In 2013, Nebraska will be embarking on their third season in the Big Ten. And, thanks to the checkbooks of some well-heeled individuals with ties to the university, a few thousand more people will be able to cram themselves into Memorial Stadium to take in the new league atmosphere.
Nebraska announced Friday that, pending the expected rubber stamp of the board of regents, the school will embark on a $55.5 million expansion of Memorial Stadium. Construction is scheduled to begin in May of 2011 and should be completed by June of 2013.
The plans call for the addition of up to 5,500 new seats -- between 2,000 to 2,200 club seats, 2,500 to 2,800 general admission seats and a suite level that would seat another 400-500 fans.
Official seating capacity is currently 81,067, although upwards of 86,000 fans regularly attend games. The ‘Huskers have sold out every home game since 1962.
$40 million of the money needed for the construction came from private donors, while the remaining $15.5 million will be obtained through revenue bonds.
