A proposal to transform the Mid-South Fairgrounds into a sports and retail area might mean a venue change for the University of Memphis women's basketball team.
The plan includes upgrades at the Children's Museum of Memphis, and replaces the Mid-South Coliseum with a multipurpose building that would be used by the Tigers, as well as for indoor sports and local school graduations.
But when asked if they knew about the possibility of a venue relocation, many team members and coordinators said they were not aware of the proposal.
“I had no idea about it and no one has mentioned it to me,” Donna LaRiviere, office coordinator for the Tigers said.
Additionally, if the proposal is approved, the team will have little to no say in the decision.
The team currently plays at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse on campus, and thoughts about the possible relocation are mixed.
“I love going to the games because they are on campus and convenient,” U of M sophomore Leah Johns said. “If they start playing downtown I think they will have less of a turnout because it is further a way. I know I would be less likely to go."
Though some people like Johns see it as a demotion for the team, others think it would be doing the city of Memphis a favor.
The project focuses on amateur sports, an $8.3 billion industry that grows every year. Many cities throughout the country are taking advantage of the growing industry by facilitating and building additional venues for sports teams to play.
The project is estimated to cost a total of $233 million, which would be paid over the course of 30 years by increased sales tax revenues within the tourism development zone.
If the project is approved, the multipurpose building would host more than the Tiger games. Additional ideas presented by commissioners include using the building for cheerleading competitions, other indoor sports and school graduations. A new gym for Fairview Middle School and a new Fairgrounds Stadium would also be constructed.
Shelby County commissioners said they were in support of the project earlier in November, but it is unknown if county schools will be reimbursed for lost sales tax dollars if it is approved.
The Shelby County Commission committee is scheduled to vote on the tourism development project on Dec. 3.
“I am always going to be a fan no matter where they play,” Johns said. “I just think the team should make the decision of where to play their games, not the city.”
