Since Memorial Stadium was completed in 1960, the idea of expanding its capacity has been a bit of a joke among fans.<\/p>\n
With the completion of two end zone projects over the last 20 years, the available seats have actually grown by around 5,000.\u00a0 But a major expansion has never made much sense in Bloomington until recently.<\/p>\n
Prior to 2024, Indiana had rarely sold out its home stadium, and on those rare occasions the visiting crowd often played a significant role.\u00a0 Just four times prior to the arrival of Curt Cignetti had Indiana sold out multiple games in a single season.<\/p>\n
But sellouts have become the norm over the last two year with four in each of the last two years.\u00a0 And the eight-game 2026 season projects to be the program\u2019s first full season at capacity since 1969.<\/p>\n
Last August IU AD Scott Dolson said facilities enhancements are the third priority behind compensating the players and coaches.\u00a0 Twice Dolson and his department have surveyed the fan base to understand what updates they\u2019d like to see at Memorial Stadium.<\/p>\n
And for his part, Cignetti has been vocal about the need to expand IU football\u2019s home venue.<\/p>\n
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show in 2024, Cignetti said \u201cYou keep winning and maybe you build up that (east) side of the stadium and get 80,000 in here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 65-year-old Cignetti also suggested the west side press box would be replaced before his tenure was up in Bloomington.<\/p>\n
Naming rights deals like the agreement with Merchants Bank for the field at Memorial Stadium help.\u00a0 Perhaps there\u2019s a stadium naming rights deal in the future, and\/or we\u2019ll see a sponsor on the football jerseys sooner than later.\u00a0 Those kind of arrangements would provide the kind of cash flow to justify a major stadium project while keeping donor funds aimed at the roster.<\/p>\n
Significant projects like what is needed on East 17th Street take a lot of time and money.\u00a0 Several schools have announced or completed overhauls well into the nine figures recently.\u00a0 Florida announced a renovation project of more than a billion dollars.<\/p>\n
But Cignetti isn\u2019t backing down.<\/p>\n