University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Athletics Crosses $40M Milestone Towards Smith Family Match
Mar 04, 2026 | Football, General, M Club, Memphis Athletics Fund
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Athletic Department has surpassed another significant milestone in the transformation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, eclipsing the $40 million mark toward the $50 million Smith Family Match Challenge as part of the historic stadium renovation project.
To date, $40.3 million has been committed toward the Smith Family Match, with more than $90 million raised overall between Memphis Athletics and the Smith Family in support of the renovation project. Since June 2025 alone, the department has generated more than $9 million in funding - a powerful indicator of continued momentum and belief in the future of Memphis Athletics.
A total of 110 supporters have made commitments to the project, helping drive premium seating demand across the West Side Tower. Almost 70 percent of West Tower premium inventory has already been sold, including a complete sellout of the 400-level Founders Suites. Availability is limited across several additional West Tower premium offerings, as we are approaching a sellout of the 600-Level Suites and loge boxes on the 300 and 500 levels.
Memphis Athletics reached the $40 million milestone in part through an enhanced partnership with Landers Auto Group, which has secured the naming rights to the Plaza Level of the new West Side Tower. The space will now be known as Landers Plaza, a signature gathering destination designed to elevate the game-day experience for fans during the 2026 Tiger Football season.
“We are proud to support the renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, as this project represents a significant investment in the future of Memphis Football and the city of Memphis,” said Kent Ritchey, the President of Ritchey Management, LLC. and Landers Auto Group.
“We’re especially excited about the new Landers Plaza and look forward to seeing it enhance the game day experience for fans and families at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for years to come.”
Planned enhancements to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium include upgraded premium seating, improved fan amenities, modernized infrastructure, and expanded revenue-generating spaces designed to strengthen Memphis Athletics’ long-term competitiveness at the highest level of collegiate athletics.
Among the upgrades:
- New West Side Tower mega ribbon board
- State-of-the-art north and south end zone videoboards
- 360-degree distributed surround sound system
- Enhanced LED entertainment lighting system
- New East Side Tower windows and structural improvements
- Elevated premium hospitality areas
- Expanded Landers Plaza activation space
These enhancements are designed to elevate both the fan experience and recruiting atmosphere while positioning Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as a year-round destination for the City of Memphis.
Fans interested in club seating, suite opportunities or other premium options are encouraged to visit memphisathleticfoundation.org or schedule a personalized tour in the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Experience Center. With inventory rapidly diminishing, now is the time to secure a place in the next era of Memphis Football.
For additional information on season tickets, premium seating opportunities or the 2026 Memphis football season, fans can visit GoTigersGo.com or contact the Memphis Athletics Ticket Office (901-678-2331).
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Memphis football season tickets for the 2026 season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium are now on sale and available for renewal. Fans can purchase new season tickets by visiting HERE.
Current season ticket members can renew their seats by logging into their account HERE.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign start at just $99, a $50 reduction from last season, providing fans one of the most affordable ways to experience Memphis football while returning to a transformed Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
A new feature for the 2026 campaign is the addition of the West Side Plaza. All fans with seats in the west side chairbacks (Sections 131, 132, 101-109) will have access to this new area. The full pricing map can be viewed HERE.
Stadium Seating Update :
As part of the ongoing modernization of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis Athletics has also introduced an updated section and row numbering system for 2026. While section and row identifiers have been adjusted to improve wayfinding throughout the stadium, season ticket members will keep the same seats - only how they are labeled has changed. Updated seating maps and renewal information will be provided directly to ticket holders.
Example of the New Numbering
Under the updated system, seats will reflect the new level-based layout:
Previously Section 120, Row 40 is now Section 220, Row 12
Previously Section 101, Row 8 is now Section 101, Row 1
Why approach the project in phases?
Following the approval of the transfer of stadium ownership, we immediately began to review, identify and prioritize elements of the renovation design that are most vital to our football program and our fans. Knowing that the project had $120 million in funding available from the State via the City, $50 million as a gift from the Fred Smith Family and an additional $50 million needing to be raised to unlock the Smith Family gift, we are designing the project to a total cost of $226.5 million.
After analyzing the needs of our program and our fans, and considering the fundraising needed to execute a design that matches those needs, we determined that approaching this renovation in two phases allows us to move forward in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner possible. We are committed to a full $226.5 million project and currently moving forward with Phase 2. This phasing will allow us to get started on immediate improvements, while continuing to raise funds.
What is the updated timeline?
Construction on Phase 1 began in May 2024 and was completed prior to the 2024 Memphis Football season which included the demolition of the old West Side Tower and the renovation to the East Side Suites. In partnership with firms MFA, Barton Malow and Populous, the renovation was condensed into two phases to expedite major features of the project. Phase 2 is on track for completion prior to the 2026 Memphis Football season. Our goal remains to finish the project in a timely and efficient a manner as possible. We will be aggressive, but deliberate, to make sure we are fiscally responsible and meeting the needs of our program and fans with every step. Our fundraising process continues, and we will update fans as plans progress.
Why is fundraising necessary for this project, when the City has money available from the State?
We always anticipated needing to ask Tiger Nation to help support this vision in order to maximize the value that can be realized through the renovation. Following the allocation of State grant funding and the leadership demonstrated by the Smith Family, we have seen our fanbase and supporters energized and inspired to contribute to taking our football program and University to the next level.
