The American architectural and infrastructure design firm HNTB and the design firm HDR are partnering to design the ‘Big Red Rebuild’, the University of Nebraska’s historic plan to transform the Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska (US) and position one of college football’s most storied venues for its next century with HNTB serving as the Lead Sports Design Architect and HDR serving as the Architect of Record.
Construction is expected to begin following the 2026 football season. The project is planned to reach approximately 50 percent completion for the 2027 season with the full transformation complete in time for kickoff in 2028.
‘HNTB’ stated that approved unanimously by the University of Nebraska System Board of Regents (the governing body for the University of Nebraska) on April 24th, the $600 million project reimagines the Memorial Stadium with a fan-first approach that improves comfort, access, circulation, amenities, and year-round use while preserving the traditions that have defined the stadium since it opened in 1923.
For over a century, Kansas City (US)-based HNTB has shaped the built environment with distinctive expertise across a full spectrum of infrastructure solutions. From iconic architecture and complex bridges to efficient highways and digital infrastructure solutions their collaborative approach and commitment to technical excellence drive them to build a better future for their clients, the communities and themselves.
Omaha (US)-based HDR is an employee-owned design firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental, and construction services. They are ranked No. 6 among the world’s design firms and are the largest healthcare design firm. Led by the strength of their values and a culture shaped by employee ownership HDR network with each other, build on each other’s contributions and collaborate together to make great things possible.
The University of Nebraska system is the public university system of the US State of Nebraska. The system was formed in 1968 from the merger of the University of Nebraska and the University of Omaha. The system has since expanded to include the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and an online high school. Its flagship campus is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The 85,458-seat Memorial Stadium, nicknamed ‘The Sea of Red’, is an American football stadium on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska, US. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and hosts the university’s spring commencement ceremony.
The Architect of Record is the architect or architecture firm whose name appears on a building permit issued for a specific project on which that architect or firm performed services.
Observed Darren Nielsen, HNTB Managing Principal, “For more than 100 years the Memorial Stadium has held a central place in the life of the University of Nebraska and the State itself. This project is about preserving the intensity, pride and collective energy that make Nebraska football unmistakable while creating a stadium experience that is comfortable, connected and powerful for the future generations of fans.”
‘HNTB’ further stated that the ‘Big Red Rebuild’ will include enhanced sightlines, upgraded seating comfort, expanded concessions and restrooms, improved Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) accessibility and a newly connected East and West Bowl that will allow 360-degree circulation on the main concourse. When complete, the Memorial Stadium will seat approximately 80,000 fans including 20,000 new chairback seats and 7,000 dedicated seats for the Nebraska students and the band members.
Noted Troy Dannen, Nebraska Athletic Director, “The Big Red Rebuild is a statement about the future of Nebraska Athletics. The Memorial Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in all of college sports and this project ensures that our stadium is well-positioned for the future generations. We have listened intently to the Nebraska fans and are building a best-in-class fan experience that will also drive revenue for the University of Nebraska, create exciting new year-round programming for the Nebraskans, create new opportunities for our student-athletes, and position Nebraska to compete and lead at the highest level in a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape.”
The relocated student section is designed to bring student energy closer to the field and strengthen one of the defining elements of the Nebraska gameday atmosphere. The project also expands the stadium’s ability to host concerts and other major events beyond the football season, supporting the university’s goal of creating a more active, revenue-generating venue with broader civic and economic impact.
Added Emily Louchart, HNTB Director of Design, Interiors, “The Memorial Stadium already has what every great sports venue wants: Identity, memory and an extraordinary fan base. Our work is focused on elevating the experience around that foundation. From seating and amenities to circulation, premium spaces and the moments the fans share before and after the game, the goal is to make the stadium feel welcoming and easy to navigate without losing the character and the intensity people love.”
The Memorial Stadium has been home to Nebraska football since 1923 and celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 2023 season. The Nebraska fans have filled the stadium since 1962 and the Huskers will enter the 2026 season with 410 consecutive home sellouts, the longest sellout streak in college football.
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