Memorial Stadium

[Brad]

That’s a big surprise. I wonder what the thinking behind that was?

I haven’t listened to the podcast posted earlier, but is there talk in this expansion about the capacity increase for games?

The capacity is actually dropping about 10-12%

Probably how bad the team has been for the past decade and the fact that the sellout streak is artificial anyway. Lower capacity, give better amenities, ensure sellout streak lives on.

And they are removing most of the bleachers, which will lower capacity quite a bit. But removing the bleachers is something that needed to happen 20 years ago. Only bleachers left will be the new student section and the north endzone.

[Mr.Nuke]

That’s a big surprise. I wonder what the thinking behind that was?

I haven’t listened to the podcast posted earlier, but is there talk in this expansion about the capacity increase for games?

The capacity is actually dropping about 10-12%

Probably how bad the team has been for the past decade and the fact that the sellout streak is artificial anyway. Lower capacity, give better amenities, ensure sellout streak lives on.

And they are removing most of the bleachers, which will lower capacity quite a bit. But removing the bleachers is something that needed to happen 20 years ago. Only bleachers left will be the new student section and the north endzone.

Be careful what you wish not that the bench seating had a lot of leg room, but the original East balcony that was converted to club seating this year has virtually zero leg room. I'd assume that will be the same for the lower seats in East and West stadium as well as they're working with where the original concrete for the bench seating was poured. The new East Club seats are a slight upgrade in having a seat, but it isn't as much of one as you'd expect.

[Coyote]

How will Memorial Stadium's renovations affect Nebraska Football fans?

[Coyote]

Alberts to present Memorial Stadium renovation plans to Nebraska Regents

[Coyote]

Nebraska Board of Regents unanimously approve $450 million plan to renovate Memorial Stadium



The Nebraska Board of Regents officially approved a $450 million plan to renovate and improve Memorial Stadium. The board voted unanimously to approve the planned renovations, including concession upgrades, demolition of South Stadium, 360-degree main-level concourse connection and 270-degree upper-level concourse connection, chair-back seating in South, East and West stadiums, restroom modernization and more.

[Coyote]

A look back at Memorial Stadium through the years



Memorial stadium through the years

[Coyote]

100 Years Through These Gates
100 Year Anniversary of Memorial Stadium

[Longlurker]

Hearing that the initial renderings of the renovation are looking really good. Specifically south stadium being a towering, imposing, curved bowl like structure. Hopefully I'll get to see it myself soon!

Only other tidbits. Roughly 70,000 Capacity. Some sort of blocked off area outside the stadium that you can exit the game with adult beverages and then re-enter the stadium. (A sort of compromise for no longer allowing re-admittance.) And the student section will have an area specifically designed for students that are 21+ that is "really really cool" according to source. Lol. All very vague, but fun to let your imagination do some work in the meantime.

[Linkin5]

Josh Peterson of 1620 tweeted out these photos that he was sent. Who knows if this comes to fruition with Trev leaving.

[nebugeater]

Josh Peterson of 1620 tweeted out these photos that he was sent. Who knows if this comes to fruition with Trev leaving.

If it happened, I would assume, at best, there would be a multi-year delay.

[djc311]

Funny they're already scrambling to try and save face and make UNL look "good". "Hey Husker fans... don't worry about our 4th AD leaving in the past 13 years... we're going to show you an awesome rendering of the football stadium that probably won't happen now because we don't have a standing AD or university president.

But, it's all good! GBR!

[Coyote]

Should Nebraska move forward with the stadium project, scale back or table it?

[Brad]

They were talking on the radio last week or the week before that maybe there is a growing push from fans/season ticket holders for a completely new stadium and not another remodel?

[nebugeater]

They were talking on the radio last week or the week before that maybe there is a growing push from fans/season ticket holders for a completely new stadium and not another remodel?

I have heard that mentioned too, but I thought it was more of a "what if"

If they were to build now, I can only rationalize tearing down the existing building and building in the same location. That would mean no home games for at least two years.

To build elsewhere, I think, is a LONG SHOT . I would think they would need/want to stay on campus. The nearly new training and other support facilities are there and need to be by the stadium, IMO.

