Columbia News

Mizzou Athletics announced that donations and pledges for the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project have reached nearly $100 million, moving closer to the $125 million target. The fundraising milestone comes a year before the project’s scheduled completion.

A significant contribution from the Farmer Families of Jefferson City will result in naming rights for the Rock M Club, a new field-level VIP area featured in the stadium expansion.

University of Missouri Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves said, "The extraordinary commitment by the Farmer Families further advances the impact Mizzou Athletics makes on our university, in Missouri and beyond. The amount of support they have provided over multiple generations truly shows the unwavering confidence and pride our communities hold for Mizzou. We are deeply humbled by the Farmer Families trust, leadership and philanthropy and their support of this transformational project."

The Memorial Stadium Centennial Project began construction on November 30, 2024. It is a $250 million renovation focused on improving amenities for fans, increasing premium seating options, and adding advanced facilities. These changes aim to maintain Memorial Stadium’s status as a leading venue for college football while celebrating its legacy as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Curator Bob Blitz commented, "The philanthropy and support of our generous donors ensure that our championship culture continues its historic rise. The expectation for an unrivaled game-day experience will now be matched by a first-class stadium that reflects our Tiger fans' exceptional pride."

Currently, 35 out of 51 premium suites planned for the north end zone have been reserved with one year remaining until opening.

University President Mun Choi stated, "The momentum of Mizzou Athletics and our entire University is undeniable. I am grateful to the Farmer Families and to all Mizzou supporters who sustain excellence in academics, research, engagement and athletics. I also want to thank Director of Athletics Laird Veatch, Vice Chancellor for Advancement Chris Smith and their teams for jointly achieving the highest fundraising year in Mizzou history."

Director of Athletics Laird Veatch noted ongoing community support: "It is no secret that we are asking a lot of our people, from contributing to this critical project through donations or premium seating purchases, and we will continue to do so. The response to those requests has been overwhelming, and we cannot thank our supporters, like the Farmer Families, enough for helping us take major steps towards realizing the opportunities ahead of us. We are making great strides but also continue to have a considerable gap to close with our SEC peers."

This year saw changes to fundraising efforts as Mizzou Athletics rebranded its Tiger Scholarship Fund into the Mizzou Athletics Fund. The revised fund streamlines donor benefits such as ticket priority access and lifetime recognition while supporting multiple areas within athletics beyond scholarships.

Veatch added, "Our contributors have a true 'Will to Win' and understand how vital their continued investment is to our ability to win at the highest levels," continuing that resources would be reinvested into programs driving athletic success.

Other highlights from this record-setting fundraising year include anonymous gifts totaling $75 million toward stadium renovations; a donation from Audrey J. Walton supporting upgrades at track & field and soccer facilities; thirteen seven-figure contributions; and growth in membership within the Mizzou Leadership Circle by 28 percent compared with last year.

More information about construction progress can be found at MUTigers.com/WhyStopNow.