University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis Athletics Selects Sodexo Live! as New Hospitality Partner
Sep 01, 2026 | General
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis Athletics has selected Sodexo Live!, the premier hospitality partner to the world's most iconic sports, entertainment and cultural destinations, as its new food and beverage partner in a multi-year agreement that will elevate the fan experience at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Launching alongside the completion of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium's transformative $226.5 million renovation, the partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Memphis Athletics and its fans. Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! will introduce an enhanced food and beverage program featuring locally inspired culinary offerings, new premium dining experiences and innovative hospitality concepts that celebrate the unique culture and spirit of Memphis, while ensuring there are high-quality, high-value options accessible to every Tiger fan.
"At Sodexo Live!, we know great hospitality is never one-size-fits-all. It should feel personal, local and true to the community," said Belinda Oakley, CEO of Sodexo Live!. "The University of Memphis has built an incredible tradition, and we're proud to partner with Memphis Athletics on what comes next. Together, we'll bring the spirit and flavors of Memphis to every event, creating welcoming experiences that deepen fans' connection to the Tigers and to the city."
The announcement comes as Memphis Athletics builds on remarkable momentum. Football attendance increased by more than 5,000 fans per game last season, one of the largest year-over-year increases, while demand for the renovated stadium's new premium spaces has been equally impressive, with 95% of suites sold and club seating nearing capacity.
"The renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium marks an exciting new chapter for Memphis Athletics," said Dr. Ed Scott, Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at the University of Memphis. "This transformative project challenged the Tigers to think big, and our partnership with Sodexo Live! is helping us bring that vision to life. From freshly prepared menu offerings to innovative new in-game experiences, Sodexo Live! is the partner we were looking for as we continue to elevate the fan experience and create an even more exciting destination for Tiger fans."
As a global leader in hospitality, Sodexo Live! partners with many of the world's most celebrated stadiums, arenas, convention centers, cultural attractions and entertainment destinations to create memorable guest experiences through exceptional hospitality. At Memphis, that approach will come to life through refreshed concession menus, partnerships with local chefs and suppliers, expanded premium hospitality offerings and innovative dining experiences that celebrate one of America's most celebrated food cities.
"The team at Sodexo Live! blew us away with their presentation of a reimagined fan experience at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium," stated Cooper Jones, University of Memphis Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer. "Their vision for this partnership was only eclipsed by their belief in care and expertise in working with world-class facilities such as ours. We strongly believe that together we will create a fan-friendly hospitality experience at the stadium that every one of our customers will love – and want to come back to time and time again!"
The partnership extends well beyond food and beverage. Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! will continually evolve the fan experience through hospitality innovation, elevated service, premium execution and authentic local partnerships that create an atmosphere uniquely reflective of Memphis. The goal is simple: deliver memorable experiences that deepen fan engagement and create lasting connections between the Tigers, their supporters and the Memphis community.
As Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium reopens with upgraded premium spaces, enhanced technology, improved Wi-Fi connectivity and new gathering areas, the hospitality experience will help bring those investments to life. From the moment fans arrive until the final whistle, every touchpoint will be designed to deliver exceptional service, celebrate Memphis' vibrant culinary identity and create one of the premier game-day experiences in college athletics.
Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! are committed to creating a game-day experience that reflects the best of Memphis, with something for every Tiger fan, from premium experiences to high-quality, high-value offerings that make coming to the stadium something everyone can enjoy.
About Memphis Athletics
The University of Memphis Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics and are a charter member of the American Conference. Memphis sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports and has built a tradition of excellence through conference championships, postseason appearances, bowl victories, NCAA Tournament berths and the development of student-athletes who excel in competition, the classroom and the community. The Tigers have earned national recognition across multiple sports, including men's basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, baseball and volleyball.
Located in the heart of one of America's great sports cities, the University of Memphis serves nearly 20,000 students and is recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution, placing it among the nation's top research universities. Founded in 1912, the University combines a commitment to academic excellence, innovative research and competitive success while preparing student-athletes for achievement beyond graduation.
