Mizzou to Sell Naming Rights to Football Stadium

University seeks corporate sponsor as Memorial Stadium approaches 100-year anniversary.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Missouri announced plans to sell the naming rights for Memorial Stadium, home of the Mizzou Tigers football team. The move comes as the historic stadium approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2026. Athletic director Laird Veatch said the new naming rights deal would help position Mizzou Athletics for the future and continue the university's commitment to investing in recruiting, retaining, and competing to win.

Why it matters

Memorial Stadium has been an iconic part of the University of Missouri campus since 1926, honoring the 117 Mizzou students and alumni who died in World War I. The decision to sell the naming rights is a significant shift, as the university acknowledges the evolving landscape of college athletics and the need for new revenue streams to remain competitive.

The details

Mizzou Athletics announced the plans to secure corporate naming rights for Memorial Stadium on February 10, 2026. The new name will replace 'Memorial' outside the stadium, though the university says it will develop plans with veterans groups and military representatives to continue honoring and recognizing their service in new ways.

  • Memorial Stadium was built in 1926.
  • The 2026 Mizzou football season will begin on September 5.

The players

Laird Veatch

The athletic director at the University of Missouri, who announced the plans to sell the naming rights for Memorial Stadium.

University of Missouri

The public research university located in Columbia, Missouri, which owns and operates Memorial Stadium, home of the Mizzou Tigers football team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Memorial Stadium enters its second century as college athletics continues to evolve rapidly.”

— Laird Veatch, Athletic Director (kmmo.com)

“Offering a new name for the stadium is another incredible opportunity to position Mizzou Athletics for the future.”

— Laird Veatch, Athletic Director (kmmo.com)

What’s next

The university says it will develop plans with multiple veterans groups and military representatives to continue honoring and recognizing their service in new and meaningful ways, even with the new corporate naming rights deal.

The takeaway

Mizzou's decision to sell the naming rights to Memorial Stadium, a landmark that has honored fallen alumni for nearly a century, reflects the growing commercialization of college sports and the need for universities to find new revenue streams to stay competitive. The move raises questions about how schools can balance tradition, community, and corporate interests in the modern era of college athletics.