(07-01-2012 09:25 AM)UConn-SMU Wrote:  I remember talking about expansion several years ago and Memphis was always the top name mentioned. Then there were the dark years.

It looks like Memphis has started to turn the ship around.

I was beginning to think we were cursed to have the worst possible timing a program could ever have, what with waiting until right after expansion to start putting things together on the field and then imploding right before the next round started, but now things seem to be working out splendidly. We're starting a new era with an unprecedented level of activity from boosters and the city (!) and an exciting young coach who genuinely seems to understand how to build a strong program.

I honestly didn't expect the complete tonal shift to happen so quickly after the invitation, but I'm thrilled with everything that's happened over the past few months.

I think that the University, the boosters, the city, and the fans are finally giving the coaching staff the resources they need to compete in recruiting.

Coach Fuente has an uphill battle, but at least he won't have a ball and chain attached to him when he heads up that hill.

Liberty Bowl is very unique. I like it, the TLC Memphis gives it will be nice.

(07-01-2012 11:34 AM)AusTxPony Wrote:  Knight74, we will watch you in the Liberty Bowl, since SMU will pick up where Houston left off and win the CUSA Championship against you and go to a BCS bowl undefeated. (I can dream, can't I?).

Don't wake up, AusTxPony. If you can't beat Houston in your dreams and in preseason prognostications, where would it EVER happen?!

(07-01-2012 08:14 AM)Oceana Tiger Wrote:  

Any chance some of the new upgrades will include new/larger bathrooms on the home/west side in the middle and replace the old modular/small bathrooms?

The mid-upper level concourse is tight...but new/larger restrooms would eliminate a lot of lines at Liberty Bowl Games or large crowds for Tiger games.

While that is happening at the Liberty Bowl, this is what they are doing at our practice facilities. The 'powers that be' are finally taking care of football the way they've taken care of basketball.

http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-footb...12aac.html

This is the football weightroom which was recently completed.

https://picasaweb.google.com/goergen2/Me...6395085426

(07-02-2012 09:33 AM)KnightLight Wrote:  

(07-01-2012 08:14 AM)Oceana Tiger Wrote:  

Any chance some of the new upgrades will include new/larger bathrooms on the home/west side in the middle and replace the old modular/small bathrooms?

The mid-upper level concourse is tight...but new/larger restrooms would eliminate a lot of lines at Liberty Bowl Games or large crowds for Tiger games.

I don't think so, but the restrooms were recently renovated.

Any way FedEx can pump a ton of money into it and get it to elite bowl status...I wish they would then we would have created our own "BCS Bowl" if you will...

(07-01-2012 01:29 PM)Kronke Wrote:  

(07-01-2012 08:16 AM)Oceana Tiger Wrote:  NEW, Courtesy of NTMB

That should look awesome!

lol

It's not really going to be that big.

But it is going to be huge.

(07-02-2012 11:56 AM)NTMB Wrote:  

(07-01-2012 01:29 PM)Kronke Wrote:  

(07-01-2012 08:16 AM)Oceana Tiger Wrote:  NEW, Courtesy of NTMB

That should look awesome!

lol

It's not really going to be that big.

But it is going to be huge.

It is going to be 2/3 the width of the endzone.

(07-02-2012 11:51 AM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  Any way FedEx can pump a ton of money into it and get it to elite bowl status...I wish they would then we would have created our own "BCS Bowl" if you will...

FedEx used to sponsor the Orange Bowl. If they wanted to, they could make just about any bowl a major bowl.

The rumor going around was that people expect the Liberty Bowl payout to be in excess of $2mm, but we won't know for sure for a while.

Looking good!

(07-01-2012 08:18 AM)Oceana Tiger Wrote:  The Tigers are making a serious commitment to football. Along with our 15 million dollar Tiger Lane tailgaiting grounds and other renovations on deck, The Liberty Bowl will be a real treat to attend a football game at

Got any pics to post of the Tiger Lane, haven't been able to make it up there to see it.

Here is a pic before they planted the trees and what it will look like....

Pictures taken today from Kyle Veazey of the Memphis Commercial Appeal:

http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/the_me...ments.html