after him in 1996. Additionally, the university established the Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Veterans Committee, composed of alumni who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, or the Gulf Wars. The committee is charged to forever dedicate the stadium in the memory of, and in honor of, UT students and alumni who gave their lives for their country. Each year, one home football game is designated as Veterans Recognition Day, commemorating the memorial aspect of the stadium and to honor the memory of war soldiers. Renovations and expansions The stadium has been expanded several times since its original opening. 1926 – "Horseshoe" built on the north end for US$125,000 raising capacity to 40,500. 1948 – 26 rows were added to the east and west stands. Additionally, a section was added to the south end of the east and west stands. Capacity was raised to 60,136 at a cost of $1.4 million. General contractor for this work was Farnsworth & Chambers Inc. of Houston. 1955 – 8 100-foot Light towers were added at a cost of $200,000. First night game occurred on September 17, 1955. 1964 – Minor seating expansion added 780 seats, bringing capacity to 60,916. 1968 – Seating expansion added 5,481 seats, bringing capacity to 66,397. 1969 – Artificial turf, a tartan track and aluminium seats were installed. First game on turf occurred September 27, 1969 1971 – Upper deck added to the west side adding 15,990 seats, raising seating capacity to 77,809; General contractor for this work was a joint venture of two companies: Darragh & Lyda Inc. of San Antonio and H. A. Lott, Inc. of Houston. 1977 – Track converted from 440 yards to 400 meters (437.4 yds.). 1986 – The Vernon F. "Doc" Neuhaus–Darrell K Royal Athletic Center completed at the south end of the stadium at a cost of $7 million; the center was later renamed the W. A. "Tex" Moncrief, Jr.–V. F. "Doc" Neuhaus Athletic Center in 1997 after Royal's name was added to the stadium. 1989 – New four-color animated scoreboard was installed at the north end of the stadium 1996 – Replacement of the stadium's artificial turf with natural grass (Prescription Athletic Turf) at a cost of $1.25 million; installation of a Jumbotron video system; scoreboards retrofitted at a cost of $2.8 million. Stadium renamed Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium to honor former Head Coach Darrell K Royal. 1997 – 14 stadium