Mizzou Athletics receives a commitment of $62 million in gifts.
The University of Missouri Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has received a groundbreaking $62 million philanthropic commitment to aid in renovations to Memorial Stadium and bolster the Department’s Tiger Fund program, as announced by Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois on Monday. This donation marks the largest ever received by Mizzou Athletics.
The donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, has earmarked $50 million for the Memorial Stadium Improvements project aimed at modernizing Mizzou Football’s home stadium, including the redevelopment of the North Concourse and other enhancements. The remaining $12 million will be allocated to Mizzou’s Tiger Fund—a charitable initiative through the Tiger Scholarship Fund benefiting Mizzou student-athletes.
This commitment of $62 million surpasses Mizzou Athletics’ previous record gift received in 2012.
Reed-Francois expressed gratitude for the extraordinary commitment, highlighting its significance in realizing the vision to revamp Memorial Stadium and create a top-tier college football game-day experience. The monumental contribution from the donor is expected to elevate the experiences at Memorial Stadium and significantly impact student-athletes across various sports.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi commended the transformative investment, emphasizing its alignment with the university’s vision for a modern intercollegiate athletics model. The improvements to Memorial Stadium are anticipated to have a long-lasting impact on the university, the community, and the state, while enhancing the fan experience and providing a premier stadium environment for Coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s program.
The Memorial Stadium Improvements project, authorized by the University of Missouri Board of Curators in November, will involve major renovations to the North Concourse and other facility enhancements, aiming to create modernized revenue opportunities and a new premium seating component. Completion of the project is projected for mid-August 2026, with Kansas City-based architecture firm DLR Group serving as consultant.
Drinkwitz, Mizzou Football’s head coach, expressed gratitude for the donor’s loyalty and emphasized the goal of creating a game-day experience that is unparalleled. The investment will enable significant strides in enhancing the atmosphere and fan amenities at Faurot Field, ensuring a lasting impact for years to come.
Under Drinkwitz’s leadership, Mizzou Football concluded the 2023 season with notable success, finishing 11-2 and securing a victory in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The team’s achievements, including leading the SEC in attendance growth for the second consecutive year, underscore the momentum and support behind Mizzou Athletics.
As part of the upcoming 2024 season, Memorial Stadium will feature a new expanded north videoboard and upgraded sound system. The stadium, originally built in 1926, has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the last century, including the addition of the South End Zone complex in 2019.
The innovative Tiger Fund program, launched in 2023, reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics and provides opportunities for student-athletes in Missouri. It allows Mizzou supporters to direct donations to specific Tiger teams or a general account, benefiting student-athletes with resources for various needs, including travel, equipment, education, marketing, mental wellness support, and coaching in mental performance.
