Phase two of the three-phase, $220 million Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovation project in Memphis will begin in earnest Monday, the University of Memphis announced Thursday.
The second phase calls for demolition work on the west side tower, above the first 25 rows of chairback seating. That process begins at 10 a.m. Monday and could take up to two weeks.
Interim athletic director Jeff Crane − during an appearance on the Geoff Calkins Radio Show (ESPN 92.9 FM) − said Phase one, which involves relocations of the press box, coaches’ booths and gameday operations from the west side of the stadium to the east side, will be complete before the Tigers’ season opener against North Alabama on Aug. 31 (6 p.m., ESPN+).
“(We’re) gonna take some big steps here in the next couple weeks,” said Crane. “There’s actually been some bits of pieces of (Phase 2) that are already under way as we speak. (But) everything above row 25 will be demolished, making way for the rebuild of the west side (which) will create a new premium seating tower.”
The school, which received $120 million in state money to go toward the project, is working to raise $50 million to unlock a $50 million pledge gift from FedEx founder Fred Smith and his family. Last month, Crane said Memphis had raised $23 million and would need to cross the $25 million mark before beginning work on Phase two.
Phase two includes the addition of a “party patio” area to the east side of the stadium. That area will be situated behind 24 rows of seats and will have concessions and areas to watch the game. It will be open to all fans at the stadium. There will also be multiple levels of new suites and club seating.
