Our Football Future
In partnership with firms MFA, Barton Malow and Populous, the renovation has since been condensed into two phases to expedite major features of the project.
By consolidating the project into two phases, Scott announced an increased budget of $226.5 million after developing strategic updates to the initial design. Memphis Athletics has generated $201 million for the project with $120 million coming from the funds transferred by the city and the $50 million donation from the Fred Smith Family. To date, the athletic department has raised $31 million towards the Smith family match challenge.
New elements to the design include a north end tunnel renovation, the buildout of the 300-level club, a suspended kitchen on the 200 level and a state-of-the-art LED videoboard that will span over 260 feet in length. The new elements are now included in Phase Two of the renovation as all necessary funding is anticipated for the target completion date.
The buildout of the 300-level club will complete the West Side Tower that includes the 400 level Founders Suites, 500 level club and 600 level suites. The 500 and 600 levels will connect for an elevated experience for the suite holders and ticket members. The suspended kitchen on the 200 level is the first-ever at Liberty Stadium and will service the entire West Side Tower providing a first-class dining experience.
The north end zone tunnel provides the ability to generate additional revenue beyond football season by hosting events year-round and allowing the Memphis Athletic Foundation to maximize its ownership of the stadium. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will host its first concert in over 25 years (1997) when Chris Brown takes the stage in mid-October.
In collaboration with technology leader Daktronics a design was developed for a 4,062 square foot LED videoboard to create a stadium experience unlike any other in the country. The board will be mounted just above the fan plaza and span 70-yards from the 15-yard line to the other 15-yard line.
The inclusion of the new features in Phase Two reduces the capacity from the original plan of 50,000 to 45,632. Temporary seating will be an option for events that require an increased capacity expanding the seating by two to three thousand. Capacity during the renovation is 33,691.
In March 2024, the University announced Simmons Bank Stadium work is set to begin in May 2024 with completion anticipated prior to the start of the 2026 Memphis Football season.
Memphis Athletics, alongside the University’s Auxiliary Services Foundation, is committing to a $220 million investment and approaching the renovation in phases, allowing work to begin as quickly as possible while securing the necessary funding for subsequent phases. Initially, Memphis is moving forward with the first two phases at an estimated cost of $195 million. Memphis and firms Populous, Barton Malow and MFA, in addition to local partners brg3s, Grinder Taber Grinder and Allworld, are designing the project to the full three-phase cost of $220 million.
Phases are initially projected as follows:
Includes: renovation of the existing East Side Suites to accommodate moving media and gameday operations from their current West Side location, as well as other general upkeep, deferred maintenance and site prep elements. A new sound system for the suites as well as an update window system will be installed.
Timeline: Completed
Includes: In partnership with firms MFA, Barton Malow and Populous, the renovation has been condensed into two phases to expedite major features of the project. New elements to the design include a north end tunnel renovation, the buildout of the 300-level club, a suspended kitchen on the 200 level and a state-of-the-art LED videoboard that will span over 260 feet in length. The new elements are now included in Phase Two of the renovation as all necessary funding is anticipated for the target completion date.
Anticipated Start: Phase Two has begun and is expected to be completed prior to the 2026 football season.
The Frederick W. Smith Family, headed by the founder and executive chairman of FedEx, has committed a $50 million challenge gift to the University of Memphis for renovations to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the home of Memphis Tiger Football, which marks the largest gift in University history. Memphis Athletics has launched a $50 million capital campaign to match the Smith Family's significant commitment to the University.
"As a Tiger fan and UofM graduate, I could not be happier that we are able to make this happen," former City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said upon the Smith Family gift and the transfer of stadium ownership to the University of Memphis Auxiliary Services Foundation. "With these renovations, the stadium will receive much needed upgrades, and this puts the University in an excellent position as they continue to work towards entrance into a power five conference. Thanks to the State of Tennessee for its contribution, and thanks to both the UofM and Grizzlies teams for their cooperation as we have worked through this process."
"The upgrade and modernization of this community's two most important sports venues, FedExForum and the Liberty Bowl, is of paramount importance to the future of FedEx's headquarters city," said Richard W. Smith, on behalf of the Smith Family. "In the same vein, increasing the attractiveness of Memphis as an entertainment destination around FedExForum and the Liberty Bowl both is essential for economic growth and increased employment. Tourism is our second largest industry after logistics, and this will help to drive additional activity and development here in our home city. We strongly believe Memphis' future is tied to their success."
"We truly appreciate the Smith Family for recognizing the strength of our University and athletic programs and wanting to help continue our momentum for the betterment of our entire City," University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave said. "Their substantial gift will help us chart the course of not just our football program, but our entire University, as we look to ascend nationally. We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Jim Strickland and the City of Memphis in securing state funding for our City's sports venues, and we appreciate the City's ongoing partnership as we navigate this potential game-changing opportunity for our University."
"We are immensely grateful to the Smiths for their incredible philanthropic leadership and for sharing our vision to elevate our football program, our University and our City," University of Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said. "We are confident that a generational gift of this magnitude will inspire others in Tiger Nation to match their energy and commitment.
“We also could not be more appreciative of the partnership and continuous dialogue with City leadership over the past 18 months, as we have navigated the opportunities this stadium project presents. We are thrilled about the prospect of the Auxiliary Services Foundation owning the stadium and the potential opportunities that presents. In that position, we would carry that same spirit of partnership forward with other stadium tenants such as the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game, the Southern Heritage Classic and the USFL's Memphis Showboats.”