Sources: Memorial Stadium Renovation Costs Could Exceed $500 Million
Memorial Stadium, the home of Nebraska football, is set for significant renovations that could push the total price tag close to $1 billion.
While changes to the stadium have long been expected, the specifics have largely been kept under wraps, with an official announcement anticipated in 2025. Former Nebraska athletics director Trev Alberts first revealed plans for the renovation in 2022, estimating the project would cost around $450 million. At that time, the proposal called for the temporary removal of 25,000 seats ahead of the upcoming season.
Renovation Plans Evolve After New AD Takes Over
After Troy Dannen assumed the role of athletics director in March 2024, the renovation plans began to shift. In an April 2024 statement, Dannen emphasized the need to modernize the aging stadium, but added that the project would need to align with several key goals: improving team performance, enhancing talent acquisition and retention, and preserving financial stability for Husker Athletics.
The third point, concerning cost control, raised concerns among some stakeholders, as the initial price tag of $450 million seemed already steep.
Costs to Soar Beyond $500 Million
Now, sources indicate that the cost of the renovation will surpass the original estimate, with the final price likely landing between $500 million and $1 billion. This would represent a substantial increase from the original $450 million plan under Alberts, with the new project expected to be at least 1.5 times more expensive.
Stadium Upgrades and West Side Overhaul
While changes to the south stadium will remain in line with Alberts’ original proposal, a significant portion of the added cost will come from improvements to the west side of the stadium. Specifically, the lower section of the west bowl will undergo a major redesign, including a vertical expansion, with one existing level being replaced by three.
Each new level on the west side will feature its own club level, with chairback seating expected. Additionally, field-level clubs, similar to those seen at stadiums like AT&T and SoFi, could be part of the plans.
Construction Timeline Delayed
If the Board of Regents approves the updated plans, construction is slated to begin after the 2026 season, a timeline that is later than the July 2026 completion target originally set under the $450 million plan.
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