Memphis AD gives update on football stadium renovation for 2026 season

Memphis AD gives update on football stadium renovation for 2026 season

The $226.5 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is almost complete.

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott gave an update at a "Tigers on Tour" event in Lakeland on May 12.

"We've got a new scoreboard coming on the south side," Scott said. "We've got a new scoreboard coming on the north side. ... We have the north tunnel coming. We also have surround sound coming throughout the entire stadium, so it's not coming from the scoreboard anymore.

"So while everyone's talking about the west tower, and we're proud of that, we've been able to really save some money with construction to make sure that everyone's going to get an upgraded experience, no matter where you sit inside that stadium. And that's the kind of stuff that I'm really proud of."

The main part of the stadium renovation is a completely rebuilt west tower that will include different levels of suites. But Scott said he wanted to ensure that all fans — not just the ones sitting in the west tower — would benefit from the renovations.

The renovations are still on track to be completed before Memphis football kicks off its 2026 season. The Tigers start the season on the road at UNLV on Aug. 29 before facing Arkansas State in the home opener on Sept. 5.

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium has been undergoing renovations since 2024, and the Tigers have played the last two seasons with a stadium that was operating a reduced capacity.

Part of the deal between the city and the university that led to the funding for the renovations - the city ultimately allocated $120 million to the project - included the university taking ownership of the stadium. Scott has said he wants to host other events there.

"That's the goal, right?" If we have this wonderful real estate asset and we only use it seven to nine times a year, then that doesn't make a lot of sense," he said.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: