Where Is the Liberty Bowl Played? Venue & History

By Sarah Miller · March 11, 2051

The Liberty Bowl is played annually at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. This historic venue has hosted the college football bowl game since 1965, making it one of the longest-running bowl games at a fixed location.

History of the Liberty Bowl

The Liberty Bowl was first played in 1959 and has a rich tradition in college football. Originally held in Philadelphia, the game moved to Atlantic City for a brief period before finding its permanent home in Memphis.

Key Milestones

1959: First Liberty Bowl played at Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia
1964: Game held in Atlantic City, New Jersey
1965: Permanent move to Memphis, Tennessee
2023: Stadium renamed Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium after naming rights deal

Venue Overview: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

Located in the heart of Mid-South, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is a premier outdoor sports facility dedicated primarily to college football events. It serves as the home field for the University of Memphis Tigers and hosts the annual Liberty Bowl game every December.

Stadium Features

Capacity: Approximately 58,325 spectators
Surface: Bermuda grass playing field
Location: 335 S Hollywood St, Memphis, TN 38104
Opened: 1965 (originally named Memphis Memorial Stadium)
Renovations: Major upgrades completed in 2021–2022

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Runner-Up	Attendance
2023	Dec 28	Kentucky	27–14	Iowa State	53,883
2022	Dec 28	Arkansas	55–52	Penn State	53,914
2021	Dec 29	Tennessee	38–24	Iowa	43,778
2020	Dec 31	West Virginia	24–21	Army	10,508
2019	Dec 31	Penn State	35–31	Vanderbilt	55,709

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures reflect strong fan engagement, with recent games consistently drawing over 50,000 fans when not impacted by external factors such as the pandemic. The 2020 game saw significantly reduced capacity due to health restrictions, while the 2022 and 2023 editions rebounded strongly, indicating enduring popularity.

Bowl Game Significance and Conference Tie-Ins

The Liberty Bowl holds formal agreements with teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big 12 Conference. These tie-ins ensure high-level matchups and provide major exposure for participating programs.

Conference Representation

Primary: SEC (6 appearances guaranteed in 12-year cycle)
Secondary: Big 12 (complementary selection)
Historical participants: ACC, American Athletic Conference, Notre Dame (as independent)

Economic and Cultural Impact on Memphis

The Liberty Bowl generates significant economic activity for Memphis each year. Local businesses benefit from tourism, hotel stays, dining, and entertainment spending during the event week.

Estimated annual economic impact: $20–$25 million
Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually from across the U.S.
Promotes Memphis as a destination for sports tourism

Frequently Asked Questions About the Liberty Bowl

Where is the Liberty Bowl game held every year?

The Liberty Bowl is held annually at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. The stadium has been the event's permanent home since 1965.

Has the Liberty Bowl always been played in Memphis?

No, the Liberty Bowl was initially played in Philadelphia in 1959 and later moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1964 before relocating permanently to Memphis in 1965.

What time does the Liberty Bowl start?

The Liberty Bowl typically starts at 6:45 PM Eastern Time and is broadcast nationally on ESPN. Kickoff time may vary slightly depending on the year and network scheduling.

Which teams play in the Liberty Bowl?

The Liberty Bowl features a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) versus a team from the Big 12 Conference, based on contractual tie-ins, though exceptions can occur due to bowl eligibility or conference agreements.

How can I buy tickets for the Liberty Bowl?

Tickets for the Liberty Bowl can be purchased through the official Liberty Bowl website (libertybowl.org), Ticketmaster, or authorized resellers. Prices vary based on seating location and demand.