Rice University has announced the Gateway Project, a $120 million development designed to create a pedestrian-friendly link between the campus and Rice Village. The initiative will transform the university’s west side, with the renovation of Rice Stadium serving as a central feature. Grounded in Rice’s 30-year Campus Land Use Plan, the project aims to integrate infrastructure, student life, athletics, and community engagement in a cohesive vision that supports both the university’s growth and Houston’s future.
This is a generational investment in the growth and vitality of Rice University. By physically linking our university to one of Houston’s most dynamic neighborhoods and modernizing a cornerstone of our athletics district, we are honoring Rice’s legacy while paving the way for future growth, connectivity and impact.
New gateway to campus
The centerpiece of the Gateway Project is a new pedestrian-focused street extending Amherst Avenue east from Morningside Drive to Greenbriar Drive, creating a direct link between Rice Village and the Rice University campus. This new corridor will feature tree-lined walkways, lighting, greenspaces, and upgraded infrastructure such as drainage, sewer, and water systems. It will encourage a vibrant mix of uses — including retail, housing, restaurants, and a grocery store — and include a public green space for community events and performances.
Rice Village has long been a beloved destination and part of the Rice community. By connecting our campus directly to the Village, we are strengthening our ties to Houston while enriching the student experience, advancing our growth and reinforcing Rice’s commitment to innovation and community.
Reimagining Rice Stadium
The Gateway Project features a major renovation of Rice Stadium, the 75-year-old landmark known for hosting Super Bowl VIII (1974) and President Kennedy’s 1962 “Moon Speech.” The stadium will be reimagined as a “stadium in a park” — a sustainable, community-centered venue designed for a wide range of sports, events, and gatherings. The renovation will be led by Populous, in partnership with Nations Group.
The west side will undergo a complete transformation, replacing the old press box and upper seating with a new three-level concourse building.
- The first level will feature premium club seating — including chairbacks, loge boxes, and lounge-style boxes — and can double as flexible event space for 600–1,000 guests.
- The second level will contain 14 private suites, while the third will house media, broadcast, and operations areas, along with university and athletics suites.
- A shade canopy and outdoor suite patio will improve comfort and host private or alumni events.
Additional upgrades include:
- Removal of two-thirds of the east upper deck for better sightlines and a more intimate feel.
- A 360-degree concourse for easy circulation.
- Two new restroom and concession buildings and a central kitchen for improved food service.
- A southwest plaza connecting the stadium to Rice Village through landscaped walkways.
Stadium capacity will shrink from 47,000 to just over 30,000, reflecting national trends that favor smaller, high-quality fan experiences. The redesign aims to create a vibrant atmosphere and enable non-football events.
Finally, a covered practice pavilion will be added near the Patterson Sports Performance Center, giving athletes access to two top-tier training facilities.
This signals a new era for Rice Athletics. The enhanced Rice Stadium will offer a best-in-class experience for our student-athletes, fans and alumni while positioning Rice to compete at the highest levels athletically and academically. It will be a place of pride for the university and for Houston.
Transforming the west side of campus
The Gateway Project’s redevelopment phase will start with the demolition of the Greenbriar Annex, paving the way for a new corridor and mixed-use spaces. The inflatable practice facility near Rice Stadium will also be removed to create expanded green areas, pedestrian pathways, and better community access to both Rice Village and the campus.
The redesigned greenway will emphasize sustainability, using permeable surfaces and native landscaping to manage stormwater naturally while encouraging outdoor activity and connectivity.
The Gateway Project brings together long-range planning, academic mission and sustainability in a way that aligns with Rice’s future. It is a deliberate effort to remove the boundary between the university and Rice Village in ways that are walkable, livable and welcoming.
Through Rice Real Estate Co., which owns much of Rice Village (about 260,000 square feet across three blocks), the university continues to strengthen the district’s vibrancy with redevelopment and community events like farmers markets and running clubs.
This project gives us a unique opportunity to open the western edge of campus and create a more welcoming gateway between Rice and the city. We’ve worked closely with our neighborhood partners to thoughtfully plan the timing and traffic flow, ensuring the impact is minimal and largely confined to Rice-owned property.
The Gateway Project’s design and development are guided by the university’s 30-year Campus Land Use Plan. Construction on the stadium and gateway components is expected to continue through 2028. As planning evolves in real time, certain elements of the project may be subject to change.
If you have questions about this project, please write to gateway@rice.edu.
