Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium still under construction days before Tigers’ season opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Tigers kick off the football season Saturday against the North Alabama Lions. However, there is a huge hole in the side of their stadium due to construction.

From above, it’s easy to tell that it’s not the typical scene for a stadium just days before the season opener.

The majority of the west side is demolished at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as construction has now been underway for weeks .

“I love to compete and this project is going to allow us to compete at a higher level,” Athletic Director Ed Scott said. “(It’s) the right thing to do for our city, for our student-athletes and for me. I just want to play some football. I can’t wait for my first game as a Memphis Tiger.”

Scott will get his first taste of Tigers’ football when North Alabama comes to town.

In a press release sent out by the University of Memphis ahead of the game, several updates are in store for fans.

That includes new lightning for safety, seats separated from the construction area with walkways and barricades, signs to help them get around and all digital ticketing.

Meanwhile, students packed campus on Monday for the start of the fall semester. Many of them participated in a popular school activity.

“It’s a tradition (that on) the first day of class, we run through the fountain with the SGA president and vice president,” said Bill Hardgrave, the President of the University of Memphis.

A wet start on campus as dry construction continues at the stadium.

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium’s massive overhaul is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 football season.

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