University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Athletics Announces Updates to the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Renovation
Jun 20, 2025 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis Senior Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ed Scott, Ph.D. outlined exciting updates on the renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in a press briefing, Friday afternoon at the Isaac Bruce Recruiting Lounge. Scott announced that the project, which officially began in May of 2024, is currently on time for the start of the 2026 football season.
The transformative project that was ignited by the Fred Smith Family Challenge has entered Phase Two following the demolition of the West Side Tower and the completion of upgrades to the East Side Suites. The stadium is officially under ownership of the University of Memphis’ Auxiliary Services Foundation (now recognized as the Memphis Athletic Foundation) which originally established a budget of $220 million for the three-phase project.
In partnership with firms MFA, Barton Malow and Populous, the renovation has since been condensed into two phases to expedite major features of the project.
By consolidating the project into two phases, Scott announced an increased budget of $226.5 million after developing strategic updates to the initial design. Memphis Athletics has generated $201 million for the project with $120 million coming from the funds transferred by the city and the $50 million donation from the Fred Smith Family. To date, the athletic department has raised $31 million towards the Smith family match challenge.
New elements to the design include a north end tunnel renovation, the buildout of the 300-level club, a suspended kitchen on the 200 level and a state-of-the-art LED videoboard that will span over 260 feet in length. The new elements are now included in Phase Two of the renovation as all necessary funding is anticipated for the target completion date.
The buildout of the 300-level club will complete the West Side Tower that includes the 400 level Founders Suites, 500 level club and 600 level suites. The 500 and 600 levels will connect for an elevated experience for the suite holders and ticket members. The suspended kitchen on the 200 level is the first-ever at Liberty Stadium and will service the entire West Side Tower providing a first-class dining experience.
The north end zone tunnel provides the ability to generate additional revenue beyond football season by hosting events year-round and allowing the Memphis Athletic Foundation to maximize its ownership of the stadium. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will host its first concert in over 25 years (1997) when Chris Brown takes the stage in mid-October.
In collaboration with technology leader Daktronics a design was developed for a 4,062 square foot LED videoboard to create a stadium experience unlike any other in the country. The board will be mounted just above the fan plaza and span 70-yards from the 15-yard line to the other 15-yard line.
The inclusion of the new features in Phase Two reduces the capacity from the original plan of 50,000 to 45,632. Temporary seating will be an option for events that require an increased capacity expanding the seating by two to three thousand. Capacity during the renovation is 33,691.
The momentum of the project is in large part thanks to the Leadership Donors who have continued to rise to the challenge established by the Smith family. Below is a listing of the Leadership Donors who have generously supported the project.
Leadership Donors:
The Fred Smith Family
Tim & Ashley Argo
Scott & Tina Ayers
Anonymous
Mike & Marian Bruns
Gary & Barbara Bryant
Chris & Michelle Burcky
Dana Capocaccia
Rob & Jenny Carter
The Cicala Family
The Crews Family Foundation
Philip & Debbie Dees
Matt & Kate Ephlin
FedEx
Leonard & Rhonda Feiler
Peter & Judy Felsenthal
First Horizon
Tim & Tonia Hanson
Jim & Liz Jacobs
George & Betty Johnson
Elise & Richard Jordan
Anne & Mike Keeney
Becky & Wes Kraker
Nick & Diane Kruthaupt
Phil & Mary Tom Massey
Cheryl & Joe McCormack
Jack & Betty Moore
Warren Nunn
Opus Futures LLC
Billy & Robin Orgel
The Jerry & Nina Patton Family Foundation
Kent & Janice Ritchey
Laura & Ray Rosas
Michael & Christina Scarbrough
Simmons Bank
SouthWorth Capital Management
Rick & Sandy Spell
Bobby & Marty Svoboda
Tiger Sports Properties
David Wedaman
Memphis Football season ticket holders have received information about renewing their tickets for the 2025 season, and new season tickets are also on sale now at the link at the top of the page, 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 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.
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 45,000.
You may view additional ticketing frequently asked questions at the link at the top of the page.
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 $226.5 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 in two phases allows us to move forward in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner possible. We are committed to a full $226.5 million project and currently moving forward with Phase 2. This phasing will allow us to get started on immediate improvements, while continuing to raise funds.
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.
