession stands, causing long wait times.

A heating system would be added under the field, the plans said. "The hydronic heating systems will be utilized to maintain playability and safety during cold weather and snowfall. The systems involve a network of underground pipes or wires, connected to a heat source within the stadium, to heat the playing surface," the agenda details noted.

Husker Athletics noted 7,000 seats designated for students and the band in the South Stadium and 20,000 new seatback chairs will be a part of the project, as well as improved accessibility for people with disabilities. NU hopes consolidating students on the south side will enhance noise and the school's home-field advantage. The Schorr Center, home of the computer science program in a building under South Stadium, will be relocated.

Putting the entire student section and band in a brand-new South Stadium is a carryover portion of a previous proposal in 2023. Accessibility upgrades were also discussed at that time, when a different iteration was introduced by then-athletic director Trev Alberts. But those plans were halted after Alberts left to take over the athletic department at Texas A&M University in March 2024. Construction of the estimated $450 million project had been scheduled to start in 2024. After Troy Dannen was hired to replace Alberts months later, NU ran a feasibility study on the renovations. The new proposal would shore up $200 million worth of "mandatory deferred maintenance." Nebraska also said it conducted a fan survey. It sought help identifying project priorities, landing on the goals of preserving Memorial Stadium's history and offering elite facilities for student athletes, NU said in its proposal.

“This is a multi-generational opportunity to build on the legacy of Memorial Stadium while positioning the University of Nebraska for long-term success,” said university President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold said in a written statement. Gold added that he expects the facility to help attract students and support the broader academic mission.

Nebraska Athletics aims to offer a "365-day" facility at Memorial Stadium. On Friday, it said putting on concerts and other events will also be a priority following renovations. Two big concert days are already on the books for the venue, starting with country artist Zach Bryan next Saturday and followed by Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours on August 22. In August 2021, Garth Brooks brought nearly 90,000 fans to Lincoln, which also marked one of the first events offering alcohol sales in Memorial Stadium.

Dannen said the project is a "statement about the future of Nebraska Athletics."

“Memorial Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in all of college sports and this project ensures that our stadium is well-positioned for future generations," Dannen said. "We have listened intently to Nebraska fans and are building a best-in-class fan experience that will also drive revenue for the University of Nebraska, create exciting new year-round programming for Nebraskans, create new opportunities for our student-athletes, and position Nebraska to compete and lead at the highest level in a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape.”

The regents meeting will be at 9 a.m. Central time next Friday at Varner Hall on East Campus. If approved and construction stays on schedule, the project will be about 50% done for the 2027 season and completed ahead of the 2028 season.