The University of Missouri Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Monday that it received an anonymous $62 million donation to "support renovations to Memorial Stadium and the Department's Tiger Fund program."
Mizzou Football recently received an anonymous $62M donation with $50M earmarked for stadium enhancements and $12M to NIL. https://t.co/6SAFSq2t3U
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) February 5, 2024
As Brad Crawford of 247Sports points out, $50 million of the donation is for stadium enhancements while $12 million is for NIL (name/image/likeness) funding.
Remember, this entire donation is completely anonymous.
As for the stadium developments, it includes the redevelopment of the North Concourse, Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois said in a press release:
"This extraordinary commitment is a major step toward fulfilling our vision to transform Memorial Stadium and create the best college football game-day atmosphere in the country," Reed-Francois said. "Our pivotal stadium project is not possible without our donor, whose passion for Mizzou's success, coupled with humility, faith and generosity, are unparalleled. Mizzou Football fans displayed their passion last season with five consecutive home sellouts, and our donor's momentous contribution will not only enhance those magical experiences at Memorial Stadium but will greatly impact our student-athletes across every sport as they pursue their dreams as Tigers. We would like to thank our Board of Curators and President [Mun] Choi for their support, and we are also grateful for Mizzou Senior Associate Director of Athletics Greg Hulen and Vice Chancellor Jackie Lewis for their efforts on this generous commitment."
"Mizzou Athletics has generated tremendous momentum under the leadership of Desireé Reed-Francois, and this historic and transformational investment reflects the university's vision for the modern model of intercollegiate athletics," Choi said. "The improvements to Memorial Stadium will have a generational impact on our university, our community and our state while providing an unmatched fan experience and best-in-class stadium environment for Coach Eliah Drinkwitz's program. With this gift, the Tiger Fund program will also be able to further provide valuable resources for Mizzou's 550 student-athletes so they can excel academically, athletically and holistically as champions on and off the field of competition."
This past November, the University of Missouri Board of Curators came to a resolution regarding plans to start these upgrades.
The stadium renovation will include premium seating and an "open-air mixed-use" development near the North Concourse. DLR Group, a Kansas City-based architectural firm, will be a consultant on the project, which is expected to be completed by August 2026.
"A gift of this kind speaks to the tremendous loyalty this particular donor has for not only our football program, but all of our student-athletes at Mizzou," Drinkwitz said. "Creating a game-day experience second to none is our goal. We can now take a significant step forward — thanks to this gift — in enhancing the atmosphere and fan amenities at Faurot Field. And we'll be able to see the lasting impact of it for years to come. As I've said before, 'Why Stop Now?'"
For the 2024 season, Mizzou fans will find an expanded video board and upgraded sound system. The stadium was built in 1926 and now has a maximum capacity of just over 62,600.
Upon learning of the news, fans on X voiced their opinion, as always.
Need more than that to make that area a real SEC caliber football atmosphere with facilities and tailgating areas!
— Cathie Lynn (@catlynn278) February 6, 2024
"Need more than that to make that area a real SEC caliber football atmosphere with facilities and tailgating areas!" one user wrote.
@BFW is Mizzou the new Oregon? We have exactly 2 boosters that can write this check & they?re both married to a Walton & one of them owns multiple professional franchises on two continents.
— Rob (@UgotR0BBED) February 5, 2024
"...is Mizzou the new Oregon? We have exactly 2 boosters that can write this check & they're both married to a Walton & one of them owns multiple professional franchises on two continents," one user said, suggesting that the donation could've come from the Walton family, as Sam Walton attended the University of Missouri.
Maybe the Walton Family? It looks like they?ve donated to Mizzou in the past (not anonymously) https://t.co/WckePV9b8k
— Big ? Dave #15 (40-3) (@gococks69) February 5, 2024
"Maybe the Walton Family? It looks like they've donated to Mizzou in the past (not anonymously)," another user said.
Either way, no matter where the donation came from, we'll be interested to see what the stadium upgrades look like and if the NIL money can draw some star power to the Southeastern Conference program.
