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Rice Unveils $120 Million Gateway Project to Link Campus and Overhaul Rice Stadium

The university casts the effort as a long-term investment funded by its 30-year land-use plan to strengthen ties with Rice Village.

Overview

  • Construction on the stadium work is slated to begin after the 2026 football season, with games continuing during 2027 and overall completion expected in 2028.
  • Seating will be reduced from 47,000 to about 30,000 as plans add a 360-degree concourse, a shade canopy and new premium areas to create a fuller game-day environment.
  • The west side will replace the press box, upper bowl and upper concourse with a three-level structure that includes club seating, 14 suites, and dedicated media, broadcast and operations spaces.
  • The pedestrian corridor will extend Amherst Avenue east to a new campus entrance near Greenbriar Drive with trees, lighting, green space and major utility upgrades to support retail, multifamily housing, restaurants and a grocery store.
  • Rice says the $120 million cost will come from its 30-year Campus Land Use Plan intended to align campus infrastructure with the surrounding Houston community.