Could build on the Innovation camus but too far from the main campus and too far from downtown.

It could be built by Haymarket Park, but I don't see that working either for a variety of reasons. Also, even though ownership could change, isn't that ground all owned by the city?

[Greg S]

They were talking on the radio last week or the week before that maybe there is a growing push from fans/season ticket holders for a completely new stadium and not another remodel?

I have heard that mentioned too, but I thought it was more of a "what if"

If they were to build now, I can only rationalize tearing down the existing building and building in the same location. That would mean no home games for at least two years.

To build elsewhere, I think, is a LONG SHOT . I would think they would need/want to stay on campus. The nearly new training and other support facilities are there and need to be by the stadium, IMO.

Could build on the Innovation camus but too far from the main campus and too far from downtown.

It could be built by Haymarket Park, but I don't see that working either for a variety of reasons. Also, even though ownership could change, isn't that ground all owned by the city?

If it was 1620, I heard that too. I didn't think they were really serious. It stemmed partly from talking about KU building anew where their Memorial Stadium stood. They mentioned Nebraska could do similar if Arrowhead was 45 minutes away like it is for Kansas.

[SkyWarrior55]

They were talking on the radio last week or the week before that maybe there is a growing push from fans/season ticket holders for a completely new stadium and not another remodel?

I have heard that mentioned too, but I thought it was more of a "what if"

If they were to build now, I can only rationalize tearing down the existing building and building in the same location. That would mean no home games for at least two years.

To build elsewhere, I think, is a LONG SHOT . I would think they would need/want to stay on campus. The nearly new training and other support facilities are there and need to be by the stadium, IMO.

Could build on the Innovation camus but too far from the main campus and too far from downtown.

It could be built by Haymarket Park, but I don't see that working either for a variety of reasons. Also, even though ownership could change, isn't that ground all owned by the city?

If it was 1620, I heard that too. I didn't think they were really serious. It stemmed partly from talking about KU building anew where their Memorial Stadium stood. They mentioned Nebraska could do similar if Arrowhead was 45 minutes away like it is for Kansas.

They could play at Charles Schwab Field.

I kid I kid.

[nebugeater]

They were talking on the radio last week or the week before that maybe there is a growing push from fans/season ticket holders for a completely new stadium and not another remodel?

I have heard that mentioned too, but I thought it was more of a "what if"

If they were to build now, I can only rationalize tearing down the existing building and building in the same location. That would mean no home games for at least two years.

To build elsewhere, I think, is a LONG SHOT . I would think they would need/want to stay on campus. The nearly new training and other support facilities are there and need to be by the stadium, IMO.

Could build on the Innovation camus but too far from the main campus and too far from downtown.

It could be built by Haymarket Park, but I don't see that working either for a variety of reasons. Also, even though ownership could change, isn't that ground all owned by the city?

If it was 1620, I heard that too. I didn't think they were really serious. It stemmed partly from talking about KU building anew where their Memorial Stadium stood. They mentioned Nebraska could do similar if Arrowhead was 45 minutes away like it is for Kansas.

They could play at Charles Schwab Field.

I kid I kid.

Or on campus at UNO....... Oh, wait a minute.........

[Coyote]

Where does Nebraska's Memorial Stadium renovation project stand?



LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska's Memorial Stadium renovation project is supposed to start next January, but there have been funding questions from the start. Regents unanimously approved the $450 million dollar project and $45 million in phase one planning work in October, but regents had questions about where the funding would come from. On Friday, the Board of Regents is set to consider the next step: Approving a contract that's part of the phase one work.

[Coyote]

Nebraska AD Troy Dannen says Memorial Stadium project is on "same trajectory"

[Louie]

Well that's certainly surprising to hear.

[OmahaRedWing]

Well that's certainly surprising to hear.

I am not really surprised. South Stadium is in desperate need of a renovation. Outside of some work done when they had some concrete fall years ago, it's remained the same for decades.

Also, let's not forget, beer sales in Memorial Stadium are tied in with the infrastructure improvements needed throughout.

