Nov 16, 2013; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Imani Cross (32) celebrates his touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Michigan State won 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has approved the project budget for Memorial Stadium Fan Experience Improvements. The $12.3 million project will replace the stadium’s existing sound system and install a wireless network system to improve connectivity.

“We are very appreciative of Chancellor Harvey Perlman’s support and The Board of Regents’ approval of the Memorial Stadium Fan Experience Improvement Project,” said Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst.  “These improvements are designed to provide the best college football fans in America with the best game-day experience possible.  It is important that we continually strive to improve our fan experience in each of our athletic venues and this project is a big step in that direction.”

The existing sound system at Memorial Stadium is more than 20 years old.  This project will replace the sound system with a new, single-point source sound system housed in the north end zone.  Initial design concepts for the sound system call for multiple speaker arrays and cabinets that will be attached to the top and sides of the HuskerVision screen on the roof of the Osborne Athletic Complex.

The new sound system will allow fans in all parts of the stadium to enjoy the full Nebraska football game-day experience, including HuskerVision features, public address announcements and other audio and video features.

Installation of a wireless network system (WiFi) at Memorial Stadium is the second component of the Memorial Stadium Fan Experience Improvement Project.  The explosive growth of smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices in the past decade has fueled demand for continuous connectivity.