Tiger Park to arrive in spring

This spring, University of Memphis sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a new on-campus tailgating area set to open.

Tiger Park is being built on The University's South Campus near the entrance to FedEx Park. Construction crews are in the process of clearing rubble from a building that was demolished to make space for Tiger Park.

"We want to have a nice green space where people can walk around and visit with people, almost like a city park," said Bob Winn, associate athletic director of external affairs. "It is going to be more than something just for baseball or softball; it is going to be a multipurpose area."

The exact budget for the tailgating area is still unknown, but the costs are minimal Winn said.

"Plans are being worked out, but there will be a grassy area and a picnic area," said athletic director R.C. Johnson.

Winn said having a grassed area will help fans ward off the sweltering Memphis heat before athletic functions such as Football Fan Fest, the Blue and Gray Scrimmage, baseball games, softball games and track meets.

"The fact that it is going to be grass and not asphalt will keep the area about 20 degrees cooler," he said.

U of M baseball captain Jonathan Van Eaton said he is confident the new area, in combination with a promising upcoming baseball season, will help draw in more fans.

"It will be a good season. We have a good schedule and some good talent, and we are hoping Tiger Park will bring in some more tailgating before games," he said.

Winn said Tiger Park may be a small motivating factor behind attracting new fans to sporting events, but could have an even bigger impact on already existing supporters.

"I don't know if Tiger Park will totally drive fan interest, but positive word of mouth about the park might help raise and elevate the image of some of the sports programs," he said.

Johnson said expectations are high that supporters of Memphis athletics will take advantage of this new facility to show off their U of M pride.

"Our hope is that Tiger Park will make the game day experience more pleasant," Johnson said. "It will be a terrific addition to the Tiger Sports complex on the Park Avenue Campus."