I imagine the new AD may make changes, but I never really doubted that something major would be done. It will be interesting to see if though if the bulk of the project is delayed by a year though.

[Louie]

Well that's certainly surprising to hear.

I am not really surprised. South Stadium is in desperate need of a renovation. Outside of some work done when they had some concrete fall years ago, it's remained the same for decades.

Also, let's not forget, beer sales in Memorial Stadium are tied in with the infrastructure improvements needed throughout.

I imagine the new AD may make changes, but I never really doubted that something major would be done. It will be interesting to see if though if the bulk of the project is delayed by a year though.

Good point

[Linkin5]

Sounds like South Stadium project has been cancelled, they will just be focusing on chair backs in East and West Stadium.

[Coyote]

Sounds like South Stadium project has been cancelled, they will just be focusing on chair backs in East and West Stadium.

HuskerOnline breaks down LATEST news on Memorial Stadium's renovation plans

https://www.youtube.com/live/KVtatXO1FE ... QSus8iY1Xy

[djc311]

Just read about 10 different stories online about this - I'm not opposed to the idea of not doing the south end zone, but even with as much support as Nebraska gets for football, people are tired of their subpar and below .500 winning. The fact he's toying with the idea of asking for taxpayers to contribute to stadium work is mind-blowing.

IMO, they've had their chances under other ADs and coaches... plenty of chances, to get better. They've done the complete opposite. I have faith in Rhule, like him as a coach and I'm excited to see Raiola play. I think these are all good things, perhaps great things. One thing that's almost 100% certain is they shouldn't put Nebraska in any worse position than they already are. However, even with the positives, I wouldn't willingly contribute to fund their dream renovations.

He has 5 months' experience at Washington and a short stint at Tulane and Norther Iowa?

At this point in time I hope things turn around. People are losing patience and will certainly stop spending money to attend losses.

Last thing I'll say is I read about his ideas of at least studying buffet-style eating at the stadium. Maybe I'm old school and I'm simply unfamiliar with what's happening elsewhere throughout the country with other sports venues but who wants to go to a Husker football game to eat a buffet while you watch the game? Damn Runza and Valentino's pizza slice is expensive enough.

If they were smart they'd fix the crappy seats and start selling beer. That's probably the best short-term option to keep people happy until they start winning again.

[F0R_L1F3]

It looks like they'd want to convert the south parking lot into a small green space of some kind. I'd assume this goes with the south stadium renovation if it was still on track but just curious, would anybody know if this is still going to happen? I know it's a small touch-up but I feel like aesthetically not only would be it pleasing but those who go through that side of the university as well as those who have to go to the Schorr Center would prefer that. Just my two cents.

[Coyote]

Newly named Nebraska athletic director announces changes in plans to Memorial Stadium renovations



Recently named University of Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen is announcing intentions to modify the project plans and timeline for renovations at Memorial Stadium. Once a pet project of former athletic director Trev Alberts, who suddenly resigned in March, it appears Dannen is taking things in a new direction. “We are all aligned on the need to modernize our aging stadium. But as we have said, any work we do needs to follow our guiding principles. First, it needs to help us win. Second, it needs to advance our goals for acquisition and retention of talent. Third, and equally importantly, it must preserve our financial stability — one of the greatest assets of Husker Athletics," Dannen said.

Dannen said the South Stadium will not be torn down following the 2024 season. Instead, the focus will be on designing and planning improvements for the East and West stadiums with a goal of work beginning no earlier than after the 2025 season. "South Stadium renovations will remain within the scope of the overall project, but there is no timeline for when that work would begin," Dannen said.

[Coyote]

Hurrdat Sports Radio
Find the Fans Where They're at
Sam McKewon



Ravi Lulla welcomes Sam McKewon of the Omaha World-Herald to discuss the plans for Memorial Stadium, acknowledging the changing landscape of college football consumption and more.

