The University of Nebraska won’t be seeing updated athletics facilities any time soon. Despite announcing a $450 million expansion and renovation proposal in 2023 that would have included upgraded seating, restrooms and concessions areas under previous athletic director Trev Alberts, the Cornhuskers’ new athletic director, Troy Dannen said he won’t be submitting renovation plans to the Board of Regents.
According to Nebraska Public Media, Dannen cited financial “trauma ahead” when asked why the planned renovations would not proceed.
The University of Nebraska was affected by the Trump administration’s cuts to research projects and faculty positions, as well as the state legislature’s own smaller-than-expected budget increase to the school. As a result, chancellor Rodney Bennett said, “the institution must cut $27.5 million from its expenses this year.”
Dannen also placed the blame for delayed athletics facility renovations on the NCAA settlement that allows the Cornhuskers to directly pay student-athletes. The university will pay the allotted $20.5 million to the football team, the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. The athletics department under Dannen also eliminated seven staff positions with the impending expenses in mind.
Despite pausing plans for Memorial Stadium, Central Nebraska Today reported that renovations for John Cook Arena will continue as planned. Seating on three sides of the arena will be converted to chairback-style seats, and upper rows will be re-opened.
“I know everybody’s tired of hearing about it, but we have to generate revenue outside of raising ticket prices,” Dannen said. “And one of the ways to do it [is] capitalize on the venues.”
Former athletic director Alberts envisioned construction taking place after the 2025 sports seasons, aiming for most projects to be completed before the start of the 2026 season. At the time, he said, “We have a 100-year-old stadium that we need to ensure is viable for another 100 years.”
Instead of renovations, the Cornhuskers are now eyeing opportunities to bring in outside revenue to their facilities. Said Dannen, “The days are over where the university can rely on revenue just from home games.”
