MEMPHIS, Tenn — The week leading up to New Year’s Day will see plenty of people flocking to Downtown Memphis.
The annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl parade is happening Thursday. On Saturday, the Memphis Tigers and Iowa State Cyclones will go head-to-head in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
“Busy Saturday crowd, plus the New Year’s Eve crowd, plus the Iowa State people, and the University of Memphis people,” said David Hooper, owner of Silky O’Sullivan’s restaurant on Beale Street.
That’s what O'Sullivan's and other Downtown Memphis businesses are bracing for as they prepare for one of their busiest stretches of 2023.
“It's what we do down here on Beale Street,” Hooper said. “It's just a busier weekend. The MPD...us...it's just business as usual. It's just a little extra busy.”
It starts with the AutoZone Liberty Bowl parade Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. on Beale Street. Hooper said they are ready to accommodate fans of the hometown Tigers and the visiting Cyclones.
“We stock up on a lot of food, a lot of beer,” he said. “These Iowa guys apparently like Busch Light a lot.”
After the game Saturday, it’s time for New Year’s Eve, which Hooper said is one of the two single busiest days for his restaurant during the year. The other one is Saint Patrick’s Day.
“Midnight, people will rush out of the bar and go to the ball drop (go home) and then…we’ll still be really busy,” Hooper said.
When asked about the safety concerns created by such large crowds, Hooper said he’s confident in the Memphis Police Department (MPD), his staff, and fellow businesses to make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience.
“The only thing I’m worried about is running out of ice,” he said.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, officials will announce details for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl at a press conference, including plans for traffic control, shuttle service, and parking.
MPD told ABC24 they will answer questions about downtown safety during that same press conference.