​Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is nearing a full reopening, with less than two months remaining until the completion of renovations that have stretched over the past two years. On July 7, Memphis officials gave media members a guided tour of the newly added West Tower, offering a first look at the updated suites and loge boxes that are still slated to be finished in time for the Tigers’ home opener against Arkansas State on September 5. Athletic director Ed Scott emphasized the program’s broad ambitions, saying, “We are a basketball school and a football school. We are an everything school. And we want to win in everything. And this is a very clear indication of that.”
The West Tower at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium represents a centerpiece of the $226.5 million renovation project, which has reshaped the fan experience and reshaped how the facility functions on game days. The tour highlighted the tower’s multiple levels of suites and loge boxes, designed to provide premium viewing and hospitality spaces for fans and partners. While the West Tower steals much of the spotlight, the broader renovation package included updates across the entire stadium. New video boards and upgraded sound systems are among the visible improvements designed to enhance game-day atmosphere and fan engagement, while ongoing work on the north tunnel remains a priority to ensure a smooth arrival and egress for large crowds.
The renovations have had a noticeable impact on the Tigers’ football program in recent seasons. The team has played in a partially open stadium in both 2024 and 2025 as construction continued, a tangible reminder of the scale of the project. In addition to the West Tower’s luxury and premium seating, other enhancements throughout the venue aim to upgrade sightlines, accessibility, and overall comfort for fans attending games, practices, and events.
Officials have indicated continued progress toward completing the remaining tasks before the Arkansas State game, which serves as a critical milestone and an early test of the stadium’s post-renovation readiness. Scott noted last month that the completion of the north tunnel remains targeted for that same game, underscoring the administration’s drive to have the facility fully functional for the Tigers’ early-season schedule.
Memphis football fans will get their first extended look at the fully upgraded venue later this summer when the Tigers host a fan fest event at the stadium on August 8. The event, which had been rescheduled after weather forced the spring game to be postponed, will allow supporters to meet coach Charles Huff’s squad, explore the renovated stadium, and engage with the program ahead of the season opener. It will also provide a preview of the new amenities, including the West Tower’s suites and loge options, and the overall modernization that fans can expect in 2026.
Looking beyond the opener, Memphis will begin its 2026 campaign on the road, traveling to UNLV on August 29. The combination of upgraded facilities, improved in-stadium technology, and expanded premium seating signals a renewed commitment to elevating the game-day experience and supporting the Tigers’ ambitions on both the football field and in other athletic arenas.
For more updates, fans can reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or follow him on X at @thejonahdylan. This report draws on coverage from the Memphis Commercial Appeal, which first detailed the inside look at the renovated Memphis football stadium ahead of the 2026 season.