Missouri football is gearing up for an exciting kickoff to the 2026 season, unveiling their newly renovated stadium with a Thursday night opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on September 3rd. This matchup, set to air on the SEC Network at 7 p.m., continues a growing tradition for the Tigers, who have embraced Thursday night season openers for the past four years.
The spotlight will be on Memorial Stadium, showcasing its revamped north end zone, a project that's been underway since the conclusion of the 2024 season. While the stadium might sport a new corporate name by game day, the buzz is all about the fresh look and the electric atmosphere expected to greet fans.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the value of this tradition. "Opening the season on a Thursday night in CoMo is becoming a great tradition for our program," he shared, emphasizing the importance of national exposure on the SEC Network. The Tigers are riding high on a program-record sellout streak, and the anticipation is palpable as they prepare to bring that energy into 2026.
Missouri's Thursday night success is notable, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in these openers since they faced Louisiana Tech in 2022. The strategic scheduling helps them sidestep the Labor Day weekend travel rush and dodge early-season TV competition with the NFL.
This season, Mizzou fans can look forward to seven home games at Faurot Field. Key matchups include clashes with Troy, Florida, Texas A&M, Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, promising an action-packed season in Columbia.
As the Tigers prepare for their first spring practice on February 27th, the excitement is building. With a newly renovated stadium and a thrilling schedule ahead, Missouri football is ready to make waves this season.