Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium: A Legacy of Mizzou Football
Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as Faurot Field, stands as the home of the University of Missouri (Mizzou) Tigers football team. This stadium is more than just a venue; it's a symbol of tradition, a memorial to fallen heroes, and a place where unforgettable memories are created.
Origins: Honoring the Fallen
The genesis of Memorial Stadium dates back to 1919, when Walter Miller, then-dean of the graduate school, proposed the construction of a "Memorial Union" and a "Memorial Stadium" to honor the Mizzou alumni who perished in World War I. Fundraising efforts commenced in 1921, with students pledging $100 and alumni contributing $200. By 1925, sufficient funds had been raised to break ground on the stadium.
Construction and Early Years
Construction concluded in 1926, resulting in a stadium capable of accommodating 25,000 fans, forming the lower bowl of the current structure. A 440-yard track encircled the grass playing field. Memorial Stadium was dedicated on October 2, 1926, in memory of 112 alumni and students who lost their lives in World War I.
The inaugural game against Tulane University was marred by rainstorms, which made the field surface a mixture of sawdust and tree bark due to the wet conditions. The game ended in a scoreless tie.
The Rock M: An Enduring Symbol
In 1927, the freshman class constructed a massive "M" out of whitewashed rocks in the north end zone. Measuring 90 feet wide by 95 feet tall, the "M" has become one of the stadium's most recognizable landmarks. Freshmen continue the tradition of applying a fresh coat of white to the rocks each year. Graduating seniors from the football team, marching band, and cheer squads take a rock from the "M" as a souvenir upon completing their last home game.
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Expansion and Renovations
From 1949 to 1978, Memorial Stadium underwent multiple expansion projects, which enclosed the open south side, built up the bowl, and installed a press box. By its peak, Faurot Field could seat 75,000 fans. Renovations in 2015 and 2018 reduced the total capacity to a little over 62,000.
Omniturf Era
In 1985, a new Omniturf surface was installed on the field. However, this coincided with a dismal period in Missouri football history, leading many fans to believe the turf was cursed. The surface was also criticized for being slick, prompting calls for improvement.
In 1994, The Rolling Stones performed at Memorial Stadium during their Voodoo Lounge Tour, raising almost $100,000 for the conversion of the Omniturf surface back to natural grass. In 1995, the artificial Omniturf playing surface was removed and replaced with natural grass. Legendary Coach Don Faurot put down the last piece of sod as a symbolic gesture.
Modernization
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw further upgrades to Faurot Field. In 1996, four permanent light towers were installed, enabling the stadium to host night games regularly. A Diamond Vision video board was added above the Rock "M" in 1997, and a new press box and luxury suites were constructed in 2000. FieldTurf replaced the natural grass in 2003.
In 2009, a new $5 million north end zone scoreboard with updated video capabilities and a new sound system was installed. In 2012, a $1.5 million modification plan included a redesigned FieldTurf surface featuring a larger "Power Tiger" logo at midfield, SEC conference logos, and black and gold "M-I-Z-Z-O-U" end zone diamonds.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
South End Zone Complex
At the end of the 2017 season, Mizzou approved an $89 million renovation of the south end zone. The complex includes 16 suites, field- and stand-level club decks, as well as general seating. A new video board and control room was also constructed, and full concessions and restrooms were added to an expanded concourse. The showpiece of the project was a new base for the football program featuring new locker rooms for both Mizzou and their opponents, a football-specific weight room, meeting rooms, medical and nutritional centers, and offices for the Tiger football staff.
Future Renovations
In 2023, the university's Board of Curators approved a plan to renovate the north end zone in phases, starting with the installation of a new video board and sound system during the 2023-24 off-season. Additional elements of the plan include upgrades to the north entry gate and a new tunnel under Stadium Boulevard, new LED floodlights with light-show capability, concourse upgrades such as new concession stands and free WiFi for fans, and a new Tiger Team Store. The finished product will include multiple tiers of premium seating, field-level luxury boxes, and a new Rock M Club located under a rebuilt north hill.
The Board of Curators gave final approval for the $250 million renovation on September 12, 2024, with the project set to begin on November 30, 2024, and be completed in time for the start of the 2026 football season, which will be the stadium's 100th anniversary.
Game Day Traditions
Tailgating
Tailgating is an integral part of the Mizzou football experience. Fans gather in the parking lots around Faurot Field, Mizzou Arena, and the Hearnes Center, setting up elaborate spreads and enjoying the pre-game atmosphere. Tailgating is also popular along Providence and Stadium roads.
Tiger Walk
The Tiger Walk is a pre-game tradition where the football team walks from the athletic compound across the bridge over Providence Road to the stadium locker room. Fans line up to cheer on the team as they pass by, accompanied by the Marching Mizzou band, the Golden Girls dance team, and the cheer squad.
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Marching Mizzou
Before the game, Truman the Tiger, the school mascot, rides a Mizzou-decorated fire truck and sounds the siren while the Marching Mizzou drumline performs as the band marches to the field.
M-I-Z, Z-O-U
The "M-I-Z" and "Z-O-U" chant is a tradition that unites Mizzou fans. The student section yells "M-I-Z," and the alumni section responds with "Z-O-U." The chant is often started by the "Big MO" drum.
Other Traditions
The "Missouri Waltz" is played at the end of the 1st quarter. Fans sway in time and then clap along to the official song of the state of Missouri. "Narco" by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet is played on every 3rd down. The Killers song "Mr. Brightside" has been adopted as an anthem, played at both football and basketball games.
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