(11-21-2023 11:32 AM)danny1 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:57 AM)Unbreakable04 Wrote:  Thank you, Fred. Incredible.

Now hopefully the stadium will change "ownership" to the UofM. BIG!

That is the plan - U of M Foundation will own the stadium

Place University of Memphis signage out there similar to the South campus.... As part of the campus now :-)

(11-21-2023 11:30 AM)aardWolf Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:25 AM)griffin Wrote:  Owning the stadium is going to be a game changer. Looks like we should own it by 12.31.23 if everyone signs off on this opportunity.

The first of may great things to come.

I think owning it really helps to show proof we're committed to football.

Investing in stadiums and arenas in hopes of getting something later has been an incredibly unsuccessful strategy (NFL, NFL again, NBA Pyramid). Enjoy the stadium upgrades for what they are. Don't expect them to deliver a conference upgrade. History says they won't.

The successful strategy is to build to the demands of your new situation (FedExForum, Titans, etc). Apparently we need to spend a few hundred million more to learn this lesson - again.

(11-21-2023 11:54 AM)Claw Wrote:  The successful strategy is to build to the demands of your new situation (FedExForum, Titans, etc). Apparently we need to spend a few hundred million more to learn this lesson - again.

Thankfully that money is already there. You can stop being a Negative Nancy now.

(11-21-2023 11:51 AM)oruvoice Wrote:  Fred is a savvy businessman and I can't imagine he'd fork over $50 million just for giggles.

Is it possible, his decision is based on the fact that he knows something REALLY good is about to happen for Memphis in conference realignment?

His corporate headquarters is here and his family lives here. Memphis is home, and he wants it to be a first class city. It's good for the city, so it also benefits Fedex and his family.

(11-21-2023 10:27 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:11 AM)MemphisFan95 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:03 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:58 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  The main part...

could transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis Foundation


I know it's not on campus, but there's been plenty of complaints we don't own our own stadium.



Of course, with ownership comes upkeep.


I wonder if the university would be able to host events there.

Be careful what you wish for

There’s always one dummy

Why am I dumb? The city is probably losing its ass or they wouldn’t be agreeing to this. Nobody knows whether this will be a money maker or not

I wouldn't expect it to be a money maker -- initially.

We will need home games. The more home games the better. If that means dropping the idea of 2-for-1s with P5 and going strictly home-and-home with whoever we can get, then that's what it is.

For those who complain about our schedule, it might be an ongoing issue.

So, 6 home games per year minimum. 7 if you can get a couple of buy games.

Southern Heritage Classic
AutoZone Liberty Bowl

That's 8 minimum events each year, if you can keep them. I don't think we have to worry about the AZ Liberty Bowl moving.

Oh, wait... the USFL/XFL... there's a few more events.

If you can get a summer concert tour per year, that'd be nice. I wonder if the Grizzlies can say no. I hope there's something in their contract which limits their authority based on projected attendance size. If a concert is expected to sell 30,000 tickets then there's no way it could be held at FedExForum.

Obviously huge news. I gave up on a campus stadium a long time ago and feel like renovating the Liberty Bowl is the best option. The stadium actually has really good sight lines throughout the facility. Upgrade the food/restaurant seating and the press boxes, and it can be a nice venue. It's centrally located, and with the new development coming to the area, it will be in the middle of a great complex with a hotel and food options.
Thank you, Fred Smith and family.

Sounds like the city is wanting to keep

MSc, tiger lane and parking

I would not agree to that

Giving up too much revenue

(11-21-2023 12:00 PM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:27 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:11 AM)MemphisFan95 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:03 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:58 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  The main part...

could transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis Foundation


I know it's not on campus, but there's been plenty of complaints we don't own our own stadium.



Of course, with ownership comes upkeep.


I wonder if the university would be able to host events there.

Be careful what you wish for

There’s always one dummy

Why am I dumb? The city is probably losing its ass or they wouldn’t be agreeing to this. Nobody knows whether this will be a money maker or not

I wouldn't expect it to be a money maker -- initially.

We will need home games. The more home games the better. If that means dropping the idea of 2-for-1s with P5 and going strictly home-and-home with whoever we can get, then that's what it is.

For those who complain about our schedule, it might be an ongoing issue.

So, 6 home games per year minimum. 7 if you can get a couple of buy games.

Southern Heritage Classic
AutoZone Liberty Bowl

That's 8 minimum events each year, if you can keep them. I don't think we have to worry about the AZ Liberty Bowl moving.

Oh, wait... the USFL/XFL... there's a few more events.

If you can get a summer concert tour per year, that'd be nice. I wonder if the Grizzlies can say no. I hope there's something in their contract which limits their authority based on projected attendance size. If a concert is expected to sell 30,000 tickets then there's no way it could be held at FedExForum.

Plus the naming rights money. Some revenue that wasn't there before will be coming in. Plus the city still has to maintain Tiger Lane. The university will own only the land circling the Liberty Bowl according to reports.

(11-21-2023 11:57 AM)marfa Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:51 AM)oruvoice Wrote:  Fred is a savvy businessman and I can't imagine he'd fork over $50 million just for giggles.

