University of Memphis Will Break Ground on Stadium
The groundbreaking for the Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium will take place on September 21, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Soccer
The University of Memphis will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium on September 21, 2026. This new facility, located at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex, will serve as a memorial and support student-athletes.
Why it matters
The stadium serves as a lasting tribute to Liza Wellford Fletcher, who died in September 2022. It will provide a dedicated space for the university's men's soccer, women's soccer, and track and field programs to compete.
The ceremony will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex, located at 1115 E. Getwell Loop St. in Memphis.
The players
University of Memphis
This is a public research university that supports various men's and women's athletic programs.
Liza Wellford Fletcher
She was a member of the Memphis community who died in September 2022 and is being honored with the new stadium.
The details
The facility is being built using funds raised by family and friends through the Liza's Light University of Memphis Soccer and Track Stadium Fund. Renderings of the upcoming stadium will be presented by university officials during the event.
Timeline
September 2022: Liza Wellford Fletcher died.
September 2024: The fundraising campaign for the stadium was announced.
September 21, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium occurs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This groundbreaking ceremony marks the formal commencement of a project that bridges the university's commitment to honoring its history with the physical expansion of its athletic infrastructure. It reflects the successful community-led fundraising efforts following the 2024 campaign announcement.
The new stadium will provide a dedicated home field for men's soccer, women's soccer, and track and field teams at the University of Memphis. Supporters and attendees can view the official stadium renderings for the first time during the scheduled groundbreaking ceremony.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how community-driven fundraising can successfully create lasting local memorials while enhancing campus facilities for student-athletes. Residents interested in the development can stay updated through official university communications as construction progresses.
Further reading
For more news on the university athletic programs, visit Soccer.
