Missouri Tigers look to expand stadium as they enter SEC.

Missouri has unveiled its long-promised plans to upgrade athletic facilities as it moves to the Southeastern Conference.

An athletics master plan released by the school on Monday calls for adding at least 6,000 seats at Memorial Stadium, which currently has a capacity of 71,004. The expansion would consist of 5,200 bleacher seats on the stadium’s east side and 800 to 900 premium seats, along with new restrooms, lounges and concession stands.

Even with the addition, Missouri would still rank ninth in stadium size among the 14 SEC schools. Eight of those schools have stadiums that hold at least 80,000, with Bryant-Denny Stadium at Alabama and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium topping 100,000.

Missouri also wants to add more enclosed luxury suites on the stadium’s west side and expand a concourse at the stadium’s north entrance that would provide room for another possible seating increase in the future.

The school is also seeking to improve its tennis and golf facilities as well as its softball and baseball stadiums. The projects would cost $72 million in 30-year debt financing through revenue bonds, although a plan summary suggests Missouri would recoup its entire investment through the sale of additional premium seats and luxury boxes.

Missouri athletic director Mike Alden will present the proposal to university curators on Tuesday afternoon, with a vote expected Wednesday morning.

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