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The City of Memphis has issued a request for information (RFI) for design professional services needed for certain phases of the renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The City of Memphis is seeking those design services for a halo activation around the stadium; a west grandstand (with a potential for a larger one); a north end zone ramp; wayfinding and graphics; a north end zone service level; and the north end zone.
Rather than concrete parking, nearly 90,000 square feet of green space, known as a halo, could surround the outside of the stadium and its entrances. Renovations for the west end of the stadium are extensive, and the master plan also notes that wayfinding and graphics for spectators are a major goal.
A timeline within the RFI notes that a guaranteed maximum price for renovations would come at the start of February 2024 with issuance of construction documents a few weeks later.
The $200 million renovation was announced back in May and a website was launched shortly after with an FAQ that left some questions remaining about the project. Now, the RFI reveals more answers by disclosing the master plan study behind the renovation.
Could Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium have more uses?
Three of the four “key benefits” outlined in the master plan study have little to do with game day, but with what the stadium will do outside of a sporting event.
The second key benefit, “new visitation,” seems to indicate that the renovation has more than football games in mind.
“Modern stadiums are designed to be flexible and adaptable to activate the space more days out of the year, with many stadiums playing host to a variety of events from other sporting events to concerts and social events like beer and culinary festivals," the RFI stated. "The revitalization would allow for more frequent and diversified activities at the stadium, ultimately supporting revenue generation and job growth. By adding another main entry to the stadium, the design creates an inviting experience for fans on game day, as well as for visitors and community members throughout the year.”
The third key benefit, “transformative and iconic effects,” said that the renovation could have a “long-lasting and transformative" impact on Memphis, as well as “create a spectacular gathering community space.”
The fourth and final key benefit, “spin-off development,” points out that high-quality stadiums can lead to a spurring of development. Already, one developer discussed with MBJ the possibility of new development near Liberty Stadium.
Renderings in the RFI show the field on game day, as well as prepared for a soccer game and two layouts for a concert.
How does a firm apply to work on Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium?
The City of Memphis is seeking a contractor with stadium design experience to head the project, and is encouraging locals lacking that experience to team up with bigger, national firms.
“Designers should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of stadium planning, including current trends in stadium design practices. Respondents should illustrate their knowledge and expertise in this field by showing examples of recent similar work and providing resumes of the key personnel with this experience who will be assigned to the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium project," the RFI stated. "Local architectural and engineering firms are encouraged to associate with nationally recognized sports architectural and engineering firms in order to maximize local participation and/or Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) requirements with industry knowledge leaders.”
The City of Memphis is specifically looking for relevant stadium experience in the last five years.
Questions about the RFI can be submitted until Jan. 3, 2023, with answers coming exactly one week later. Bids are due on Jan. 18 and the architect will then be selected by Feb. 15.
Interested bidders can find the RFI here.