Mizzou Athletics set to sell corporate naming rights to Memorial Stadium

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In the near future, the home of Mizzou football is set to not only have a completely new look, with ongoing renovations to the north end zone, but also a new name.

On Tuesday, Tiger Athletics announced that it is moving forward with securing corporate naming rights for Memorial Stadium, as the venue is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2026. Once the university finds a buyer, that will mean that the 'Memorial' will be removed from the name of the stadium name, in place of its corporate buyer.

In a press release, MU said that it has already begun work with Intersect Partners, which is a national firm with experience in sports property sales, in an effort to help find potential naming rights partners who align with Mizzou's 'values, brand identity and vision.' The department said that Mizzou Deputy Director of Athletic Eric Morrison will be leading the process with Intersect Partners.

"This is another incredible opportunity to position Mizzou Athletics for the future," Mizzou Athletic Director Laird Veatch said in a press release. "Memorial Stadium enters its second century as college athletics continues to evolve rapidly. Securing naming rights reflects our 'Will to Win,' which includes a commitment to investing aggressively in our ability to recruit, retain and compete to win championships, while also being thoughtful and intentional in honoring our past."

While the 'Memorial' part of the stadium name will be removed, Mizzou Athletic does plan on finding ways to honor the history of the venue. The department said those ideas will come about through consultations with veterans groups, campus leadership, athletics stakeholders, the new naming rights partners and members of the Mizzou community.

"We appreciate the meaningful dialogue we have had with key stakeholders, including multiple veterans groups and military representatives, and we are excited to develop plans with them to honor and recognize their service in new and meaningful ways," Veatch said. "At the same time, we look forward to taking this incredibly valuable branding opportunity to our corporate community."

The stadium first opening in 1926 and, since then, has seen some tremendous changes, including the $250 million renovation that is still under construction in the north end zone.

When it was built, 100 years ago, for $350,000, the stadium was dedicated to the 117 Mizzou students and alumni, who died in World War I, with Memorial Union initially serving as the campus' student union. 

Mizzou Athletics said it will share additional details as the naming rights process progresses.