Tiger Lane Leads New Way to Liberty Bowl

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis is one step closer to having a gateway to the Liberty Bowl. The new entrance stands to rival all other arenas when finished.

"It's a great new symbol of the university," said the President of University of Memphis, Shirley C. Raines.

It's called Tiger Lane and Wednesday the new path to Tiger stadium broke ground at the fairgrounds.

"Long over due for the residents in the community, it provides economic boom for them but also it sets it up for the potential redevelopment for another unknown prospect that we could get soon," said Harold Collins Jr.

The $16 million project has been a vision for the city government for years and now it's coming to fruition.

"This thing hit the council a couple of months ago and dirt is flying already," said Mayor AC Wharton.

It's called the Tiger Lane Public Green Space for a reason. It's a green park area and when it's completed, it will be the gateway to the Liberty Bowl extending all the way from East Parkway.

"It will allow families to come and tailgate but more than that, families can come out here when there's not a game," said Councilman Collins.

In its own right, Tiger Lane will be a city jewel according to city officials. The new entrance could create even more development for the embattled fairgrounds. Tiger Lane will make its new home next to the under construction KROC center.

"Folks are going to drive by here, who left here, say in the spring and come back in the fall and going to say what in the world happened," said Mayor Wharton.

Those involved say a this is a strong plan for an area of town that's fought for it's own identity. Adding this land with help from the city and developers will continue to fight for Memphians.

"They can come and picnic. They can come and play. They can come and play ball. They can use this area even when there is not a football game," said Councilman Collins.