University of Missouri celebrates 100 years of Memorial Stadium with Saturday home game
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri is celebrating 100 years of Memorial Stadium on Saturday, and the home game kicks off against the Troy University Trojans at 6 p.m.
Memorial Stadium has changed a lot over the years. MU unveiled its 18-month-long, multi-million-dollar North End Zone ahead of its first home game in early September.
The stadium has new concessions, including Shakespeare’s Pizza, and a new Tiger Team Store. It also has renovated hill seating that includes updates to the rock ‘M.’ Fans will now need a ticket to enter the hill. MU also has new private suites called the “Tiger Dens.” Renovations cost about $250 million.
For the Saturday game, fans can start tailgating in designated lots at 7 a.m. MU is also reminding fans to be responsible when drinking or serving alcohol.
Tiger fan Jean Bradshaw and his friends were setting up their tailgate as soon as the gates opened.
“Tailgates are always fun. We learned at Ole Miss the saying that you may lose the football game, but you never lose the tailgate,” Bradshaw said.
Tailgaters should also be mindful of how much space their spot takes up. Per MU policy, Canopies and tents need to leave sidewalks and roadways clear. They can also be no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet.
An ABC 17 News reporter noticed that a handful of the fans who showed up in the early hours of the tailgate had canopies up to stay out of the sun, including Angela Ewing, who’s been a regular at Memorial Stadium.
“We’ve been season ticket holders for six years,” Ewing said. “We know all-day tailgates. We’ve done several of them, and they’ve been some of the most fun days.”
Todd Ewing, her husband, also emphasised the importance of drinking a lot of water and wearing sunscreen.
“For a day like today, you really just don’t want to wear out because we’ve seen that happen last year. If you remember the home opener, it was so hot, and by game time, everybody was just drained. So we want to make sure we have the energy to support the team for the game,” he said.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team is tracking temperatures in the mid-90s, but it could feel like 100-105 degrees. Tailgating will be hot in the afternoon.
The gates open a couple of hours ahead of the game against the Trojans, and fans will be allowed in at 4 p.m.
MU suggests staying hydrated throughout the day, wearing loose-fitting clothing and bringing a single-use plastic water bottle. Those bottles must be factory-sealed during stadium entry and can be refilled at refill stations located in the north concourse, in the Tiger Deck and at Gates 4E and 3W.
During halftime, the 1960 MU football team will be recognized as National Champions for going undefeated.
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