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious convention, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 35,000 employees and 440 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers' full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, the Rugby World Cup and the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Launching alongside the completion of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium's transformative $226.5 million renovation, the partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Memphis Athletics and its fans. Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! will introduce an enhanced food and beverage program featuring locally inspired culinary offerings, new premium dining experiences and innovative hospitality concepts that celebrate the unique culture and spirit of Memphis, while ensuring there are high-quality, high-value options accessible to every Tiger fan.
"At Sodexo Live!, we know great hospitality is never one-size-fits-all. It should feel personal, local and true to the community," said Belinda Oakley, CEO of Sodexo Live!. "The University of Memphis has built an incredible tradition, and we're proud to partner with Memphis Athletics on what comes next. Together, we'll bring the spirit and flavors of Memphis to every event, creating welcoming experiences that deepen fans' connection to the Tigers and to the city."
The announcement comes as Memphis Athletics builds on remarkable momentum. Football attendance increased by more than 5,000 fans per game last season, one of the largest year-over-year increases, while demand for the renovated stadium's new premium spaces has been equally impressive, with 95% of suites sold and club seating nearing capacity.
"The renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium marks an exciting new chapter for Memphis Athletics," said Dr. Ed Scott, Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at the University of Memphis. "This transformative project challenged the Tigers to think big, and our partnership with Sodexo Live! is helping us bring that vision to life. From freshly prepared menu offerings to innovative new in-game experiences, Sodexo Live! is the partner we were looking for as we continue to elevate the fan experience and create an even more exciting destination for Tiger fans."
As a global leader in hospitality, Sodexo Live! partners with many of the world's most celebrated stadiums, arenas, convention centers, cultural attractions and entertainment destinations to create memorable guest experiences through exceptional hospitality. At Memphis, that approach will come to life through refreshed concession menus, partnerships with local chefs and suppliers, expanded premium hospitality offerings and innovative dining experiences that celebrate one of America's most celebrated food cities.
"The team at Sodexo Live! blew us away with their presentation of a reimagined fan experience at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium," stated Cooper Jones, University of Memphis Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer. "Their vision for this partnership was only eclipsed by their belief in care and expertise in working with world-class facilities such as ours. We strongly believe that together we will create a fan-friendly hospitality experience at the stadium that every one of our customers will love – and want to come back to time and time again!"
The partnership extends well beyond food and beverage. Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! will continually evolve the fan experience through hospitality innovation, elevated service, premium execution and authentic local partnerships that create an atmosphere uniquely reflective of Memphis. The goal is simple: deliver memorable experiences that deepen fan engagement and create lasting connections between the Tigers, their supporters and the Memphis community.
As Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium reopens with upgraded premium spaces, enhanced technology, improved Wi-Fi connectivity and new gathering areas, the hospitality experience will help bring those investments to life. From the moment fans arrive until the final whistle, every touchpoint will be designed to deliver exceptional service, celebrate Memphis' vibrant culinary identity and create one of the premier game-day experiences in college athletics.
Together, Memphis Athletics and Sodexo Live! are committed to creating a game-day experience that reflects the best of Memphis, with something for every Tiger fan, from premium experiences to high-quality, high-value offerings that make coming to the stadium something everyone can enjoy.
About Memphis Athletics
The University of Memphis Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics and are a charter member of the American Conference. Memphis sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports and has built a tradition of excellence through conference championships, postseason appearances, bowl victories, NCAA Tournament berths and the development of student-athletes who excel in competition, the classroom and the community. The Tigers have earned national recognition across multiple sports, including men's basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, baseball and volleyball.
Located in the heart of one of America's great sports cities, the University of Memphis serves nearly 20,000 students and is recognized as a Carnegie R1 research institution, placing it among the nation's top research universities. Founded in 1912, the University combines a commitment to academic excellence, innovative research and competitive success while preparing student-athletes for achievement beyond graduation.
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious convention, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 35,000 employees and 440 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers' full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, the Rugby World Cup and the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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