What to know about Southern Heritage Classic parking
Tennessee State University fans cheering during the Southern Heritage Classic against University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sept. 9, 2023, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. (Wes Hale/Special to The Daily Memphian)
It’s a busy weekend in Memphis, and officials have made safety and parking arrangements.
The Cooper-Young Festival happens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. More than 130,000 are expected to attend.
Blocks away, the Southern Heritage Classic between the Tennessee State Tigers and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
In the past three years, Southern Heritage Classic organizers have reported between 30,000 and 50,000 people in attendance, each year. This year, capacity has been reduced to the low 30,000s due to stadium renovations.
Parking will not be impacted by the renovations and all stadium parking lots will be open.
For another parking option, Tobey Park will offer parking for $60 Thursday, $40 Friday and $20 Saturday.
On Saturday only, additional parking will also be available at the Memphis Sports & Events Center and the mixed-use development lot through Access 7 at Central Avenue and Early Maxwell Boulevard for $30.
Rapid-transit shuttles will be stationed at three separate pickup locations, including a location at Second Street and Exchange Avenue near the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel, Union Avenue and B.B. King Boulevard outside the Peabody Hotel and Zach H. Curlin Street and Central Avenue near the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis.
The services, which are free for all valid ticket-holders, will begin at noon, and the last shuttle will leave the stadium at 11:45 p.m.
Tailgating lots are prepaid but still available to reserve. The tailgating lots will open at 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday.
On the day of the game, gates will open at 4 p.m., and all standard procedures — including the stadium’s clear-bag policy and cashless parking and concessions — will be in place.
Memphis Police Department Col. Worthy emphasized exercising patience and caution, especially in the rainy conditions expected for Thursday:
“Be mindful of people walking across the street,” Worthy said. “Stop and be patient for them. We’re trying to minimize damage to your vehicle and your property being stolen. Store it; don’t show it. Don’t wait until you’re at the event to transfer your valuables into the trunk.”
“If you see something, say something. Please let our staff know,” said Brian Hoffman, general manager of Liberty Stadium.
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Southern Heritage Classic 2024 Cooper-Young FestivalStevie Paige
Stevie Paige is a graduate of the University of Memphis where she served as managing editor and editor-in-chief of The Daily Helmsman. A native Memphian, born to local musicians, Stevie has written for several regional magazines and news publications and has performed at venues across the city.
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