Memphis Athletics recently announced the official timeline and 3-stage plan for the renovations of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, which hosts Memphis football. It also hosts other events such as Memphis Showboats games and the Liberty Bowl. The renovations will begin in May and are expected to be finished in 2026 before the football season.
The total renovation will cost about $220 million, with the first two phases estimated at $195 million. Phase 1 will be completed prior to this year’s football season and consists of renovating the East Side Suite Level Two to move media and gameday operations there while the West Side is being worked on.
Phase 2’s objective is renovating the stadium’s West Side to “improve the look of the stadium and provide several modern-day premium seating options,” according to the university. It also includes creating an interior party plaza for all fans and hospitality space around the stadium. Phase 2 could start as early as the 2024 calendar year once the necessary funds are secured.
Phase 3’s plans are more open to change and consist of potential locker room upgrades, seating enhancements and “north end tunnel renovation allowing production access for large-scale events such as concerts,” according to Memphis Athletics.
Stadium capacity during the next two seasons is expected to be in the low-30,000s. When the renovations are complete the capacity is estimated at about 50,000. The current capacity is 58,325.
“There has never been a better time to invest in Memphis Athletics,” said University of Memphis Vice President Laird Veatch. “We are confident the response will continue as people see how this renovation will set up all of Memphis for future success.”