[HskrFanMike]

A few thoughts:

A new stadium of relatively comparable size (80k capacity) would likely be $1.5 to $2 billion in cost. There isn't a lot of real estate on campus (especially adjacent to the existing facilities) to build on campus, so you are either building elsewhere (former fairgrounds or out of downtown Lincoln), or building in-place, like what Northwestern and Kansas are doing. While Kansas has the advantage of going into Missouri to play at Arrowhead, Northwestern is putting up bleachers around their practice facility for most of their games this fall.

So starting over from scratch isn't a terribly feasible idea unless Warren Buffett wants to make it happen.

I think the entire south end zone plan is back to the drawing board. Between the extreme price and the loss of seating (both temporarily during construction and then permanently afterwards), I think the original Trev idea is DOA. (It's probably why he's now an Aggie.) But perhaps there's a renovation that doesn't require blowing up south stadium that can be implemented in five years or so.

[Greg S]

A few thoughts:

A new stadium of relatively comparable size (80k capacity) would likely be $1.5 to $2 billion in cost. There isn't a lot of real estate on campus (especially adjacent to the existing facilities) to build on campus, so you are either building elsewhere (former fairgrounds or out of downtown Lincoln), or building in-place, like what Northwestern and Kansas are doing. While Kansas has the advantage of going into Missouri to play at Arrowhead, Northwestern is putting up bleachers around their practice facility for most of their games this fall.

So starting over from scratch isn't a terribly feasible idea unless Warren Buffett wants to make it happen.

I think the entire south end zone plan is back to the drawing board. Between the extreme price and the loss of seating (both temporarily during construction and then permanently afterwards), I think the original Trev idea is DOA. (It's probably why he's now an Aggie.) But perhaps there's a renovation that doesn't require blowing up south stadium that can be implemented in five years or so.

Yeah I think this is accurate though I don't think it was the driving force on Trev leaving....

They will need to do some infrastructure upgrades if they start selling beer (which I think is a given).

Greg

[nebugeater]

I think they should put ALL if it on hold for a couple years rather than pump more money in now. They need to fully vett a new stadium and more money in exiting makes that much less likely.

The only place to build new IMO is to tear down and build in the same location. There was too much spent on a state of the art training / locker facility to leave that behind for a new location.

[DasBoot]

A few thoughts:

A new stadium of relatively comparable size (80k capacity) would likely be $1.5 to $2 billion in cost. There isn't a lot of real estate on campus (especially adjacent to the existing facilities) to build on campus, so you are either building elsewhere (former fairgrounds or out of downtown Lincoln), or building in-place, like what Northwestern and Kansas are doing. While Kansas has the advantage of going into Missouri to play at Arrowhead, Northwestern is putting up bleachers around their practice facility for most of their games this fall.

So starting over from scratch isn't a terribly feasible idea unless Warren Buffett wants to make it happen.

I think the entire south end zone plan is back to the drawing board. Between the extreme price and the loss of seating (both temporarily during construction and then permanently afterwards), I think the original Trev idea is DOA. (It's probably why he's now an Aggie.) But perhaps there's a renovation that doesn't require blowing up south stadium that can be implemented in five years or so.

As someone who has had to endure sitting in south stadium for many games, I can't wait for the day that dump is completely torn down. It has to be the worst designed endzone section in any college stadium. One continuous section of bleachers that puts fans far away from the field with very little room for personal space. Don't forget the concourse, restrooms, and concessions in south stadium. Those are awful as well. I believe the south stadium seats around 27k. That's an awful lot of total capacity put towards such a terrible fan experience. It's a complete dump that needs to be rebuilt from the ground up with multiple tiers bringing fans closer to the field and with modern amenities. Maybe then I might consider giving up sitting in the comfort of my house, 85" tv and the convivence of my basement bar to sit in south stadium for a game or two each season.

[riceweb]

Agreed that they should effectively completely rebuild Memorial. The outer structure + club and box seats on east and west stadiums are probably fine to keep, but the old interior structure should be demolished, and both north and south stadium should be completely demolished and rebuilt.

If they can partially cover the stadium, all the better.

They might even consider greatly reducing capacity to 55k-60k to get ahead of changes in the CFB world.

