Built in 1923 in a classical revival architectural style, Memorial Stadium’s more somber purpose has always been to serve as a monument honoring University of Illinois alumni who sacrificed their lives during World War I — their names being inscribed on the 200 columns forming the exterior colonnade.
While preserving the past, the design team was charged in 2005 with adding 49 luxury suites, premium clubs, a north end-zone seating bowl and a training facility, as well as enlarging concourses and replacing restroom and concessions facilities. The new facade is designed to complement, rather than imitate, the historic facade and colonnade. Brick materials blended to match the original were used throughout the interior. Stunning graphics were installed to reinvigorate the memorial’s purpose, remembering not just World War I soldiers, but also those who have since died while serving.
In many stadium expansions, the suites and additional levels are added adjacent to and outside the existing seating bowl. This addition was constructed inside and above the existing facility. Despite those structural challenges, the stadium hosted the 2007 football season during the first phase of construction and was fully completed by the fall of 2008.
Cassie Campbell Community Centre
