Simmons Bank stadium renovation to start in May

By Frank Bonner II – Daily Memphian

January 21, 2024

The University of Memphis has finalized its plan for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovations, the school announced March 18.

Construction will be implemented in three phases, starting in May and ending before the 2026 Tigers football season. The first phase is expected to be completed before the 2024 season.

Construction begins two years after the initial renovation plans were announced in May 2022.

Athletics director Laird Veatch said the university now has clarity on the plan, fundraising progress, and how construction will affect upcoming seasons.

The total projected cost is $220 million. Funding includes $120 million from the state of Tennessee and a $50 million pledge from FedEx founder Fred Smith and his family. That gift is contingent on Memphis raising an additional $50 million.

The department has already secured more than $16 million in commitments, including nine gifts of at least $1 million.

The project is being completed in phases to allow construction to begin while fundraising continues. The university aims to raise the remaining $50 million in two parts—$25 million before Phase 2 and $25 million before Phase 3—with a goal of completing fundraising by the end of the year.

The first two phases are estimated to cost $195 million, including $8–10 million for Phase 1. This phase includes renovating the second level of suites on the east side and relocating the press box from the west side.

Funding relies on donor pledges, typically fulfilled over multiple years, with short-term financing used to manage cash flow.

A key addition to the updated design is a “party plaza” on the west side of the stadium. With media and operations moving to the east side, the west side will become a fan-focused space where attendees can move around and watch the game. Seating will be added above the plaza during Phase 3.

The west-side tower will include three levels: Founders’ suites on the lower level, loge boxes and club seating in the middle, and additional suites on top. Premium seating sales will contribute to fundraising goals.

Populous is the lead architect, with MFA as project manager and Barton Malow as lead contractor. Local partners include brg3, Grinder Taber Grinder, and Allworld.

Construction will affect seating for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The university is contacting approximately 1,100 ticket accounts impacted by the changes.

Unavailable areas will include all west-side suites, some east-side suites, the Stadium Club, and non-chairback bleacher seats in several sections. Chairback seats on the west side will not be affected.

Capacity during construction is expected to be in the low 30,000s, with a post-renovation capacity of about 50,000. Ticket prices are not expected to increase during construction.

Other events at the stadium—including UFL games, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and the Southern Heritage Classic—will continue during renovations, though seating will be affected.

Renovation Phases

Phase 1

• Renovate east-side suite level

• Relocate media and gameday operations

• General maintenance and site preparation

• Timeline: May 2024 to before the 2024 season

• Cost: $8–10 million

Phase 2

• Redevelop west side of the stadium

• Add premium seating (Founders’ suites, loge boxes, private suites)

• Build the party plaza

• Begin perimeter and hospitality upgrades

• Start contingent on raising initial $25 million

Phase 3

• Locker room expansion and upgrades

• Additional seating and concourse improvements

• Completion of perimeter upgrades

• Renovation of the north end tunnel for large events