Memphis AD Ed Scott emphasizes the need to monetize Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as renovations near completion. The stadium will host its first game on September 5 against Arkansas State, with eight events planned in the first four months post-renovation.
Key points
Memphis AD Ed Scott highlights the need to monetize the stadium
Renovation project costs over $225 million
First game on September 5 against Arkansas State
At least six games scheduled for 2026
Eight events planned in the first four months after renovation
Mentioned in this story
Memphis football
Southern Heritage ClassicAutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis AD Ed Scott says 'we have to monetize' Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Nearly two years after work officially began on Memphis footballâs home since 1965, the finish line is in sight. The first game in the Tigersâ gussied-up digs will be Sept. 5 against Arkansas State.
Memphis will play at least six games at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in 2026. The Southern Heritage Classic and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl will make it home to eight total events in the first four months post-makeover.
âWe have to monetize the stadium,â he told The Commercial Appeal during a recent exclusive interview. âBecause right now we play 7-9 football games in that stadium a year, and itâs the largest asset that we have as the Memphis Athletics Foundation â the largest one Iâm in charge of, and we only monetize it 7-9 times.
âThatâs not a good thing.â
Since taking the project baton upon his June 2024 hire, Scott has been upfront about the importance of diversifying Simmons Bank Liberty Stadiumâs functionality. In previous interviews, he specifically mentioned the prospect of hosting Monster Truck rallies, wrestling matches, motocross races, Savannah Bananas events and concerts.
The venue, formerly known as Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, last hosted a major standalone concert in 1997, when U2 (and opening act Rage Against The Machine) drew more than 31,000. R&B star Chris Brown was scheduled to perform at the stadium on Oct. 18, 2025, but logistical issues related to the ongoing construction (specially, the tunnel behind the North end zone) prompted a last-minute cancellation.
âThey would have had to crane stage pieces over the bowl of Liberty Stadium to get them on to the field, which is laborious and itâs costly,â Scott said. âThey didnât want to do that, and I canât really blame them.â
Q&A
What is the cost of the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovation?
The renovation project for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium costs over $225 million.
When will the first game be held at the renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium?
The first game at the renovated stadium will take place on September 5 against Arkansas State.
How many events will be hosted at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in 2026?
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will host at least six games and a total of eight events in the first four months post-renovation.
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While Scott said there arenât any acts âlined upâ yet, the renovation work on the West tower and the tunnel have âspurred a lot of interest.â
âI do think that the stadium was not at a place where people â particularly, performers and some of these other events â loved where the stadium was, just from a tender loving care kind of situation,â he added. âThe stadium needed some TLC.â
How many events would be ideal for Memphis?
âIâd like to find a good equilibrium where weâre doing enough to make some money on it, but weâre not wearing our staff out or watering down how many events take place in that stadium per year,â Scott said.
âI donât have an exact number, but the number is definitely higher than zero, which is what itâs been for quite some time.â