UM Board of Curators approves major north end zone renovation at Memorial Stadium

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) - As the Missouri Tigers continue to ride its momentum on the football field fresh off a Cotton Bowl title, their stadium has been approved for significant renovations over the next two years.

The UM Board of Curators approved a renovation plan of Memorial Stadium that will include closing off the north end zone for seating. The stadium will also see upgrades to the stadium sound system, multi-colored LED field lighting, stadium-wide Wi-Fi improvements and upgraded ribbon boards throughout the stadium.

“We are creating the perfect environment for Mizzou ers to fully contribute to our program’s success,” football coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “We are extremely grateful to the Board of Curators and President Choi for their continued investments in athletics. You certainly can’t do it alone and our players, coaches and staff are proud to represent our state’s flagship institution and ionate fan base.”

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A field-level 300-person Rock M Club will be built directly under the historic Rock M Hill behind the current north end zone. The renovations could add up to 51 new suites total, including 28 cabanas featuring large social spaces in covered settings.

“The Memorial Stadium Improvements Project will be transformational for the University of Missouri,” said Ryan Freeland, Senior Associate Sports Design Leader at DLR Group. “The design is rooted in the traditions of Mizzou athletics while offering a refreshed and elevated gameday experience for all fans. The renovation will bring fans closer to the field, amplifying the energy of the stadium and enhancing the gameday atmosphere, creating a first-in-class experience within the Southeastern Conference and throughout college football.”

The cost of the project is about $250 million, according to the university. The goal is for the project to be completed for the start of the 2026 football season, which will coincide with the centennial anniversary of the first game played at Memorial Stadium in 1926.

The university stated that the renovations could push the stadium’s capacity from its current level of 62,621 to closer to 65,000 depending on finalized programming plans.

The Board of Curators approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group to design the project.

The Tigers finished the 2023 season with an 11-2 record, culminating with a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

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