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NCAA FBS

Simmons Bank Liberty StadiumMemphis, Tennessee

Memphis

👥
Capacity
50,000
🏆
Conference
American
📅
Opened
1965
🌱
Surface
AstroTurf

📖About Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is a 58,325-seat multi-purpose stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Originally built in 1965 as a memorial to veterans, it serves as home to the Memphis Tigers and hosts the annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The stadium combines decades of Memphis football tradition with one of the largest capacities in the American Athletic Conference.

🏛️Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium History

Origins

Opened in 1965 at a cost of $3.7 million, the stadium was built as a memorial to veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. It has served as the home of Memphis Tigers football and as the permanent site of the annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Major Renovations

2017Simmons Bank acquired naming rights; stadium renamed Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
2021Tiger Lane tailgating area and Liberty Park improvements completed

Notable Moments

Nov 9, 1996Memphis upset #6 Tennessee 21-17 before a record crowd of 65,885
Nov 2, 2019Memphis defeated #15 SMU 54-48 before an AAC-record crowd of 59,506
Dec 7, 2019AAC Championship: Memphis defeated Cincinnati 29-24

🎟️Visiting Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Best Seats

Lower bowl sideline seats between the 30-yard lines offer the best views. The west side provides shade for afternoon games. Club seats and suites are available on both sidelines.

Parking Tips

Tiger Lane at the Mid-South Fairgrounds is the premier tailgating area but often requires a season pass. General lots surround the stadium at $15-$25. Arrive early for conference games.

Game Day

The Tiger Walk through Tiger Lane is a must-see tradition roughly 2.5 hours before kickoff. Beale Street is a short drive away for post-game celebrations. Memphis BBQ is an essential part of any gameday visit.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Celtic Crossing Irish Pub

$$

Midtown favorite in Cooper-Young with a great patio and many screens for gameday.

📍 1.3 miles643 S Cooper St

💡 Order a local craft beer and grab a spot on the patio for the best atmosphere.

Max's Sports Bar

$$

Classic sports bar with a TV for every few seats and a rowdy gameday crowd.

📍 3.5 miles115 G.E. Patterson Ave

💡 A bit further but worth it for the energy; great spot for post-game celebrations.

Brookhaven Pub & Grill

$$

Spacious sports bar known for its outdoor patios and energetic Tigers watch parties.

📍 4.5 miles695 Brookhaven Cir N

💡 They offer game-specific specials and usually have a large student and alumni turnout.

RP Tracks

$

Legendary spot near campus famous for its barbecue tofu and Tigers fan base.

📍 3.2 miles3535 Walker Ave

💡 Even if you're not a vegetarian, try the BBQ Tofu—it's a local cult favorite.

🍽️Restaurants

Central BBQ

$$

World-famous Memphis BBQ known for its dry rub ribs and slow-smoked meats.

📍 0.8 miles2249 Central Ave

💡 The line moves fast, but arrive early. Don't skip the banana pudding.

The Beauty Shop

$$$

Chic Southern/Caribbean spot in a former 1940s beauty salon.

📍 1.2 miles966 S Cooper St

💡 Perfect for a more upscale gameday brunch or dinner in the Cooper-Young district.

The Second Line

$$

Authentic Cajun/Creole comfort food in the heart of Midtown.

📍 1.5 miles2144 Monroe Ave

💡 The roast beef po-boy is legendary. Great for a filling meal before the game.

Huey's Midtown

$

Memphis staple known for its burgers, local music, and toothpick-covered ceilings.

📍 1.8 miles1927 Madison Ave

💡 A 'Huey Burger' is a must for any first-time visitor to Memphis.

🏨Hotels

The Memphian

$$$

Boutique hotel in the heart of Overton Square, blending artistic flair with luxury.

📍 1.2 miles21 S Cooper St

💡 Located in the middle of Memphis' entertainment district; walkable to many shops and bars.

Holiday Inn Memphis-University

$$

The official hotel of the University of Memphis, located right next to campus.

📍 3.2 miles3700 Central Ave

💡 A bit further from the stadium but very close to campus activities and the Tiger Walk.

🎭Attractions

Tiger Lane

Free

The heart of tailgating at Liberty Park and site of the pre-game Tiger Walk.

📍 0.1 milesMid-South Fairgrounds

💡 Be there 2.5 hours before kickoff to cheer on the team as they walk through.

Beale Street

Free

The world-famous center of Memphis blues, nightlife, and culture.

📍 3.5 milesBeale St, Memphis

💡 Head here post-game to experience the full Memphis nightlife vibe.

🅿️Parking Options

🎉

Tiger Lane Tailgating

$40+
Tailgate📍 0.1 miles

💡 The premier spot, but often requires a season pass or early arrival.

🅿️

Mid-South Fairgrounds General Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Multiple surface lots surround the stadium; credit cards are usually accepted.

🅿️

Liberty Park Public Parking

$15-$25
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Arrive early as these lots fill up fast on conference gamedays.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Memphis Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.