Grunwald Mechanical Joins University of Nebraska’s $600 Million Memorial Stadium Renovation
University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium · Lincoln
Rendering of Memorial Stadium afterthe Big Red Rebuild.Courtesy of University of Nebraska project materials.
The Big Red Rebuild is a transformational renovation of one of college football’s most storied venues — and Grunwald Mechanical Contractors Engineers is proud to join the team delivering it.
Memorial Stadium opened on October 13, 1923.1
Grunwald is proud to be part of the $600 million renovation in Lincoln.The work will support new restrooms, concessions, club and premium spaces,and the domestic water, sanitary, and storm systems that keep a modern,year-round venue running for more than 80,000 fans.2
The renovation will transform the 1923 landmark into a contemporary destination while protecting the traditions that have defined Saturdays in Lincoln for more than a century. Construction begins after the 2026 football season, with phased delivery targeting full completion for kickoff in 2028.2
Grunwald is proud to work alongside Kiewit Building Group and appreciates the trust placed in our team as a trade partner. A rebuild of this scale demands tight coordination, careful planning, and crews who understand that the systems behind the walls are as important as the seats in the bowl.
How the stadium grew
| 1923 | East and west stands open. Capacity: 31,080.1 |
| 1964–1966 | South end zone forms a horseshoe. North stands complete the bowl. Capacity rises from 44,829 to more than 62,000.3 |
| 1972 | South end zone extended. Capacity: 73,650.3 |
| 1999 | West Stadium adds skyboxes, club seats, and a new press box.3 |
| 2006 | North Stadium expansion. Capacity exceeds 80,000 for the first time (81,067).3 |
| 2013 | East Stadium expansion. Peak capacity: 87,147. Current listed capacity: 85,458.4 |
| 2026–2028 | South and west stands rebuilt. Connected concourse. Redesigned student section. Reduced capacity in 2027. New chairbacks in place for 2028.2 |
“Memorial Stadium is not just a building in Lincoln. It is the place Nebraska comes together — grandparents, parents, and kids in the same shade of red. Our company has been locally owned here since 1899. Our people grew up in these stands. Being trusted to help care for a place that means that much to this state is an honor, and we are proud to be part of this project.”
Steven Bena, President
Founded in Omaha in 1899, Grunwald is the oldest mechanical contractor in the city and remains locally owned, with offices in Omaha and Lincoln. The company is affiliated with UA Local 16 Plumbers and UA Local 464 Plumbers and Steamfitters.5
When complete, Memorial Stadium will feature about 20,000 new chairback seats, a redesigned student section, expanded concourses, and enhanced club and premium spaces.2 Those amenities only work if the systems behind them are planned, fabricated, and installed to last.
Grunwald Mechanical is proud to be part of the Big Red Rebuild.
Sources
- University of Nebraska Athletics, huskers.com; History Nebraska,“Memorial Stadium Turns 100.”
- University of Nebraska,Big Red Rebuild,bigredrebuild.com.
- Sports Illustrated, “Memorial Stadium Through the Years”;HuskerMax stadium history.
- Memorial Stadium seating-capacity record, 2013–present.
- Grunwald Mechanical, grunwaldmech.com/about.