The City of Memphis seemingly struck gold on April 20.
The Tennessee Senate, among other things, announced that day it had granted $350 million to Memphis to fund multiple projects. Those projects were renovations to FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, AutoZone Park and a new soccer stadium for 901 FC.
This news came almost a year after Memphis Athletics announced plans for a $150-$200 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Most presumed at the time that the majority of state funds would go towards Memphis’ aspirations for a better football facility.
The Unfairness of this Situation
Reality quickly set in, however. It became obvious the city needed more than just $350 million to do everything it wants to do. And properly allocating the money will be a bigger challenge than previously anticipated.
What was once a triumph for all of Memphis has suddenly turned into a standoff between the University of Memphis and the Grizzlies in a matter of months. In case it wasn’t obvious, by the way, the Redbirds and 901 FC are now afterthoughts in this situation.
Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch and president Bill Hardgrave have continuously stood their ground. Both are demanding that the city fulfills its original promise to the U of M. This is clearly both fair and understandable.
Unfortunately, the truth is this situation is not fair. At least not anymore.
If it were, this wouldn’t even be a discussion. Anybody with eyes realizes Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is much more desperate for renovations than FedExForum is. But one houses the city’s mid-major football program, while the other houses the city’s NBA franchise and high-major men’s basketball program.
Memphis Must Prioritize FedExForum
The City of Memphis and Mayor Jim Strickland don’t really have a choice here, especially because the Grizzlies can leave and Memphis football can’t. The former’s lease with FedExForum expires after the 2028-29 NBA season.
Oklahoma City announced plans yesterday for a new arena for the Thunder that will cost a minimum of $900 million. This will keep the Thunder in OKC through 2050. The Grizzlies currently have no intentions to leave Memphis, but if they can’t even get the majority of $350 million from their small market while the Thunder get at least $900 million from theirs, it would quite frankly be insulting. This isn’t even considering the fact that the Thunder are getting a new arena while the Grizzlies are simply asking for renovations of their current one.
Additionally, the proposed Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovations don’t guarantee Memphis’ spot in a better conference. This summer’s conference realignment slate once again turned sour for the U of M. It’s unclear when Memphis’ next opportunity for expansion will be.
At the end of the day, the Grizzlies are Memphis’ biggest sports entity. Heck, they may its biggest entity overall. The City of Memphis simply cannot afford to lose them, as it would be both a social and economic disaster.
Besides, the University of Memphis is being helped either way. It’s still going to at least get some money for football. And the men’s basketball program would get to play in an upgraded FedExForum as well. If the Grizzlies turn FedExForum into one the NBA’s premier arenas, the Tigers would subsequently be playing in one of college basketball’s top venues.
It probably wouldn’t be the popular decision, but prioritizing FedExForum over Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium would be the right decision. In fact, it’s likely the only reasonable decision Strickland can make.
Memphis Football Deserves Better
In saying that, it’s disappointing that Memphis football will likely end up with the short end of the stick once again. It’s even more disappointing, however, that Memphis seemingly must rely on state funds to improve its stadium. Perhaps it’s time for the school’s boosters and supporters to take action instead of complaining.
If they want a renovated football stadium so bad, they should help make it happen if they’re able to. Whether it’s donating to the program, attending games or whatever else, they need to become more involved.
Veatch is doing all he can. Hardgrave is doing all he can. So is Memphis football head coach Ryan Silverfield, his staff and his players.
It’s only fair that Memphians start doing all they can too.
