Memphis 901 FC Stadium – design description

When were plans announced to build a new stadium for Memphis 901 FC?

On 18th October 2022, the city of Memphis, Tennessee, announced a plan to upgrade several of the city's major sports facilities. Plan included major investments in the renovation of FedExForum arena and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium football stadium, as well as smaller renovations to baseball's AutoZone Park. Also part of the plan is the construction of a brand new football stadium for Memphis 901 FC, to be built on the site of Mid-South Coliseum.

Entire plan is expected to cost $684m. The city authorities are counting on support from the State of Tennessee's budget of $350 million, as well as approval to raise the hotel tax from 3.5 to 5 per cent. Involvement of private investors is also not excluded in the projects.

What will happen to Mid-South Coliseum, in relation to the construction of a new football stadium in Memphis?

The construction of a new football stadium will mean demolition of the Mid-South Coliseum Hall at the same time. Opened in 1964, the venue has witnessed many important musical and sporting events in the past. However, it was taken out of use in 2006. Decision to demolish it will put an end to discussions that have been going on since then about the future of arena and its possible reinstatement.

Who will new Memphis stadium serve?

A new stadium is to be built for Memphis 901 FC. The club was founded in 2018, and in 2019 joined the USL Championship, the second-highest ranked football competition in the United States (after MLS league). So far, the team has played its matches at AutoZone Park, however, designed primarily for baseball. USL Championship authorities are pushing for all teams in the league to play on football-specific facilities by 2026.

The construction of stadium will fulfil one of the two main ambitions of the founders of Memphis 901 FC, alongside the creation of a strong team capable of winning USL Championship. Facility will also be open to hosting other sporting events, as well as hosting a variety of events or music concerts.

What will new Memphis 901 FC stadium be like?

Stadium will be located in what is known as Liberty Park, approximately 5 mi (8 km) east of downtown Memphis. Its immediate surroundings will include Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and the new Memphis Sports and Events Center entertainment complex.

New stadium will have a typical football layout, with stands located behind the end lines of the pitch. Auditorium will be covered for the most part. Stands along the playing field will be much larger and will be divided into two tiers. There will be a large screen behind the north goal. The capacity of the arena will be 10,000 spectators (15,000 for concerts); stadium will have 7,500 fixed seats, as well as boxes, bars overlooking the pitch or open terraces.

Architecture of facility will include elements that reference the former Mid-South Coliseum, as well as the musical history of the city. Two training pitches will be built next to the stadium. Architects from Odell Sports & Entertainment Studio, in collaboration with local studio LRK, are responsible for arena's design. According to the plans, facility should be ready in spring 2025.