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Stadium Renovation Article

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Stadium Renovation Article

An Omaha-based engineering company has been selected to design the Memorial Stadium of the future.

The University of Nebraska chose HDR at the end of a competitive selection process to serve as architect/engineer for the renovation project, which could cost between $200 million and $500 million.

The Board of Regents will consider approving the contract at its April 7 board meeting. Regents will meet at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

University leaders announced their plans to improve Memorial Stadium for Husker fans last year ahead of the 100th anniversary of the venue opening on the state's flagship campus.

And last fall, regents signed off on a plan to hire a third-party firm that will help shoulder the responsibility of fundraising, design and construction of the Memorial Stadium renovation.

The process selected by regents will allow the university to hire a "right hand" to oversee all facets of the project.

HDR won't serve in that capacity, an NU spokeswoman said, but will instead focus on developing concepts for what the end result might look like, plan construction, evaluate costs and eventually work alongside a construction manager.

According to a copy of the contract included with the regents' agenda, HDR will conduct conceptual planning and design during the first phase of the Memorial Stadium improvement project for a flat fee of $1.1 million.

The first phase will also involve an assessment of the existing facilities, including a study of space and the flow of foot and vehicle traffic inside the stadium's footprint, as well as determining the mechanical and electrical needs of the project.
Once the first phase is complete and a cost estimate is determined, the university would then pay HDR an amount equal to 8.4% of the total price to draw up schematics and begin working with contractors on a timeline for work to begin and be completed.

Both university administrators and regents have emphasized that no public tax dollars, tuition revenue or student fees will be used on the project.

The ultimate scope of changes to Memorial Stadium will rely upon how much the university can raise toward improving one of the already most visible areas of campus.

Other items regents will consider include:
* A $15.1 million budget for a renovation of Kimball Recital Hall at UNL. The project will use funds set aside by the Legislature for deferred maintenance projects.

* The elected Board of Regents will also honor the outgoing student regents: Emily Saadi of UNK, Jacob Drake of UNL, Nicole Kent of UNMC and Tori Sims of UNO.
 
Besides the south stadium renovation, I can see the street on the west side of the stadium being gone with a huge pavilion on the west side of the stadium connected to the Champions Club for pregame and postgame activities with alcohol being okayed. Access to the west, north and south stadiums would ring the outside from the pavilion.
 
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The ultimate scope of changes to Memorial Stadium will rely upon how much the university can raise toward improving one of the already most visible areas of campus.
South stadium will be the first big focus. Don't see how they remodel it, most likely rebuild. $200M-$500M seems reasonable for that and priority improvements in other areas. Like the quote says if they can get more money, expect additional work to the other sides of the stadium.

The architects will likely create a "menu" ranging from a new south stadium, new seats, interior renovations, etc. Up to just rebuild the whole damn thing. Renovating old structures can be more expensive and time consuming than expected. If rebuilding additional areas proves more cost effective and easier to schedule with football season, then they may pursue that in future phases.
 
Rebuild South Stadium as a skyscraper with different levels of premium viewing experiences complete with full food and alcohol options, don’t skimp, make it revolutionary and a true social viewing experience. Put bleachers at the bottom and make it the student section right on top of the endzone. Make it taller than the capital as well. Fuck your semantics. Everything else in the stadium is fine IMO.
 
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