MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis City Council’s budget committee delayed action on a plan to transfer city-owned Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis on Tuesday.
Council members like J.B. Smiley and Martavius Jones were among those saying that Mayor Jim Strickland left them out of the loop regarding the resolution, which also includes putting $120 million in state grant funding toward the stadium that is home to the Memphis Tigers and the Autozone Liberty Bowl.
And while council members said they all are in favor of supporting the university, they want time to explore all the city’s options and have their chance to provide input.
Councilman Jones said he wants to make sure all stake holders involved with the stadium have a voice in the process and the contracts for the Liberty Bowl and Southern Heritage Classic will be honored if or when the school takes over.
Members of the U of M were on hand to speak with the committee, reiterating that the $50 million donation from FedEx founder Fred Smith’s foundation is contingent on the school taking control of the stadium.
“We all want to get there, and when we all want to get there, that means we’ll do whatever it takes to get there,” said Ken Moody, the school’s Director of Local Relations and Partnerships. “So I’m confident at the end of the day we’ll get there.”
Jones also believes that part of the deal should include the U of M taking on the city’s debts associated with the Liberty Bowl’s improvement.
“I just think it’s unfair to have tax payers have to be on the bill for $30 million for a facility that the city no longer owns,” he said.
The city council will resume talks on the stadium resolution during its meeting on Dec. 19.