Kearney Hub
The regents' measured approach to the overhaul of the home of Husker football comes in the wake of the departure of the original driving force behind it — former Husker Athletic Director Trev Alberts , who left last month to take the same job at Texas A&M.
The regents Friday backed a contract with Omaha architecture firm HDR for the next phase of conceptual design work. Chris Kabourek , NU's interim president, called it a "critical next step" in development of the proposed project.
But Kabourek emphasized that no construction work will go forward until detailed finance and construction plans are later brought before the board for a vote.
Kabourek said the university "is not re-evaluating anything." The plan now is simply to give Alberts' replacement as athletic director, Troy Dannen , the time to "get up to speed."
"I know he's looking at this almost every day, and through the lens of 'What makes the most sense for Nebraska ?' and, to quote Troy: 'Is it going to help us win?' " Kabourek said.
Regent Barb Weitz of Omaha , who has expressed skepticism about the project, asked whether Friday's move is moving the regents toward a point when they will feel compelled to approve the $450 million project because they will have spent so much money already.
Kabourek said no additional funding was being approved Friday. The $12.4 million cost of HDR's additional work was already included within the $45 million in preliminary funding the regents approved last fall.
Almost from the start of Alberts' tenure in 2021, he began taking a hard look at the 100-year-old stadium. He led the visioning and planning processes and advocated strongly for it.
Last fall, Alberts revealed preliminary plans for demolishing South Stadium and replacing it with a modern, threetier structure. Renovation of concourses, concession areas and seating throughout the stadium were also part of the plan.
The regents last October voted to kick off fundraising and initial construction.
They authorized the go-ahead for architectural planning and the start of behind-the-scenes stadium infrastructure work that's needed regardless of whether the larger project moves forward. The regents also hired a private firm to help with fundraising.
But much has changed since then — most notably the sudden and unexpected departure of Alberts.
Major questions also remain about how the project would be funded.
The plan calls for raising half the $450 million from private donors. At least $100 million more would come from athletic department funds, including $50 million in donor-given reserves and $50 million from currently generated revenues.
Where the final $125 million would come from remains uncertain. Alberts had not ruled out seeking public funds for the project. But the university system also faces a $58 million budget shortfall that needs to be closed over the next year.
Dannen said in a statement last week he wants to take the time to fully understand the rationale, timeline, cost and benefits of the project. He said he also wants to hear from all the stakeholders, including coaches, staff, fans, campus administrators and the regents.
"Any decision we make will be based on whether it helps us win," he said in the statement. "Our fans and all Nebraskans expect that we will invest every ounce of our time and resources into bringing the greatest possible benefit to Husker Athletics and the entire state."