Perhaps no feature is more recognizable to University of Missouri alumni and Tigers fans than the iconic Block M overlooking the north end zone at Faurot Field. Measuring 90 feet wide and 95 feet high, the famous “M” was constructed by students in 1927 using leftover rock from the stadium’s construction and has since become one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks. Missouri football has been played since 1890, but the Tigers have called Faurot Field home since 1926.
Construction of the university’s new football stadium began in December 1925 to accommodate the growing popularity of the program. Originally named Memorial Stadium in honor of University of Missouri alumni who lost their lives in World War I, the $350,000 facility opened on October 2, 1926, when Missouri hosted Tulane. The stadium debuted with a seating capacity of 25,000. In 1972, the playing field was officially named Faurot Field in honor of legendary head coach and athletic director Don Faurot, creating the name it is known by today: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
The original 25,000-seat stadium quickly proved too small as support for Tigers football continued to grow. Between 1949 and 1965, multiple expansion projects enclosed much of the stadium and added upper decks along both sidelines. Before the 1968 season, a new press box with VIP lounges was constructed on the west side. In 1978, the south end zone was enclosed with 10,800 additional seats, increasing capacity to 62,023. Artificial turf replaced the natural grass field in 1985, but grass returned a decade later. Permanent lights were installed in 1996, allowing Missouri to host night games for the first time. Prior to the 2009 season, a new 30-by-80-foot HD video board was installed above the north end zone.
One of the largest renovation projects in stadium history was completed before the 2014 season. The first phase, finished prior to the 2013 season, renovated the west tower and relocated the iconic Rock M closer to the field, allowing the north concourse to be expanded. The second phase added a new east-side tower featuring 1,200 premium seats and a 4,100-seat upper deck. Expanded concourses, upgraded concession areas, and improved restrooms were also included, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 71,168.
In August 2017, the University of Missouri approved construction of a $98 million football operations complex in the south end zone. Completed before the 2019 season, the three-story, 200,000-square-foot facility replaced the 1978 general admission seating bowl and includes a state-of-the-art locker room, training facilities, coaches’ offices, and meeting spaces. It also added 16 luxury suites, a 750-person field-level club, and more than 1,300 general admission seats, while reducing overall capacity to 61,620.
The next chapter in the evolution of Faurot Field began in April 2024 when the university announced a $250 million renovation project. Completed before the 2026 season, the project expanded the north end zone with a new premium seating complex, upgraded video boards, and additional fan amenities. Upon completion, the stadium’s capacity increased to approximately 65,000, ensuring that one of college football’s most distinctive venues continued to evolve while preserving the traditions that have defined Missouri football for generations.
