Historic Rice Stadium to See $120 Million in Renovations

Artist rendering of the upgraded stadium (Photo courtesy of Rice Athletics)

On Thursday, November 6, Rice University announced a new project that is being billed as “transformative” in its objectives. At the top of the list is renovations to historic Rice Stadium. Billed as the Gateway Project, the massive $120 million project looks to revitalize the stadium, home of the Rice Owls football team, as well as connect the west side of Rice’s campus to historic Rice Village, via a new pedestrian walkway.

The project will utilize unused property currently owned by the university to create a park-like space for fans at the stadium, as well as provide easier access to Rice Village. The construction will also open up several blocks in the area for retail and green spaces in the historic neighborhood.

“This signals a new era for Rice Athletics,” said Tommy McClelland, Vice President and Director of Athletics for Rice, at an event announcing the project. “The enhanced Rice Stadium will offer a best-in-class experience for our student-athletes, fans and alumni while positioning Rice to compete at the highest levels athletically and academically. It will be a place of pride for the university and for Houston.”

Built in 1950, Rice Stadium was home to Super Bowl VIII in 1974, and was also the site of the iconic “We choose to go to the moon...” speech by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The west side of the stadium will see the demolition of the existing press box, upper bowl, and upper concourse area to make way for a new three-level tower – the new structure will include premium club seating, 14 private suites, and a new press box for coaches and the media.

The southwest entry plaza will reinforce the stadium-in-a-park concept, connecting to a landscaped walkway leading to Rice Village.

Stadium renovations will begin after the 2026 season and are anticipated to be completed in 2028. Currently, the renovations are not expected to impact Owls home games.

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