President Choi's Blog

A century of Homecoming history at Memorial Stadium

Sep. 28, 2026


First Homecoming game in Memorial Stadium in 1926, Mizzou Football in 2026
First Homecoming game in Memorial Stadium in 1926, Mizzou Football in 2026

This year, we celebrate 100 years of Memorial Stadium as well as Mizzou Football’s historic role at the center of Homecoming celebrations. Fifteen years before Memorial Stadium opened in 1926, we were the first to invite all alumni to return to campus and cheer the Tigers on to victory. Now, as we celebrate the completion of the stadium’s transformation, we also recognize the proud history, exciting wins and shared memories that define Homecoming at Mizzou.

(Clockwise from top left) A snowy first Memorial Stadium Homecoming, attendees follow the action on the field and in the sky, Pi Beta Phi members decorate their house for Homecoming, a view of Memorial Stadium from a 1926 Homecoming program
(Clockwise from top left) A snowy first Memorial Stadium Homecoming, attendees follow the action on the field and in the sky, Pi Beta Phi members decorate their house for Homecoming, a view of Memorial Stadium from a 1926 Homecoming program

The Tigers’ first Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium was a decisive 15-0 victory over Kansas in front of a record crowd of 30,000 who sat through a swirling snowstorm. Kansas remains our most frequent Homecoming opponent (nearly 30 times) with Mizzou counting 18 wins in the series – including legendary games like Don Faurot’s finale as Mizzou head coach in 1956, where the Tigers won with a last-second safety. Earlier this season, the Tigers scored another historic win against the Jayhawks.

(Clockwise from top left) Mizzou rushes the ball during the 1956 Homecoming game against Kansas, Don Faurot carried by Mizzou players after the game, the 1956 Homecoming parade passes Memorial Student Union
(Clockwise from top left) Mizzou rushes the ball during the 1956 Homecoming game against Kansas, Don Faurot carried by Mizzou players after the game, the 1956 Homecoming parade passes Memorial Student Union

In 1972, the same year the field was dedicated in honor of Coach Faurot, the Tigers defeated the Colorado Buffaloes, then the #7 team in the country, in one of Tiger Football’s most thrilling Homecoming victories. This year’s theme, “Forever Faurotcious” recognizes that special places like Faurot Field, along with beloved traditions like the parade and house decs, are an essential part of the nation’s first and best Homecoming.

Homecoming game against the Colorado Buffaloes in 1972, Homecoming game against the Idaho Vandals in 2017
Homecoming game against the Colorado Buffaloes in 1972, Homecoming game against the Idaho Vandals in 2017 

The legacy of excellence continues to the present day. Mizzou has come out on top in each Homecoming matchup for nearly a decade, including one of the largest margins of victory ever in a Mizzou Homecoming game when we defeated the Idaho Vandals 68-21 in 2017.

As we begin the next 100 years of Memorial Stadium, we look forward to securing our 10th consecutive Homecoming win when we beat the Florida Gators. I hope to see you at Memorial Stadium and at the many events planned throughout Homecoming Weekend.

— Mun