Liberty Stadium groundbreaking celebrates Tigers’ new reality

By Frank Bonner II – Daily Memphian

August 26, 2024

University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave stood on the football field of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with a construction zone behind him and joked about it being called the “Liberty Hole.”

About 150–200 people attended the event, seated under a tent facing the large excavation on the west side of the stadium. The site marks Phase 2 of a $220 million renovation project.

Hardgrave said many people doubted the renovation would happen. Once approved, he emphasized the need to begin construction this summer and show visible progress.

“People need to see that this is actually going to happen,” Hardgrave said. “I think people just didn’t believe it was ever going to happen.”

The gathering was part of a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the project’s progress. Attendees included donors such as Richard Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Airline and International, representing the family of FedEx founder Fred Smith. The Smith family pledged a $50 million matching donation. The University of Memphis was responsible for raising another $50 million, while $120 million came from state funding allocated to the City of Memphis.

Hardgrave credited the Smith family’s involvement as a turning point for the project, saying their financial commitment helped move it forward and encouraged additional support.

Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield, athletic director Ed Scott, Hardgrave, and Smith spoke at the event and participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Silverfield, entering his fifth season as head coach, recently held a scrimmage at the stadium and said he was impressed with the progress.

“I call it beautiful,” Silverfield said. “This is something that I’ve been so excited about, and the fact that it’s actually happening.”

Despite the excitement, Silverfield noted adjustments the team will need to make, particularly with kicking due to changes in wind patterns inside the stadium.

“We got to kick and the guys felt a difference,” he said. “And it’s quite significant.”

The team plans to continue adapting during a mock game, with kickers working to understand how the wind behaves in the current stadium configuration.

During construction, assistant coaches will operate from the east side of the stadium while the team sideline remains on the west. The renovation is expected to be completed ahead of the 2026 season.

“There’s always going to be challenges during construction, but those are positive things that we’re excited about,” Silverfield said.