Southern Heritage Classic will be hosted at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium through 2032

Written By Demetrius Johnson Jr.

MEMPHIS, TN - Sources and the Southern Heritage Classic management company (Summit Management Corporation) have reported that the game will be held at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium through 2032 on Tuesday (Jan. 9).

Summit Management Corporation and the City of Memphis agreed Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, that the classic game between prominent HBCUs will be played at the stadium for the next nine years.

This announcement from Jones on Tuesday morning is a key step in the University of Memphis owning Liberty Stadium, removing a potential barrier. According to source, Jones stated that he is done negotiating with the City of Memphis and University of Memphis. The City of Memphis approved the transfer of the stadium to the U of M along with $120 million in cash on Dec. 19. However, it could have been reconsidered Tuesday and members of the council said it could be if Jones was not satified.

Jones’ announcement of nine future dates for the Southern Heritage Classic comes after weeks of negotiations about the classic future. His influence at the Memphis City Council meeting and his concerns about the future of his classic prompted hours of negotiations among him, the U of M, and the city.

“I am thankful to the City of Memphis for their support,” said Fred Jones, Founder of the Southern Heritage Classic. “We appreciate their diligence in ensuring that the Southern Heritage Classic will continue to be held at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. It’s the place we’ve called home for decades, and we look forward to making more memoires there as we bring great HBCU football to Memphis each year.”

The classic was founded by Jones in 1990 to bring fans from across the country to watch HBCU football every September at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis.

The dates for the next nine Southern Heritage Classic games:

  • September 14, 2024

  • September 13, 2025

  • September 12, 2026

  • September 11, 2027

  • September 9, 2028

  • September 8, 2029

  • September 14, 2030

  • September 13, 2031

  • September 11, 2032

Demetrius Johnson Jr.
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