Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium gets facility, concession, security upgrades for 2022 season

Evan Barnes, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read

The City of Memphis announced Thursday that it invested $2 million in capital improvements to improve the fan experience at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the upcoming football season, according to a news release.

Upgrades include new ticket scanning pedestals, changes at concession stands, fresh paint for parking spaces, high-definition TV monitors in the stadium's premium areas and a full pressure washing of all public spaces inside the venue.

The facility improvements will unfold in multiple phases but some expect to be completed this year. In June, the stadium playing surface, primarily used by the University of Memphis, was upgraded to a synthetic AstroTurf field that mimics natural grass and hopes to reduce injury risk.

The Southern Heritage Classic, which features Jackson State and Tennessee State, will kickoff football season at the stadium on Sept. 10. The Memphis Tigers' season opener is the following week on Sept. 17 vs. Arkansas State.

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“We want our football fans in Memphis to have the best experience possible when they go and watch a game,” Mayor Jim Strickland said in the release. “We’re proud of the investments we’ve made to the field and proud to have Simmons Bank as the stadium sponsor.”

The enhancements are separate from the $150 to $200 million renovation plan for the stadium that's expected to start after the 2023 football season.

The ticketing pedestals allow guests to self-scan their tickets in an effort to ease issues some fans have experienced with tickets not being scanned properly.

A look at the new AstroTurf field that will be at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium beginning this fall. It's the first upgrade to the field surface since 2012
A look at the new AstroTurf field that will be at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium beginning this fall. It's the first upgrade to the field surface since 2012

Potholes and cracks in the parking lot will also be repaired and parking spaces will be restriped and renumbered. There's also going to be cushioned folding chairs for ADA platforms.

There will also be concession upgrades, including adding hot food items at the stadium's Grab-n-Go stands. A fourth Grab-n-Go station will be added at Section 107 and High Noon and Mighty Swell seltzers have been added to the list of beverages available to purchase.

As for security, all guests will undergo magnetometer screening with handhelds at all entry points. It's a slight upgrade from using handheld metal detectors.

Several stadium procedures already in place will remain through the season, including cashless transactions at concession stands and only clear bags allowed inside.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium gets upgrades for Memphis football season