AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas announced architecture firm Populous as the designers of its Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium south end zone expansion and renovation, which aims to improve football training and game day offerings. The project will streamline football operations through a renovation to the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center that includes enhanced and expanded student-athlete amenities and football coaches' offices as well as provide a multitude of new and unique fan experiences.



"This is a project we've had many discussions and meetings about over the past several months and we are thrilled to be in the final planning stages," said Chris Del Conte, University of Texas Vice President and Athletics Director. "The new south end zone will provide our student-athletes, staff and fans with the finest facility in the country and one that we all can be extremely proud of. It will feature the best of the best when it comes to student-athlete amenities and training needs, first-rate coaching staff offices and meeting rooms along with state-of-the-art opportunities and experiences for our many fans and supporters."



The design of the new south end zone will fully enclose the stadium for the first time in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium's 95-year history, carrying over the architecture of the north and east sides through new entry towers and filling in the corners with concessions-equipped terraces. One of the project's crown jewels lies inside the seating bowl. A Longhorn-shaped balcony designed into the end zone seating will be visible from the air and is the first time a logo will be carved into a seating bowl. It will provide an electric atmosphere and offer a new home for football coaches' offices while broadcasting the iconic image of Longhorn Football to fans in the stands, UT campus visitors and viewers at home.



Students will have plenty to celebrate in the new south end zone, from a student terrace with concessions to a student seating section with multiple corner patios that provide a unique game day vantage point. Adjacent to the student section, a new stage will be home to the Longhorn Network and the network's iconic GameDay show, further connecting students to the Longhorns brand as well as its broadcast partners. Additionally, several premium experiences will be available, from the Bevo corral adjacent to the field-level club and patio - which players will proceed through for pregame, halftime and postgame field access - to the loge seating and Founders Suites.



"The modern game day experience is about quality, not quantity. Fans want unique experiences in an authentic place," said Sherri Privitera, Populous Principal-in-Charge for the project. "This is a game-changing project. From fully enclosing the stadium for a more intimate atmosphere to the impactful in-seat Longhorn logo, it is the ultimate celebration of The University of Texas."



The south end zone expansion will break ground in the summer of 2019 beginning with the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center renovations. Construction on the seats, clubs and additional amenities will be completed by kickoff in 2021.



Kansas City-based Populous has completed four end zone expansion and renovation projects at the collegiate level since 2015. Learn more about the firm's experience in unlocking the value of end zones through design here.



Populous is a global architecture and design firm that designs the places where people love to be together, like Yankee Stadium, the London Olympics, and the Super Bowl. Over the last 35 years, the firm has designed more than 2,500 projects worth $40 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous' comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hotels and hospitality, and sustainable design consulting. Populous has 14 offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane.