Memorial Stadium: A Century of Nebraska Football Tradition
Introduction
Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, stands as a monument to both the state's military veterans and its fervent passion for college football. Home to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, this iconic stadium has evolved over the decades, becoming one of the most recognizable and intimidating venues in the sport. From its humble beginnings in 1923 to its modern amenities and expansions, Memorial Stadium embodies the unity, grit, teamwork, and determination that define Nebraska.
Early History and Construction
The genesis of Memorial Stadium dates back to the early 1920s, fueled by a growing demand for improved athletic facilities and a desire to honor Nebraskans who served in the nation's wars. Inspired by other universities building war memorials, the Nebraska Alumni Association launched a fundraising campaign to construct a new stadium.
Groundbreaking took place on April 26, 1923, with Chancellor Avery himself plowing the earth. The cornerstone laying ceremony followed in June, and by October, the stadium was ready for its inaugural game. On October 13, 1923, Nebraska played its first game in the new stadium against the University of Oklahoma. The stadium was dedicated during Homecoming festivities, and Nebraska and Kansas tied, 0-0.
The original 31,000-seat structure was built on the site of Nebraska Field, which had previously hosted Cornhuskers football games. Unlike Memorial Stadium, Nebraska Field was oriented from east to west. A covered grandstand was located on the north side of the field along U street, uncovered bleachers backed up to T street on the south. Many now famous games were played on the old field, including the 1922 defeat of Notre Dame, against Knute Rockne's Four Horsemen, although the name wasn't applied to them until the 1924 season.
The Alumni Association selected two architecture firms to design the stadium: John Latenser Jr. of John Latenser and Sons of Omaha, and Ellery Davis of Davis & Wilson. Both architects donated their services, saving the project a significant amount of money.
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Inscribed on the four corners of the stadium are words written by former UNL professor of philosophy Hartley Burr Alexander:
- Southeast: "In Commemoration of the men of Nebraska who served and fell in the Nations Wars."
- Southwest: "Not the victory but the action; Not the goal but the game; In the deed the glory."
- Northwest: "Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport."
- Northeast: "Their Lives they held their countrys trust; They kept its faith; They died its heroes."
Initially dedicated to native Nebraskans who died in the Civil War, the American-Spanish War, and World War I, the stadium's dedication has since been broadened to include those who died in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Expansion and Renovations
Over the years, Memorial Stadium has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing fanbase and enhance the game-day experience.
- 1946: The Schulte Field House was constructed on the north end of the stadium, providing locker rooms, practice facilities, and showers.
- 1964-1966: Stands were constructed in the south end zone, giving the stadium its horseshoe configuration. Additional stands were built on the north side, raising the capacity to 65,000 by 1966.
- 1967: A modern press box was built.
- 1970: The grass field was replaced by Astroturf.
- 1972: The stands in the south end zone were expanded, increasing the capacity to 73,650.
- 1990s: Two new video/scoreboards, known as HuskerVision, were installed.
- 1998: A $36 million renovation and expansion was completed, including the construction of the Don Bryant press box, 42 luxury suites, and 1,500 club seats. Fieldturf replaced the Astroturf playing surface.
- 2006: 6,500 seats were added in the north end zone, and the Osborne Athletic Complex was constructed.
- 2013: An expansion to the east side of Memorial Stadium added 6,000 seats and 38 luxury suites, increasing the seating capacity to 92,000.
Modernization Project
In September 2023, the University of Nebraska announced plans for a $450 million modernization of Memorial Stadium, slated for completion by the 2026 season. The project includes:
- Demolishing the current south end zone and replacing it with a new multi-tier grandstand that includes a student section, lounge, premium and general grandstand seating.
- Replacing all bench seating in the east and west grandstands with chairback seats.
- Updating concession areas, restrooms, concourses, and other areas throughout the stadium.
Construction is scheduled to begin following the 2024 season, during which time the overall seating capacity will be reduced to approximately 70,000.
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Game Day Experience
Memorial Stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere and passionate fanbase. On Saturdays in the fall, the stadium transforms into a "Sea of Red" as 90,000 fans fill the stands to cheer on the Cornhuskers. The stadium's intimidating environment has earned it a reputation as one of the toughest venues for visiting teams in college football.
The University of Nebraska offers parking on game days for $25, with garages located throughout campus. Additional public parking is available in numerous university parking facilities east of 14th St. Memorial Stadium enforces a clear bag policy, allowing only clear plastic bags (no larger than 12 in x 6 in x 12 in), gallon-size clear plastic freezer bags, and small clutch-style bags (no larger than 4.5 in x 6.5 in).
Dining options at Memorial Stadium include Klein’s, Deb’s Hamburger, LoLo’s, Chick-Fil-A, and standard concessions like burgers, brats, nachos, brisket, chicken tenders, popcorn, pizza, and ice cream. The stadium contains multiple levels of seating, including traditional stadium seating, Skyline suites, and the Skyline Club.
Facilities and Amenities
In addition to its seating and concessions, Memorial Stadium boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for players and fans alike.
- Locker Room: The Cornhuskers' locker room is one of the most impressive in the country, featuring solid maple lockers with convenient storage systems and touch screen monitors.
- Football Lounge: Located in the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex, the Husker players' lounge provides a space for players to relax, study, and socialize.
- Strength & Conditioning Center: Built in 2023, the 32,000-square-foot Strength and Conditioning Center is one of the largest and most technologically advanced facilities in the nation.
- Hawks Championship Center: Opened in 2006, the Hawks Championship Indoor Center features a full-length field identical to Memorial Stadium's game field.
- Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields: The Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields include one grass field and one FieldTurf field, providing the Cornhuskers with comprehensive practice facilities.
Sellout Streak
Memorial Stadium is home to the longest consecutive sellout streak in college football, dating back to 1962. As of the 2024 season, the streak stands at 396 games.
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