ST. LOUIS—As Mizzou football heads into Saturday’s Florida game 8-2 this season, a plan to renovate Memorial Stadium got a green light. 

Mizzou will host its fifth consecutive sold-out game for the first time since 1980.

“This Memorial Stadium Project is an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum Mizzou Athletics has established and allows the university to strengthen one of our signature facilities,” UM Board of Curators Chair Michael Williams said in a press release from the school. 

The University of Missouri Board of Curators passed a resolution during this week’s meeting allowing the university to start the renovation process. 

The redevelopment includes the stadium’s North Concourse along with other facility enhancements and new fan amenities.

The process will begin with selecting an architectural and engineering firm. Desireé Reed-Francois, MU Director of Athletics, is leading up the search and is expected to present the board with a firm no later than Jan. 10, 2024. 

Reed-Francois said while the university looks forward to developing plans for the stadium, fans can rest assured that the historic Rock M behind the north end zone will be preserved.

A new expanded north video board with an upgraded sound system is in the works for 2024 season, according to university officials. The current video board has been in place since the 2009 season.

The stadium was built in 1926 and has undergone several expansions and renovations in its nearly 100 year existence. The most recent addition of the South End Zone complex was completed in 2019.

University of Missouri President Mun Choi said the project will continue raising the national brand of Mizzou Athletics and shows the school’s investment in the department’s future. 

“This unique project has the potential to create new year-round connections with the community for the university to further engage the region, the state and our 362,000 alumni.”