Liberty Park’s development is months behind schedule, and while officials consider ways to advance the project, the city is paying millions in debt service.
“Timing has been the issue,” Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams said. “We are trying to catch up on that, and we are trying to make the best use of that asset.”
In 2018, the city approved the plans to transform the former Fairgrounds into Liberty Park. The project’s hotel, restaurant, and entertainment portions have stopped, despite the construction of a sports center on the property.
This follows the city’s May 2025 announcement that Liberty Park would shortly begin construction.
The Memphis Sports & Events Center and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium serve as the focal points of the $112.5 million private construction of the city-owned old Fairgrounds.
