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As the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program looks ahead to a sweeping stadium renovation, some of its most loyal supporters say they are worried about what the changes could mean for their seats — and their traditions.University officials are considering a roughly $600 million overhaul of Memorial Stadium, a historic venue that has been home to generations of Husker fans. The proposed “Big Red Rebuild” would reduce overall capacity by about 5,000 seats and include major structural changes, such as demolishing parts of West Stadium and the entire South Stadium.For longtime season ticket holder Dan Wengert, the conversation is personal.Wengert said his family’s connection to Husker football dates back decades, with tickets originally purchased by his grandfather after returning from World War II. He described the games as a source of stability and tradition that has carried through multiple generations.“These are our seats. This is our home,” Wengert said. “This is where we’ve practically raised our children on weekends.”That deep-rooted connection is why Wengert and others say they are uneasy about potential reseating plans and the possibility that larger donations could be required to retain longtime seats.Another longtime ticket holder, Doug Jensby, said Nebraska’s success has always been tied to its broad fan base.“It was the small fans that made Nebraska a big deal,” Jensby said. “We all have some loyalty toward this, and it’s not just about the money.”University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Director Troy Dannen has said to KETV that renovations like this can help bolster the fan experience.“Stadiums are the primary revenue generators that every institution that plays at this level has,” Dannen said to KETV in February 2025.Still, some fans are calling for more clarity before any final decisions are made. Wengert urged university leaders to provide additional details about the project and allow for public input before it moves forward.“We deserve to know the full details and have a vetting of those full details before the Regents approve a project,” he said.The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is scheduled to discuss the proposal during a meeting at 9 a.m. Friday at Varner Hall in Lincoln.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program looks ahead to a sweeping stadium renovation, some of its most loyal supporters say they are worried about what the changes could mean for their seats — and their traditions.
University officials are considering a roughly $600 million overhaul of Memorial Stadium, a historic venue that has been home to generations of Husker fans. The proposed “Big Red Rebuild” would reduce overall capacity by about 5,000 seats and include major structural changes, such as demolishing parts of West Stadium and the entire South Stadium.
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For longtime season ticket holder Dan Wengert, the conversation is personal.
Wengert said his family’s connection to Husker football dates back decades, with tickets originally purchased by his grandfather after returning from World War II. He described the games as a source of stability and tradition that has carried through multiple generations.
“These are our seats. This is our home,” Wengert said. “This is where we’ve practically raised our children on weekends.”
That deep-rooted connection is why Wengert and others say they are uneasy about potential reseating plans and the possibility that larger donations could be required to retain longtime seats.
Another longtime ticket holder, Doug Jensby, said Nebraska’s success has always been tied to its broad fan base.
“It was the small fans that made Nebraska a big deal,” Jensby said. “We all have some loyalty toward this, and it’s not just about the money.”
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Director Troy Dannen has said to KETV that renovations like this can help bolster the fan experience.
“Stadiums are the primary revenue generators that every institution that plays at this level has,” Dannen said to KETV in February 2025.
Still, some fans are calling for more clarity before any final decisions are made. Wengert urged university leaders to provide additional details about the project and allow for public input before it moves forward.
“We deserve to know the full details and have a vetting of those full details before the Regents approve a project,” he said.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is scheduled to discuss the proposal during a meeting at 9 a.m. Friday at Varner Hall in Lincoln.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
