Where Is Liberty Bowl Played? Location & Details

By Sarah Miller · May 14, 2039

The Liberty Bowl is held annually at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. This historic college football bowl game has taken place in Memphis since 1965, making it one of the longest-running bowl games in the NCAA.

History and Significance of the Liberty Bowl

The Liberty Bowl began in 1959 and has evolved into a key event in the college football postseason calendar. Originally played in Philadelphia, the game moved to Memphis in 1965 and has remained there ever since, establishing deep roots in the city.

Key Milestones

First game: December 19, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Moved to Memphis: 1965
Venue changed to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (formerly Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium) in 1965
Current conference tie-ins: SEC vs. Big 12 (since 2014)
Broadcast network: ESPN

Location Details: Where Is the Liberty Bowl Played?

The Liberty Bowl is hosted at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, located at 335 S Hollywood St, Memphis, TN 38104. The stadium sits near the Mid-South Fairgrounds and is easily accessible from major highways.

Stadium Features

Capacity: Approximately 58,325
Surface: Natural grass
Opened: 1965
Primary tenant: University of Memphis Tigers football team
Hosts the annual Liberty Bowl game every December

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance
2023	Dec 28	Kentucky	21–17	Iowa State	54,100
2022	Dec 28	Arkansas	55–52	Penn State	53,800
2021	Dec 28	Tennessee	23–21	Iowa	41,100
2020	Dec 31	West Virginia	24–21	Army	11,000*
2019	Dec 31	Kentucky	27–24	Virginia Tech	55,100

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, with recent games drawing over 50,000 spectators. The 2020 drop was due to pandemic restrictions. The competitive scores reflect the high level of play typical of SEC and Big 12 matchups.

Conference Tie-Ins and Selection Process

The Liberty Bowl features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big 12 Conference. These tie-ins have been in place since 2014 under a contractual agreement.

Team Selection Criteria

SEC representative: Typically a top non-New Year’s Six bowl team
Big 12 representative: Selected based on bowl eligibility and rankings
Teams must have a winning record (minimum 6–6)
ESPN Events manages selection in coordination with conferences

Game Day Experience in Memphis

Memphis transforms during Liberty Bowl week, offering fans concerts, fan festivals, and community events. The city's rich musical and culinary heritage enhances the overall experience.

Events Around the Game

Liberty Bowl FanFest at the Renasant Convention Center
Pre-game tailgating in stadium lots
Live music featuring local blues and rock artists
Family-friendly activities and youth football clinics

Frequently Asked Questions About the Liberty Bowl

Where is the Liberty Bowl played in 2025?

The 2025 Liberty Bowl will be played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, continuing its long-standing tradition at this venue.

What time does the Liberty Bowl start?

The Liberty Bowl typically starts at 6:45 PM Eastern Time on December 28 or 31, broadcast live on ESPN. Exact kickoff times are confirmed each year by the network.

Which teams play in the Liberty Bowl?

The Liberty Bowl features a team from the SEC and a team from the Big 12 Conference, selected based on bowl eligibility, rankings, and conference agreements.

How can I buy Liberty Bowl tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through the official Liberty Bowl website, ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, or via university athletic departments once teams are announced.

Has the Liberty Bowl location ever changed?

Yes, the Liberty Bowl was originally held in Philadelphia (1959–1963) and briefly in Atlantic City (1964) before permanently moving to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1965.