COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri celebrated a historic day Saturday by breaking ground on the newly named Memorial Stadium Centennial Project, a transformative renovation effort that will modernize the iconic home of Mizzou's football program. 

Prior to kickoff for Saturday's regular-season finale against Arkansas, university officials took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking event and announced the project's new name. The $250 million renovation will be complete for the 2026 season, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of Memorial Stadium's opening.

The Memorial Stadium Centennial Project includes enhancements to fan amenities, expanded premium area seating and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure Memorial Stadium remains a premier venue for college football while honoring its tradition of excellence and service to Mizzou.

"This is a landmark occasion in the history of our university and athletics program," said Robin Wenneker, Chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. "The new name celebrates the vision of the stadium's original builders and our commitment to ensuring its legacy endures for generations of Tigers fans and all Missourians. This momentum investment honors the past while creating a first-class venue that reflects the excellence of Mizzou."

The Board of Curators unanimously approved the project during September's board meeting on the campus of University of Missouri-Kansas City. Designed by Kansas City architecture firm DLR Group, the project includes a new multi-level north concourse addition and will feature a wide variety of new premium seating options, along with modernized concessions, enhanced restrooms and a new stadium entry plaza. 

"Memorial Stadium has long been a symbol of pride for Missourians," said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. "This project reaffirms our commitment to achieving excellence both on and off the field. It's an investment in the future of our university, our student-athletes and for Missourians."

As the largest renovation project in Memorial Stadium's history, the Centennial Project emphasizes collaboration between the university, athletics department, donors and the broader Mizzou community. Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony featured board members, President Choi, Director of Athletics Laird Veatch, campus leadership, top project donors and representatives from DLR Group and construction firm Whiting-Turner. 

"On Saturday we celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for Memorial Stadium," Veatch said. "This renovation reflects the incredible energy and momentum surrounding Mizzou Athletics. We are grateful to everyone who made this possible, led by our Board of Curators and President Choi. This is not just a stadium renovation — it's a statement of our aspirations for the future and our 'Will to Win.'"

To learn more about the Memorial Stadium Improvements Project and see renderings of the design, visit MUTigers.com/WhyStopNow. Those interested in learning how to support Mizzou Athletics can contact the Tiger Scholarship Fund Office at 573-882-0704 and visit www.tsfmizzou.com.