One of the first things current Athletic Director Troy Dannan did when arriving in Lincoln was to put predecessor Trev Albert’s stadium renovation on hold. Albert’s plans were met with concerns due to donor support and financial stability. Dannen said at the time, ‘We’re not going to take anything to the Board of Regents, and I don’t know when we will. But the time is not now.” Many felt it was the right move but knew whatever delays occurred, the price tag for the improvement would only go up.
Well, evidently the time is “now,” as that all changed last Friday when Dannen announced a new $600 million renovation plan, he called “Big Red Rebuild.”
When I heard the phrase, my mind immediately jumped to a Matt Rhule press conference earlier this year when the changes in his coaching staff were referred to as a rebuild. Rhule bristled and suggested it was a “reset”. In my way of thinking Dannen’s plans are closer to a reset than Rhule rebuilding his staff. A stadium improvement has always been in the works, and we’ve known it was coming for a long time. Rebuild or reset, no bristling here, it’s something that absolutely needs to happen.
The plan will be presented to the Board of Regents on April 24, which is a mere technicality. This is as good as done. It wouldn’t have gotten this far if not. As of now the project will begin at the end of the 2026 season and is set to be completed for the 2028 season. The plans are to include the following:
- A 360° main concourse connecting the east and west bowls. Something Husker fans have desired for years.
- An additional 20,000 new chairbacks, probably located in the east & west bowls.
- 7,000 seats dedicated to Nebraska students and band members. As of now the talk is that the band will be located behind the goal post of the south end zone with students located on each side.
- Include expanded concessions and restrooms to reduce waiting time and improved ADA accessibility. (American Disabilities Act)
- An added jumbotron so there is one in each end zone.
- Enhanced game day experience which also expands potential for year-round concerts or other events.
- The changes plus added events are expected to generate $35 million of additional revenue.
- After completion seat capacity is expected to be reduced to 80,000
- The $600 million price tag included $200 million in “mandatory deferred maintenance.”
- Nebraska Athletics said the plan will not rely on taxpayer dollars, with at least $250 million in philanthropic support and $350 million in private bond financing.
“Big Red Rebuild is a statement about the future of Nebraska Athletics,” said Troy Dannen. “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. 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 athletic landscape.”
We’ve all known this was coming, but that still doesn’t mean some fans aren’t upset. Many feel the cost is too high and that if any money is to be spent, it should be used for NIL and improving talent rather than upgrading the facilities. Throwing money at players is more complicated than that. Besides, stadium improvement and players being paid are two sperate conversations. Yes, there is an expense involved with both, but one has nothing to do with the other. The expense of the rebuild is a onetime hit, paying players is something that must be dealt with every season. So, don’t think this money has anything to do with the football team’s record, 5-7 or 10-2, the improvements are a must.
Some think it’s too much to spend on a 103-year-old stadium, that they should tear it down and build a new stadium in a different location. Dannen indicated thought was given to that possibility, the price tag, $2 billion. I’ve heard people say relocating is such an asinine idea why even bring it up. Well, Dannen had to mention it to shut people down who think it’s the way to go. It’s not.
$2 billion is too much to spend, especially considering what Nebraska already has in place. Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium capacity is 85,458 and it would take every bit of $2 billion if not more to build a comparable stadium. And doing so makes the $160 million Tom Osborne Complex almost obsolete. The thought is so outlandish it makes no sense to even consider.
Dannen is right, Memorial Stadium is iconic, and part of that is its age and the fact it’s located on campus. We’ve heard student athletes go on and on how they never have to leave, everything they need is right there. The stadium is located perfectly for tailgating and the downtown area. Everything is within walking distance. PBA, the Haymarket, hotels, everything, you can’t begin to recreate what fans already have.
From a cost standpoint, $600 million for renovations is realistic. In comparison, Penn State is spending $700 million renovating their stadium. Kansas is putting the finishing touches on updating their stadium at a cost of $500 million. Expected capacity, 40-45,000 when complete.
Northwestern is scheduled to complete their new stadium this year at a cost of $865 million. A new stadium for $865 million? That sounds like a bargain, but at a 35,000-seat capacity – is it? At that capacity it will be 42,000 seats smaller than the average Big Ten or SEC school.
As you can tell, it’s a “Yay” for me. The “Big Red Rebuild,” simply makes good sense. The smart move is spending $600 million now to update your stadium for the next generation. Now we need Rhule to get his team on the winning side of things and quaffing for the CFP. That would ease the pain and justify every dollar spent.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
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