FAIRGROUNDS
FAIRGROUNDS GREENING PROJECT:
The City of Memphis issued three separate Bid Packages - referred to as the Fairgrounds Greening Project - in order to make way for the commencement of the Public Green Space Project. These projects were essentially demolition projects that included raising existing structures, landscaping, and paved surfaces
where applicable. The scope of work also included the disassembly of existing overhead utilities and the placement of all other utilities underground.
The Fairgrounds Redevelopment Project represents an ongoing commitment by the City of Memphis to offer its citizens the best possible amenities that are self-financing, of the highest quality, and accessible to all. Recent additions to the site include Tiger Lane, and there are plans for a retail district and a sports complex that will be moving forward shortly. The area will attract tournament level athletic activities including baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, etc., and the retail component will both strive to serve that demographic as well as become a vibrant node for the surrounding communities.
LIBERTYLAND DEMOLITION & GREENING:
Improvements to the Libertyland & Fairgrounds site include better vehicular access to the site during high traffic events via road improvements along Hollywood
and a new road through the old Libertyland site. In addition to road improvements, other new site features include new underground drainage system, new concrete sidewalk and pavements, new asphalt paving, park benches, light poles, bollards, flag poles, decorative banners and bicycle
racks. Construction of the Public Green Space Project began June 1, 2010 and was substantially completed by September 6, 2010.
TIGER LANE:
Tiger Lane was the first phase completed in the larger Fairgrounds Master Plan. The community was in need of a space to gather before sporting events as well as an open park space, and after much citizen participation the concept behind Tiger Lane became very clear: to create a lawn that would frame the stadium while serving as a gathering space for all.
Tiger Lane opened to the public in September of 2010, in time for the opening football game at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Since that time, the open green space has hosted the Southern Heritage Classic, The University of Memphis, the Autozone Liberty Bowl, and the Memphis in May International Bar-B-Que Cooking Competition as well as numerous smaller events and families just looking for a place to picnic.
A plan was executed, which enabled project completion in just over three months,
a substantial reduction in the original estimate of three years by the city.
LIBERTY BOWL:
The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium has been home to the University of Memphis
Tigers and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl since its opening in 1965, and the Southern
Heritage Classic since 1990. It is a landmark to the city and is the center point of
the Fairgrounds, which will see continued improvements over the next several
years. O. T. Marshall Architects is working as the project architect and program
manager for these renovations.
A series of updates are taking place to increase the usability of the stadium in
terms of accessibility. Concession stands received lowered counter heights, fan
restrooms have been modified, and elevators were updated to meet today’s standards.
THE KROC CENTER:
The Memphis Kroc Center has been six years in the making. Outside there are two full-sized soccer fields, a splash park and a playground. Inside there's a turf field, a broadcasting center, an aquatics center complete with water slide, lazy river, pools and hot tubs.
There is a performance arts center for theatrical productions and of course, in Memphis, basketball courts are mandatory; there are several of those. But a very unique feature is the challenge center. It looks like something out of a science fiction movie. It stands three levels high and all rooms open onto the gym; bands will stage concerts from those rooms.
Each room is computerized to present educational challenges to kids. The rooms encompass problem solving, team building, math, science and more.
It's all about education, recreation and fun. And, as one of just twenty seven Kroc Centers in the country, getting one in Memphis was a big deal.
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