Historic transformation will modernize one of college football’s most iconic venues while honoring more than a century of Nebraska tradition
LINCOLN, Neb. (April 27, 2026) – HNTB and HDR are partnering to design the Big Red Rebuild, the University of Nebraska’s historic plan to transform Memorial Stadium and position one of college football’s most storied venues for its next century, with HNTB serving as lead sports design architect and HDR serving as architect of record.
Approved unanimously by the University of Nebraska System Board of Regents on April 24, the $600 million project reimagines Memorial Stadium with a fan-first approach that improves comfort, access, circulation, amenities and year-round use while preserving the traditions that have defined the stadium since it opened in 1923.
“For more than 100 years, Memorial Stadium has held a central place in the life of the University of Nebraska and the state itself,” said Darren Nielsen, HNTB managing principal. “This project is about preserving the intensity, pride and collective energy that make Nebraska football unmistakable, while creating a stadium experience that is comfortable, connected and powerful for future generations of fans.”
The Big Red Rebuild will include enhanced sightlines, upgraded seating comfort, expanded concessions and restrooms, improved ADA accessibility and a newly connected East and West bowl that allows 360-degree circulation on the main concourse. When complete, Memorial Stadium will seat approximately 80,000 fans, including 20,000 new chairback seats and 7,000 dedicated seats for Nebraska students and band members.
“Big Red Rebuild is a statement about the future of Nebraska Athletics,” said Nebraska Athletic Director 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 athletics landscape.”
The relocated student section is designed to bring student energy closer to the field and strengthen one of the defining elements of the Nebraska game-day atmosphere. The project also expands the stadium’s ability to host concerts and other major events beyond the football season, supporting the university’s goal of creating a more active, revenue-generating venue with broader civic and economic impact.
“Memorial Stadium already has what every great sports venue wants: identity, memory and an extraordinary fan base,” said Emily Louchart, HNTB director of design, interiors. “Our work is focused on elevating the experience around that foundation. From seating and amenities to circulation, premium spaces and the moments fans share before and after the game, the goal is to make the stadium feel welcoming and easy to navigate without losing the character and intensity people love.”
Memorial Stadium has been home to Nebraska Football since 1923 and celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2023 season. Nebraska fans have filled the stadium since 1962, and the Huskers will enter the 2026 season with 410 consecutive home sellouts, the longest sellout streak in college football.
Construction is expected to begin following the 2026 football season. The project is planned to reach approximately 50% completion for the 2027 season, with the full transformation complete in time for kickoff in 2028.