Illinois renaissance
The Illinois Renaissance Project, the renovation of Historic Memorial Stadium, was one of the most ambitious projects launched in University of Illinois history. Years prior to the initiation of the project, university and athletic department personnel diligently researched and evaluated similar projects at other schools around the Big Ten and the nation. Working closely with architectural firm HNTB, a veteran of numerous renovation projects, thorough market and design research culminated in the formation of a master plan that resulted in a modern, yet carefully preserved, Historic Memorial Stadium.
Construction, conducted so as to minimize its impact on Illinois football Saturdays, commenced following the completion of the 2006 football season. Renovations, including the addition of luxury seating on the stadium’s west side, were completed in time for the 2008 football season.
As plans were being finalized, great care was taken to ensure that every Illinois fan would benefit from the renovated stadium. The primary goal of the project was to provide an enhanced game day experience for all those in attendance. New concourses and increased and improved restroom and concession facilities are features of the newly renovated Memorial Stadium.
As a landmark of significant historical value, another of the project’s primary concerns was the proper treatment and due care paid to the historical aspects of the stadium. The legendary colonnades, stately brick façades, and proud ramp towers remain as they have always been: an enduring tribute to the men and women of the state of Illinois.
With total costs of approximately $116 million, the Memorial Stadium renovation was paid for in large part through the pre-sales of the west stadium’s new luxury seating opportunities. The annual cash flow from the luxury seating will provide the resources necessary to pay down the debt on newly issued 30-year bonds. In addition, a recently launched private capital campaign was undertaken, featuring naming opportunities within the renovated stadium, to provide additional funding. No state or tuition assessments were used to finance the renovation project
Specific improvements include:
East Stadium
Though much of the project’s public attention fell on the stadium’s west side, the east stadium improvements are not to be overlooked. The Great East Hall received a much-needed facelift, including increased concessions facilities, that opened the space and provided a much more comfortable and inviting game day atmosphere.
North Stadium
With the addition of a permanent structure in the north end zone, the renovated Memorial Stadium includes nearly 5,000 new permanent seats. The Zuppke Wall was moved forward and serves as the face of the new structure, bringing fans close to the action and energizing the north end zone. Due to the height of the north structure, the scoreboard was moved to a new home in the south horseshoe, providing excellent views to those fans seated in the new addition, while future plans call for the addition of a smaller, second scoreboard in the north end zone. The new structure features a concourse, including restrooms and concessions. Beneath the new concourse is approximately 18,000 square feet of new space, that has been used for expansion and of the existing football facilities. This exciting new addition encloses the remainder of Zuppke Field, providing an even more intimidating home field advantage for the Illini.
West Stadium
The centerpiece of the Renaissance project, Memorial Stadium’s renovated west side features something for every fan. The Great West Hall, decorated to highlight the impressive tradition of Illinois football, was opened and brightened, providing a more spacious and convenient space for Illinois fans to visit the improved concession stands and restrooms. In addition, a new upper concourse was completed, adding convenient restroom and concession facilities to those fans sitting in the balcony.
All of the new Memorial Stadium luxury seating was also included in the renovated stadium’s west side, including the Colonnades Club, 77 Club, and the Memorial Stadium Suites. These exciting new options provide opportunities to Illinois fans wishing for a more exclusive and private game day experience. With available amenities including pregame buffets, comfortably furnished lounge areas, enhanced restrooms, climate-controlled viewing, and exclusive access, the luxury seating in the renovated stadium caters to fans’ greatest desires.
