Memphis mayoral candidates weigh in on how city should split $350 million for sports venues
The top Memphis mayoral candidates were faced with one of the biggest looming questions in the Memphis sports scene. Amid recent conversation regarding the expected allocation of $350 million in state money for the city's sports venues, two of the top candidates, Floyd Bonner and Paul A. Young, answered the question on how they would potentially divide the money that could be split between the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, AutoZone Park and a new stadium for 901 FC.
At the Memphis mayoral forum on Thursday, six candidates each gave their take on how they would allocate the funding.
Young has experience in areas similar to the funding for the city's sports venues. As the director of housing and community development, he led the process of the Memphis Sports & Events Center, a 227,000-square-foot youth sports facility at Liberty Park. Young spoke mostly about Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and FedExForum.
"Now we have to figure out the rest of the capital stack," Young said. "What other sources can we use? Seat taxes and things of that nature that we can figure out to make sure that we get both of these projects done. We know that these institutions mean a lot to our community. They are a source of pride and joy for our city, so we want to make sure they are here long term."
Election day is Oct. 5. Early voting begins Friday and runs through Sept. 30. Along with Bonner and Young, Karen Camper, Michelle McKissack, Van Turner and J.W. Gibson. Former Mayor Willie Herenton, who is running for the office again this year, was not present at Thursday's debate.
In October 2022, current Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and his administration proposed a $684 million-dollar plan to renovate FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and AutoZone Park. The proposal also included a new soccer stadium on the site of Mid-South Coliseum to serve as the permanent home of Memphis 901 FC, which currently plays its games at AutoZone Park.
The Tennessee General Assembly then approved a $350 million grant in the state budget in April to help fund the renovation projects. But Strickland has not yet determined how to allocate the money, and the uncertainty has led to speculation about whether the city can satisfy both the Grizzlies and the university, let alone the Memphis Redbirds and 901 FC.
"We always talk about kids not having anything to do," Bonner said. "Those could be mecca locations for our young people. There’s growth, opportunity and jobs.”
The Grizzlies' current lease in Memphis run through 2028-29, and completed FedExForum renovations would ensure the franchise stays in Memphis for the foreseeable future. The Tigers are in the midst of conference realignment, and the hope is upgrades to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium would help its chances of landing in a power conference in the future.
Memphis has also stated there is a deadline looming in October for the funds to be allocated if it is to begin construction on Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on schedule. The plans call for work to begin on the facility after the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is played on Dec. 29.
Camper spoke about each of the venues, but she started her answer by stating how the Liberty Bowl could be potentially used to bring A-list artists to Memphis. FedExForum has often been the venue to host the bigger artists that come to Memphis.
“I can’t think of the last time we’ve invested in the Liberty Bowl,” Camper said. "I was just there for the Southern Heritage Classic. We need to update that stadium.”
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis mayor candidates respond to questions on sports venue funding
