The University of Missouri Department of Athletics has received a $25 million pledge for the Memorial Stadium Improvements Project, Director of Athletics Laird Veatch announced on Thursday.
The generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered a critical boost to the sports department’s fundraising efforts for the restoration of Memorial Stadium, which has hosted Mizzou’s football program for over a century. The upgrades, which include a complete reconstruction of the north end zone concourse, will enhance the game-day experience for fans, student-athletes, and the entire university community, ensuring that the stadium remains a preeminent venue in college football. The $250 million makeover is set to begin on November 30, 2024, and will be completed for the 2026 season at Mizzou.
“Under Coach Drinkwitz’s leadership, we have seen how Mizzou football unites the entire state of Missouri,” University of Missouri Board of Curators Chair Robin Wenneker stated. “Mizzou’s football program and Memorial Stadium are sources of pride for Missourians and the whole Mizzou community. We extend a special thank you to our generous donor for their support of this historic initiative. Congratulations to Director of Athletics Laird Veatch and the Tiger Scholarship Fund staff on securing an amazing gift that represents Mizzou’s enormous impact in our state.”
Mizzou Athletics has established a goal of $125 million in leadership philanthropic support for the Memorial Stadium redevelopment. With this latest gift, Mizzou Athletics has raised about $90 million toward that objective.
“This generous gift will help ensure that Memorial Stadium remains a cornerstone for our community, and it speaks to the lasting legacy we are building for our student-athletes and fans,” said University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “We are deeply grateful for this support, and I am confident that the Mizzou family will continue to step up to make this project a success.”
“This donation is a powerful testament to the passion and commitment of Mizzou supporters,” Veatch told the media. “It takes us closer to realizing our vision for Memorial Stadium’s future and demonstrates that we are creating something genuinely unique here in Columbia. As Coach Drinkwitz’s program continues to develop in the Southeastern Conference, we will need more charitable leaders to join in supporting this transformational project and continue Mizzou’s incredible momentum.”
Under fifth-year coach Eliah Drinkwitz, the No. 11 Tigers (4-0) hold the nation’s longest winning run at eight games, dating back to last season. Mizzou has sold out nine consecutive games at Memorial Stadium, with two more sellouts scheduled for future home games against Auburn (October 19) and Oklahoma (November 9). The Tigers’ next game is October 5 versus Texas A&M.