Is it possible, his decision is based on the fact that he knows something REALLY good is about to happen for Memphis in conference realignment?

His corporate headquarters is here and his family lives here. Memphis is home, and he wants it to be a first class city. It's good for the city, so it also benefits Fedex and his family.

I understand that and agree.

However, I have to think (hope) that this decision to plop down $50 million is because we aren't going to be having conference games against Charlotte, North Texas, Tulsa, & FAU.

(11-21-2023 12:05 PM)oruvoice Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:57 AM)marfa Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:51 AM)oruvoice Wrote:  Fred is a savvy businessman and I can't imagine he'd fork over $50 million just for giggles.

Is it possible, his decision is based on the fact that he knows something REALLY good is about to happen for Memphis in conference realignment?

His corporate headquarters is here and his family lives here. Memphis is home, and he wants it to be a first class city. It's good for the city, so it also benefits Fedex and his family.

I understand that and agree.

However, I have to think (hope) that this decision to plop down $50 million is because we aren't going to be having conference games against Charlotte, North Texas, Tulsa, & FAU.

Maybe, maybe not. An alternate interpretation is that he's doing what he can to help the University to strengthen it's position, but that doesn't necessarily imply that he knows something that we don't. It could be as simple as needing a big tax write-off and wanting to do something for the school for all we know.

As a life long Tiger fan for 70 years I just appreciate the Smith family for their generous donation to help the University. Time will tell whether this is a good investment or a black hole money pit. All Tiger fans should be very appreciative of this family's generosity and willingness to help.

(11-21-2023 11:39 AM)danny1 Wrote:  God Bless Fred Smith and his family.

And yet, we still have folks on this board who are trying to put a negative spin on this incredibly good news. I guess I should not be surprised.

I, for one, am ready to donate to the fundraising campaign.

FACTS

(11-21-2023 11:54 AM)Claw Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:30 AM)aardWolf Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 11:25 AM)griffin Wrote:  Owning the stadium is going to be a game changer. Looks like we should own it by 12.31.23 if everyone signs off on this opportunity.

The first of may great things to come.

I think owning it really helps to show proof we're committed to football.

Investing in stadiums and arenas in hopes of getting something later has been an incredibly unsuccessful strategy (NFL, NFL again, NBA Pyramid). Enjoy the stadium upgrades for what they are. Don't expect them to deliver a conference upgrade. History says they won't.

The successful strategy is to build to the demands of your new situation (FedExForum, Titans, etc). Apparently we need to spend a few hundred million more to learn this lesson - again.

You would think this post would be full of positive ones but its always that one smh

(11-21-2023 12:18 PM)901yola Wrote:  You would think this post would be full of positive ones but its always that one smh

Only one? You feeling generous this morning?

(11-21-2023 10:03 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:58 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  The main part...

could transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis Foundation


I know it's not on campus, but there's been plenty of complaints we don't own our own stadium.



Of course, with ownership comes upkeep.


I wonder if the university would be able to host events there.

Be careful what you wish for

So the U of M Foundation now eats the $1 million a year operating loss.

City retains ownership of parking and that revenue.

Which is very likely a large net profit each year.

(11-21-2023 12:19 PM)msu35 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 12:18 PM)901yola Wrote:  You would think this post would be full of positive ones but its always that one smh

Only one? You feeling generous this morning?

LOL. I'm in a good mood OG. This one was just becoming a thorn in my side with the pessimism.

If the city were to keep Tiger Lane I would make sure there's a stipulation that the city must maintain the property to a specific standard after each event AND has to provide ample security and towing to ensure only Parking Pass holders are parked.

I apologize if this has been posted.

Sounds like the "spirit of partnership" will continue with SHC, AutoZone LB, and the Showboats games continuing. Makes me wonder how much involvement the City will have.

(11-21-2023 12:20 PM)ncrdbl1 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:03 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:58 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  The main part...

could transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis Foundation


I know it's not on campus, but there's been plenty of complaints we don't own our own stadium.



Of course, with ownership comes upkeep.


I wonder if the university would be able to host events there.

Be careful what you wish for

So the U of M Foundation now eats the $1 million a year operating loss.

City retains ownership of parking and that revenue.

Which is very likely a large net profit each year.

There you are! I've been waiting for you all morning. It looks that way to me at the moment.

(11-21-2023 12:22 PM)Claw Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 12:20 PM)ncrdbl1 Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 10:03 AM)Eagleonpar Wrote:  

(11-21-2023 09:58 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  The main part...

could transfer ownership of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to the University of Memphis Foundation


I know it's not on campus, but there's been plenty of complaints we don't own our own stadium.



Of course, with ownership comes upkeep.


I wonder if the university would be able to host events there.

Be careful what you wish for

So the U of M Foundation now eats the $1 million a year operating loss.

City retains ownership of parking and that revenue.

Which is very likely a large net profit each year.

There you are! I've been waiting for you all morning. It looks that way to me at the moment.

Dude, you remind me of when we landed on the moon, and old ladies called the TV stations to complain that their soap operas were pre-empted.

Be happy.