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The University of Missouri has selected Kansas City-based architecture firm DLR Group to serve as its consultant for the Memorial Stadium Improvements project.
University president Mun Choi appointed a selection committee to review three firms for consideration. UM said that DLR Group was selected based on its “established track record” of completing several college football stadium renovations in recent years.
DLR has worked on the Los Angeles Memorial Stadium, the University of Houston’s TDECU Football Stadium and the University of Louisiana’s Cajun Field. DLR will now be tasked with conducting a pre-design study to develop programming plans for UM’s Memorial Stadium for a fee not to exceed $400,000 (£316,000/€366,000).
Memorial Stadium is located in Columbia, Missouri and has a capacity of over 62,000. The stadium opened in 1926 and UM is planning a major renovation of the venue.
UM has proposed an open-air mixed-use development along the stadium’s north concourse area, with the potential to produce modernised year-round revenue opportunities. The project design will be committed to maintaining stadium views and engagement to the UM campus north of Memorial Stadium while minimising construction impact on future football season game-day activities.
Cost estimates for the project will develop as programming plans are finalised, but UM said that private donor contributions will fund the renovations. The project is expected to be completed by mid-August 2026.
A new premium seating component is a key part of UM’s vision for the project, along with multiple open-air observation decks, a variety of improved and modernised food and beverage concessions, new restrooms, a new stadium gateway and gate system, improved wayfinding and graphics, new retail outlets, a new football team recruiting room, and the integration of a new enhanced north end zone videoboard. The Rock M behind the north end zone will also be preserved.
UM board of curators chair Michael Williams said: “The board of curators is committed to investing in the progress of Mizzou Football, and the Memorial Stadium Improvement project is an exciting opportunity to capitalise on the success the program has enjoyed in 2023 and the overall momentum Mizzou Athletics has generated. This is a crucial time for loyal fans around the state to support a project that’s integral to Mizzou’s future.”
Choi added: “As we saw this year, Mizzou Football can galvanise our community and alumni, and with these critical improvements to Memorial Stadium, we can further unite our state behind one vision for the future of Mizzou Football. This stadium project will strengthen the national brand of Mizzou Athletics as we continue building a championship culture at the University of Missouri.”
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