[Greg S]

I think if they went new stadium, there's two options. One would be over at the area where the state fairgrounds used to be. The other is the current site. If you do that, they'd have to play elsewhere, most likely for 2 years. Logistics for home games would be a nightmare during that time. Not sure where they would put them that works.

I just don't see a new stadium being feasible. Assuming it's open air, I think you'd be looking at $1.5 billion. The numbers don't make sense for 7 or so games per year.

I do agree they need to proceed slowly. Kind of sounds like they are by pushing this whole thing back at least a year. My seats have been in South Stadium since the early 90's. Will be interesting to see what they finally decide to do there.

Greg

[nebugeater]

I think if they went new stadium, there's two options. One would be over at the area where the state fairgrounds used to be. The other is the current site. If you do that, they'd have to play elsewhere, most likely for 2 years. Logistics for home games would be a nightmare during that time. Not sure where they would put them that works.

I just don't see a new stadium being feasible. Assuming it's open air, I think you'd be looking at $1.5 billion. The numbers don't make sense for 7 or so games per year.

I do agree they need to proceed slowly. Kind of sounds like they are by pushing this whole thing back at least a year. My seats have been in South Stadium since the early 90's. Will be interesting to see what they finally decide to do there.

Greg

IMO, the old state fairgrounds, now Innovation Campus, is not an option. It's too far from the downtown and Haymarket areas that people flock to on game days.

Also, 7 games? You are short-sighted in leaving out the seven High School Champ games! LOL

[Greg S]

I think if they went new stadium, there's two options. One would be over at the area where the state fairgrounds used to be. The other is the current site. If you do that, they'd have to play elsewhere, most likely for 2 years. Logistics for home games would be a nightmare during that time. Not sure where they would put them that works.

I just don't see a new stadium being feasible. Assuming it's open air, I think you'd be looking at $1.5 billion. The numbers don't make sense for 7 or so games per year.

I do agree they need to proceed slowly. Kind of sounds like they are by pushing this whole thing back at least a year. My seats have been in South Stadium since the early 90's. Will be interesting to see what they finally decide to do there.

Greg

IMO, the old state fairgrounds, now Innovation Campus, is not an option. It's too far from the downtown and Haymarket areas that people flock to on game days.

Also, 7 games? You are short-sighted in leaving out the seven High School Champ games! LOL

I think the current site has as many drawbacks. You'd essentially lose home games for 2 years.

[Louie]

I think if they went new stadium, there's two options. One would be over at the area where the state fairgrounds used to be. The other is the current site. If you do that, they'd have to play elsewhere, most likely for 2 years. Logistics for home games would be a nightmare during that time. Not sure where they would put them that works.

I just don't see a new stadium being feasible. Assuming it's open air, I think you'd be looking at $1.5 billion. The numbers don't make sense for 7 or so games per year.

I do agree they need to proceed slowly. Kind of sounds like they are by pushing this whole thing back at least a year. My seats have been in South Stadium since the early 90's. Will be interesting to see what they finally decide to do there.

Greg

IMO, the old state fairgrounds, now Innovation Campus, is not an option. It's too far from the downtown and Haymarket areas that people flock to on game days.

Also, 7 games? You are short-sighted in leaving out the seven High School Champ games! LOL

I think the current site has as many drawbacks. You'd essentially lose home games for 2 years.

What are the drawbacks to the current site?

[Omaha747]

They are not going to build a new stadium, period. I'd put that at less of a 1% chance of ever happening. There's no chance they'd ever tear down Memorial Stadium as you'd be tearing down 100+ years of history. Drop the pipe dream

[Omaha747]

I'm hopeful a few winning seasons brings the high demand back for tickets in order to fill the stadium. I'm not a big proponent of them taking another 10k+ seats out which is 20k fewer than what we had in attendance for games like Miami in 2014.

[Garrett]

They are not going to build a new stadium, period. I'd put that at less of a 1% chance of ever happening. There's no chance they'd ever tear down Memorial Stadium as you'd be tearing down 100+ years of history. Drop the pipe dream

You’d be surprised. Yankee stadium had history and was torn down. The Bears want to tear down Soldier Field. Kansas basically tore down their stadium. There’s a pretty good chance it could happen