MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Athletics has announced updated plans and timelines for the transformative renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, which will help propel the stadium and Memphis Football into the forefront of the college football landscape. Work is set to begin in May with completion anticipated prior to the start of the 2026 Memphis Football season.
“The elements of this renovation represent a game-changing opportunity for our fans, our football program and our athletic department,” University of Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said. “The experience over the next two seasons is going to be different, and there may be some growing pains for a short period of time, but this renovation truly represents transformational growth. We are incredibly grateful to our leadership donors for their tremendous early response to matching the Fred Smith Family challenge pledge, which has already led to over $16 million in gift commitments including nine in the 7-figures.
“There has never been a better time to invest in Memphis Athletics, and we are confident the response will continue as people see how this renovation will set up all of Memphis for future success. From on-field winning, to facility improvements, to academic success, to community engagement, there is no doubt we are better positioned than perhaps we have ever been.”
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:
Phase 1 Includes: renovation of the existing East Side Suite Level Two to accommodate moving media and gameday operations from their current West Side location to prepare for Phase 2, as well as other general upkeep, deferred maintenance and site prep elements
Timeline and Cost: May 2024 with completion prior to football season; $8-10 million
Phase 2 Includes: transformation of the stadium’s West Side to dramatically improve the look of the stadium and provide several modern-day premium seating options (including Founders’ Suites, Founders’ Loge Boxes and additional private suites), create a unique interior “party plaza” area for all fans and begin initial perimeter and halo upgrades to create a hospitality space around the stadium
Anticipated Start: as soon as possible in the 2024 calendar year, upon securing the necessary funds initially estimated to be the first $25 million of the matching funds needed to meet the Smith Family’s challenge pledge
Phase 3 Potential Elements: locker room expansion and upgrades, any remaining perimeter, halo and concourse upgrades, other seating enhancements and north end tunnel renovation allowing production access for large-scale events such as concerts
Anticipated Start: upon securing the necessary funds, initially estimated to be the second $25 million of the matching funds needed to meet the Smith Family’s challenge pledge
“From the start of this process back in May 2022, our primary goals have been to optimize our position in the rapidly evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics, demonstrate our commitment to sustainable competitive and recruiting success and upgrade the fan experience,” Veatch continued. “When this renovation is finished, we will have achieved all of this and then some. We cannot wait to share more benchmarks as this process continues, and we appreciate Tiger Nation’s ‘all-in’ commitment as we evolve together.”
Ticketing Implications
Memphis Football season ticket holders have received information about renewing their tickets for the 2024 season, and new season tickets are also on sale now at THIS LINK , in person at the Memphis Ticket Office or by calling the office at (901) 678-2331.
Due to stadium construction, all West Side suites, a portion of East Side suites, the Stadium Club and all non-chairback (bleacher) seats between sections 129-132 and 101-109 will be unavailable for the 2024 and 2025 football seasons. Chairback seats on the West Side of SBLS will not be impacted during this construction phase. Affected season ticket holders will go through a seat selection process this summer, with more details to follow. Please CLICK HERE to view the seating map for 2024.
Stadium capacity during the 2024 and 2025 Memphis Football seasons is anticipated to be in the low-30,000s, and capacity after renovations are complete is estimated to be approximately 50,000.
CLICK HERE to view additional ticketing frequently asked questions.
Stadium Renovation Frequently Asked Questions
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 $220 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 as a phased project allows us to move forward in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner possible. We are committed to a full $220 million project and currently moving forward with the first two phases at an estimated cost of $195 million while we continue to raise money for Phase 3. This phasing will allow us to get started on immediate improvements, while continuing to raise funds and consider additional phases as time goes on.
What is the updated timeline?
We anticipate beginning construction on Phase 1 in May 2024, with completion prior to the 2024 Memphis Football season, and Phase 2 later this calendar year once the first $25 million of the matching funds is secured, with completion prior to the 2026 Memphis Football season. Our goal remains to finish each phase in as 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.
What does this mean for the UFL’s Memphis Showboats, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game and the Southern Heritage Classic?
No changes are anticipated to the overall operation of these events, although they will also be impacted in similar ways by construction over the next two years. We look forward to continuing to grow these great Memphis traditions in a renovated stadium. We appreciate their eagerness to engage on this journey with us and maximize the opportunity for all of us.
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