Featured image credit: University of Memphis
The University of Memphis will assume ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and receive $120m (£94.8m/€109.3m) from Memphis City Council to renovate the venue.
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is home to the university’s American football team, the Tigers. In May 2022, the university and the City of Memphis announced plans to pursue a $150m to $200m renovation of the stadium, and in April this year the State of Tennessee approved a $350m contribution to stadium and arena projects in Memphis, including the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium redevelopment.
Memphis newspaper The Commercial Appeal has reported that Memphis City Council approved a deal on Tuesday to allocate $120m to the university, as well as transfer ownership of the venue.
The report noted that two council members voted against the proposal and one abstained, but everyone else voted in favour.
A renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium was announced after the university and the City of Memphis opted against developing a new home for the Tigers. The renovation has been designed by Populous and it is hoped the new-look venue will be ready by the start of the 2025 season.
The project includes a transformation of the stadium’s west side, a hospitality experience within the halo space surrounding the venue, fan experience improvements, and a potential renovation of the east side.
The funds received by the City of Memphis earlier in the year will also be used to renovate FedExForum, home of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies, and fund construction of a new multi-use stadium for USL Championship soccer club Memphis 901 FC.
Renovations of FedExForum, which opened in 2004, are designed to tie in with a long-term lease extension with the Grizzlies, whose current deal is due to expire following the 2028-29 NBA season.
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