LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Memorial Stadium has an iconic reputation that crosses state lines, so when news hit that it may be getting a $600 million facelift, it was important to gather fan reaction.
The Nebraska Board of Regents announced its plans to renovate Memorial Stadium on Friday, with a new initiative called ‘Build Big Red.’
SEE ALSO: NU Board of Regents to consider “major renovations” to Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium
It plans to create a 360-degree view of the main concourse and upgrade 20,ooo seatbacks for added comfort.
There is also a plan to upgrade the stadium’s student section.
Elizabeth Kestel is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
After moving to Nebraska from South Dakota, one of the first things she did was buy football season tickets because of the Huskers’ reputation.
She says her favorite part of being a season-ticket holder? Sitting in the student section.
“It’s super exciting. I feel like everybody just gets together and yells, and it’s a different vibe from anything I’ve experienced before,” said Kestel.
That section is nicknamed the Boneyard and would have a total of 7,000 seats solely for UNL students, as per the Build Big Red plan.
Kestel was pleased to hear this and showed me their tradition of throwing up the bones to root on the Huskers.
The board says $250 million for the project will come from philanthropic donations, none of which will come from taxpayer dollars.
Kestel says this seems doable to her.
“I feel like Nebraska fans are super diehard, so, like, all the alumni would probably pitch in if they think that it’s worth it,” she said.
Brian and April Hull are a great example of two diehard fans.
Brian remembers student traditions from decades ago.
“Back in the 60s, the students had a card section, which was right below the faculty section. The last time I think they had a card was the 250th sellout,” he said.
Both Brian and April say they are happy about the potential upgrades and not concerned about the upgrades stopping culture in the stadium.
“You’ve got to change. You’ve got to keep some of the tradition, but you’ve also got to move with the times,” said April.
“I mean, I have a business that’s 30 years old. You’ve got to figure out how to adapt, and so, this is the adaptation that needs to happen.”
As for their reaction to the costs?
“Nebraskans have always had deep pockets for sports and football.”
Although many are excited about the potential upgrades, the plan would reduce the stadium’s capacity to 80,000.
The Hulls say, “It makes sense.”
As for what they are looking forward to most, it is the 360-degree view that will be added.
“Yeah, she is also a Section 3 cheerleader,” said Brian Hull, pointing to his wife.
“She jumps up and down, up and down, and everybody considers her like a pogo stick during the whole game.”
“Yeah,” said April. “When we get a touchdown, look out!”
If the 360-degree view is added, she won’t have to worry about missing any glimpse of the game.
The Board of Regents will continue the discussion of these plans at their next meeting on April 24.
april hull, Brian hull, build big red, elizabeth kesel, Husker fans, Huskers, memorial stadium, memorial stadium upgrades, Nebraska Board of Regents, stadium student section, the boneyard, the Haymarket
