University of Missouri Hires DLR Group for Stadium Renovations

The home of Missouri football since 1926 will undergo some modernizations in time for its centennial anniversary after the University of Missouri Board of Curators approved the hiring of Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group to execute the $250 million Memorial Stadium Improvements Project.

The design will preserve the historic Rock M Hill while providing general admission seating for up to 2,600 fans. It will further enclose the north end of the stadium and add a variety of new premium seating options along the north edge of the stadium along with other upgrades throughout the facility.

“Memorial Stadium is a special place for Mizzou fans throughout the state of Missouri and beyond,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “We are excited to continue work on designing this project and developing the necessary fundraising and finance plans. The expansion to Memorial Stadium, combined with new leadership we expect to announce soon, are major steps in achieving our championship goals.”

Missouri finished 11-2 last season with a 14-3 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, ending the season ranked No. 8 in the national polls, the program’s highest postseason ranking in a decade.

The renovations could add up to 51 new suites total, including 28 cabanas featuring social spaces in covered settings. New premium spaces will also include loge seating options and mezzanine club luxury outdoor seats. The renovations could push the stadium’s capacity from its current level of 62,621 to closer to 65,000 depending on finalized plans.

As part of the project, Mizzou will upgrade restrooms and concessions throughout the stadium and convert the current field-level Bunker Club in the south end zone to a team recruiting center. Other planned features include expanded event space designed for Mizzou Athletics and other Mizzou programs to host events. The project will also explore the development of 14 field-level open-air suites and two new club sections, including a field-level 300-person Rock M Club built directly under Rock M Hill behind the current north end zone.

“We are competing in a dynamic, highly ambitious environment in intercollegiate athletics and across the totality of higher education,” Board Chair Robin Wenneker said. “We are momentum investing in Memorial Stadium to elevate Mizzou’s national brand and deliver a world-class facility that creates year- round connections for Tiger Nation within the campus, the community and the state of Missouri. We want to be pace setters and establish the new standard for success.”