$226million renovation final piece in jigsaw as rising D1 school launches Power Four bid

Memphis’ Power Four ascension may finally be on the cards.

The school has been trying to make the jump for years, but officials believe academic standards, a losing football program and a sub-par stadium held it back.

Getty

Memphis was named an “R1” research institution by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in 2021.

The Tigers are a bowl regular after some consistent winning football over a decade.

Memphis Tigers have grand ambitions

Now, the last piece of the jigsaw is about to be put in place with a $226.5 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Memphis will play Arkansas State on September 5 in an upgraded home looking to start 2-0 after beating UNLV 27-21.

NFL Weekly Newsletter - SIGN UP!

talkSPORT is your home for NFL in the UK as we launch our biggest year of coverage yet!

2026 promises to be an epic year for NFL on talkSPORT – and we want you to join us for the ride.

MORE INFO & SIGN-UP HERE!

This season will be our biggest ever with live commentary of 90+ games, including behind-the-scenes access to international games and all three London fixtures, plus bumper coverage of Super Bowl 61 at SoFi Stadium.

Exclusive interviews, hard-hitting opinion, latest front-office drama and top breaking news – all delivered straight to your inbox each week.

The arena has been operating at limited capacity for the past two seasons and heralds the dawning of a new era.

Charles Huff has been brought in as head coach and will look to do his part to ensure Memphis cannot be overlooked any longer.

The renovation was announced in 2022, with $120 million coming from the city and another $50 million from FedEx founder Fred Smith.

“The condition of the football stadium certainly has been an issue as we look at the conference realignment, no doubt,” university president Bill Hardgrave said in 2023. “And, specifically, as it relates to the fan experience and what we can control.”

A new West Side Tower features multi-level suites and premus seating, with a massive 260-foot LED video board another eye-grabbing addition.

New displays, better sound systems and improved logistics will all improve the experience, with locker rooms and media facilities also upgraded.

Getty

Getty

Work is still not quite done, with the north tunnel project the last outstanding task.

Construction equipment is still on he ground, but Scott is confident.

“The stadium renovation project remains on schedule and on budget, with all expected renovations on track to be completed as planned, with the exception of the north tunnel,” he said in a statement. “Due to recent weather, work on the north tunnel will not be completed before the first game.

“However, we do not anticipate any impact on the visiting team, as the existing tunnel entrance remains fully intact and available for use.”

Huff now has his eyes on the prize.

“I’m in a vehicle that has the resources, that has the platform and has the opportunity to continue to grow,” he said at American Conference media days.

“Hopefully, I’ll be staying here one more, two, or three more years, and then I’ll be standing in a Power 4 conference with the same logo on, with the same people, the same person, the same AD [athletic director], and, hopefully, some of the same players. Because I’m in a vehicle that can do that.”