How the Revitalization of Memphis Has Transformed the City into a National Sports Destination
Rooted in captivating history, vibrant culture, and a love for sports, Memphis has always been a renowned destination. In recent years, Memphis has undergone an incredible citywide revitalization, with substantial investments made to drive tourism and curate an exceptional Memphis experience. Today, Memphis is rapidly expanding as a sports destination thanks to several new state-of-the-art facility builds, new lodging and entertainment options, and more.
“There is lots of investment coming into the city that is welcoming a number of new attractions. We’re excited to bring in new events and visitors to experience all we have to offer. We are here to promote it and celebrate it all,” JJ Greer, Director of Sports and Events for the Memphis Sports Council shares.
Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes of Memphis’ growth as a sports city.
Effortless Travel with the New & Improved Memphis International Airport
Accessibility is a key player for the city of Memphis, whether visitors are driving or flying. The Memphis International Airport has over 30 direct flights from many major markets and only continues to expand. With major recent updates to the airport and more to come, traveling to Memphis is easier than ever. Over the past three years, the airport underwent a $245 million renovation that revealed a brand-new concourse in 2022, with more seating and new shops and restaurants. An additional significant renovation is in the works that will completely modernize the airport terminal, adding new baggage and ticket areas.
Unforgettable Stays in Brand-New Hotels
More than 2,000 new hotel rooms have opened in Memphis between 2020-2022, and an additional 5,000 rooms are in various stages of development in the city. Of Memphis’ 22,000+ sleeping rooms available citywide, more than 4,000 of those rooms across 25 hotels are located in the Downtown and Midtown areas.
Downtown, there has been an explosion of hotel rooms with many of the major hotel brands building unique, boutique properties that offer high-touch, modern experiences. The first hotel of its kind, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is the Hyatt’s new boutique brand located on the corner of Beale Street and Front Street, a bustling area with local flair. Opening in fall of 2024, Aloft Hotel will feature 156 rooms in downtown Memphis. The boutique hotel chain by Marriott will offer a sleek, vibrant feel in the heart of the city. For a full list of the up-and-coming hotels in Memphis, click here.
Unveiling Next-Level Sports Facilities
A new wave of sports tourism is coming to Memphis thanks to an impressive collection of new and renovated facilities. The city’s extensive investment into sports facilities has elevated the Memphis experience and provided the infrastructure to house youth, amateur and professional sports at scale.
One of the city’s standout gems, the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC) is a newly-opened 227,000 square foot indoor multipurpose facility in the Liberty Park neighborhood. “The word is out about the MSEC. We’re hosting some of the biggest events in youth basketball such as Nike EYBL. This past April, the event brought 197 teams to the MSEC and the Bluff City Region. Memphis is a basketball city, so not only do these events bring tens of thousands of people from all over the country, but the community really gets behind them as well,” Greer shares.
The Renasant Convention Center underwent a $200 million renovation in 2021 and includes space for 20 volleyball courts or 10 basketball courts for sports events downtown.
By the University of Memphis campus, the new Leftwich Tennis Center completed a renovation and expansion in Fall of 2023. The $24 million project houses the University of Memphis tennis team and several USTA events. Leftwich Tennis Center was recently named the USTA’s Featured Facility of the Year for 2024, the highest honor bestowed by the USTA on a tennis facility. The Leftwich Tennis Center was one of 41 winners of the USTA’s annual Outstanding Facility Awards program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country.
“This tennis center is amazing, with 12 indoor courts and 24 outdoor courts. The facility is already hosting high-level USTA and NCAA events and we look forward to hosting many more,” Greer notes.
To learn more about the new facilities open in Memphis, click here.
Plus, New Stadiums in the Works
In addition to the buildout of youth and amateur venues, the state of Tennessee also just approved major renovations for Memphis’ professional venues. Renovations will occur at FedExForum, the downtown NBA arena, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, host of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and AutoZone Park, the AAA Minor League Baseball stadium in downtown Memphis. $112.5 million was recently approved for future developments at Liberty Park. Read more details here!
“The theme of the development pathway for champions we’re building in Memphis is stronger now more than ever. We are seeing future college and NBA stars play at the youth level at the Memphis Sports and Events Center and P7 Sports Academy, and just in a few years, they will be playing at the soon-to-be renovated FedExForum downtown in front of tens of thousands in college or the NBA. The same will ring true for the Leftwich Tennis Center – you will see future tennis stars here. And of course, when they are not competing, we have all of these incredible things to do in Memphis.“ – JJ Greer
The Epicenter for Sports in Memphis
The city’s unwavering dedication and substantial investment into sports culminates at the Liberty Park district, an ever-expanding athletic hub nestled in the heart of the city. The area offers a seamless sports experience, ensuring visitors never need to leave campus, whether for a youth tournament or professional game. With the new venue plans underway, Liberty Park will ultimately house the Memphis Sports and Events Center, a renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, as well as new hotels, restaurants, recreation and retail options.
The area’s convenient location between East Memphis and Midtown offers several nearby dining and entertainment options. Liberty Park sits right on the edge of Cooper-Young, a standout entertainment district and a lively spot to discover locally-owned restaurants, record stores and more.
“Now that Liberty Park is coming online, there are going to be thousands of new visitors every year. With hip neighborhoods like Cooper-Young, visitors have so much to do at their fingertips when they are in town and exploring Liberty Park. Memphis has so much to offer already, and so much more to come,” Greer adds.
After the final buzzer, it’s the people that truly top off the Memphis experience. With Memphians’ passion for sports, plus the city’s accessible location, ongoing construction of new and upcoming venues, and continued citywide revitalization, Memphis is only continuing to flourish as a nationwide sports destination. To inquire about hosting your next event in Memphis, reach out to the Memphis Sports Council team today.
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