Mizzou selects an architecture firm for Memorial Stadium Improvements Project

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Athletics Director Desiree Reed-Francois and company landed on an architecture firm for the upcoming improvements to the north end zone at Faurot Field, on Friday morning. The project is expected to be completed in mid-August of 2026.

DLR, a Kansas City-based firm, will be the consultant for the project. MU said that the company was picked due to its extensive track record with other college football stadium renovations over the years, that's including Los Angles Memorial Stadium, the University of Houston's TDECU Football Stadium and the University of Louisiana's Cajun Field. In addition, DLR's pre-design study to develop programming plans for Memorial Stadium will not exceed a fee higher than $400,000.

The improvement project will work to created an 'open-air mixed-use development,' in the area of Faurot Field's north concourse. In addition to gameday improvements, the athletic department will also look for ways to produced year-around revenue opportunities. However, the goal will still to be to maintain a view of Mizzou's north campus and minimizing the impact to game-day activities.

“As we saw this year, Mizzou Football can galvanize 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,” University of Missouri President Choi said in a press release. “This stadium project will strengthen the national brand of Mizzou Athletics as we continue building a championship culture at the University of Missouri.”

You can find a full list of the expected improvements below.

• Premium Seating Component
• Improved and Modernized Food and Beverage Concessions
• New Restroom Facilities
• New Stadium Gateway and Gate System
• Open-Air Observation Decks
• Improved Wayfinding and Graphics
• Retail Outlets
• Team Recruiting Room
• New and Enhanced North End Zone Scoreboard
• Preservation of Rock "M" at the North End Zone

The cost estimate for the entire improvement plan will be finalized as the project develops, but Mizzou said that private donations will fund the Memorial Stadium renovations.

“Under Coach Drinkwitz’s leadership, we have great momentum with our football program and throughout the athletics department,” Reed-Francois said in a press release, on Friday. “We continue to raise the bar with this project. We set out to identify an architect that will bring to life a modern vision for Memorial Stadium. DLR Group is an optimal partner to develop a first-class facility that will be a source of pride for Mizzou fans throughout the country. We are grateful to the Board of Curators and President Choi for the support and leadership they have provided throughout this process as we continue enhancing our game-day experience to be the best in the country.”