State Says “Go Tigers Go!” Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Renovation Funding Included in State of Tennessee Budget

Apr 20, 2023

Grinder, Taber & Grinder, Inc. is the General Contractor in partnership with Barton Malow for this project.

A $350 million allocation to the City of Memphis for renovations to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, home of the Memphis Tiger football program, and FedExForum, home of Memphis Tiger Men's Basketball and the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, as well as funding for construction of a new multi-use stadium for Memphis 901 FC has been approved as part of the State of Tennessee's budget for fiscal year 2024. The exact funding distribution to each project will be provided by the City at a later date as two additional pieces of legislation are still underway.

The stadium renovation design phase is currently well underway with partners Populous, Barton Malow and MFA, with construction slated to begin after the 2023 football season and completion anticipated by the start of the 2025 season. Priority elements of the project include:

A transformation of the stadium's west side, providing several innovative premium seating options

Creating a hospitality experience within the halo space surrounding the stadium

Multiple other fan experience improvements throughout the stadium such as restroom and concessions upgrades

A potential renovation of the east side 

"For more than a year, we have methodically worked on this historic project for our city's sports venues," City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. "We truly appreciate the support of Dr. Hardgrave, Laird Veatch, and the University of Memphis for our efforts. Thanks to Governor Lee and his administration, Lt. Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton, and the members of the legislature who have supported us through this process. Over the next few years, our sports venues will be dramatically improved and will hopefully be the catalyst needed to help the University move into a Power Five conference."

"The University of Memphis is thankful to Gov. Bill Lee and the State of Tennessee Legislature for the approval of Mayor Jim Strickland's monumental request of $350 million to renovate both Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and FedExForum, which are leased by our athletic department," University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave said. "We are very grateful to the Governor for recognizing the much-needed improvements and including funds for the renovations in his budget. Our football and basketball programs, fans and overall athletics will benefit greatly from the state-of-the-art upgrades."

"Today is a monumental day for our Memphis Football future, our great city and Tiger fans everywhere," University of Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said. "A huge thank you to Governor Bill Lee and the State of Tennessee Legislature, as well as Mayor Jim Strickland and other City of Memphis leadership, for believing in our shared vision and recognizing the significant impact this transformational renovation to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will have on our University and the Mid-South as a whole.

"As we continue to position ourselves for the future of intercollegiate athletics, including potential conference realignment opportunities, having a modern and first-class football stadium will be a great demonstration of our entire state's commitment to seeing the University of Memphis elevate on a national scale."

"This is a fantastic day for the entire City of Memphis and our football program," Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield said. "We are so grateful for the collaborative effort from so many stakeholders from across our city and state. This tremendous news on the funding for our stadium will continue to put our program on a national stage."

Additional details and the latest design renderings will be released as the design process continues over the coming months. Stadium seating will not be affected during the 2023 season, but significant impacts are anticipated as construction proceeds throughout 2024. A complete re-seating process will take place prior to both the under-construction 2024 season and the 2025 season in newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.