This Week In Memphis

September 15–21, 2025: The Liberty Bowl's Legacy and 901 Happenings

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This is Memphis 〽️
September 14, 2025

Welcome back to This Week in Memphis! We’re glad you’re here. Hard to beat this past week of events from Cooper Young Fest, to IShowSpeed showing Memphis off to the world but, as you know, Memphis has got it goin’ on…. SO in this week of September 15–21, 2025, we’ve got some fun stories from Memphis history and exciting events lined up. Let’s dive in.

On This Week in Memphis History

The Liberty Bowl Stadium Opens

September 16, 1965

On September 16, 1965, The Liberty Bowl (never not calling it this), originally known as the Memphis Memorial Stadium opened its doors and quickly became a sports landmark in the city.

The stadium, now called Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, has hosted generations of Liberty Bowl games, festivals, concerts, and countless University of Memphis Tigers football matchups. Its opening brought top-level college football and major events to the heart of Midtown. From Bear Bryant’s last game, to the Rolling Stones July 4 Concert, the stadium has created countless memories for Memphians throughout the decades.

The stadium still stands as a cornerstone for Memphis athletics and a gathering place for fans, with its legacy visible in every big game that packs the stands today. The next memory to be made will be when the Tigers take on Arkansas on Saturday September 20th at 12:00 PM. Send us a DM with your favorite Liberty Bowl Memory!

November 9, 1996 when the Tigers beat the Vols 21-17 at the Liberty Bowl. Just one of many amazing memories.

Also this week in Memphis:

  • 🎂 Jaren Jackson Jr. — September 15. Grizzlies All-Star and 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year turns 26!

  • 🎂 B.B. King - September 16. Blues legend and Beale Street ambassador would have been 100! Today the city is celebrating his legacy on Beale St! If you went, please send us some photos!

  • 🎂 Tyreke Evans - September 19. Former Memphis Tigers standout and NBA Rookie of the Year turns 36.

  • TOM III (UofM Tiger Mascot) — The Legendary Live Mascot passed away on September 18, 2020 ending a 50+ year tradition. ☹️ Did you ever see him at one the Tigers games?

What’s Happening This Week

Memphis is bursting with energy this week! From historic celebrations to iconic food festivals and open-air concerts, here’s your guide to the best happenings in the 901:

BIG K.R.I.T. (Shell Yeah! Benefit Series)

🎨 Date & Time: September 18, 6:30 PM

📍 Location: Overton Park Shell

Catch a ticketed benefit concert with acclaimed hip hop artist BIG K.R.I.T., supporting the Shell’s free concert series. Experience live music for a great cause in the heart of Midtown.

Live at the Garden: The Isley Brothers

🎨 Date & Time: September 20, 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Memphis Botanic Garden

Legendary group The Isley Brothers headline Live at the Garden. Enjoy a night of classic hits and lively outdoor vibes in East Memphis.

Runway 5K at Memphis International Airport

🎨 Date & Time: September 20, 7:00 AM

📍 Location: Memphis International Airport

Take off for a unique 5K on an active runway at MEM. Run among aircraft, support the airport’s Community Foundation, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience. Regtration closes TONIGHT! If you’d like to run, dont miss your chance!

DJ AD & The Vibe Tribe (Orion Free Concert Series)

🎨 Date & Time: September 19, 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Overton Park Shell

Dance into Friday night with a high‑energy set from DJ AD & The Vibe Tribe. This free concert promises grooves and Memphis community spirit.

Zumba at Overton Park Shell

🎨 Date & Time: September 16, 4:30 PM

📍 Location: Overton Park Shell

Get moving at this free weekly Zumba workout. All fitness levels are welcome for a fun session outdoors at the Shell.

Bardog 17th Anniversary Celebration!

🎨 Date & Time: September 21, All Day

📍 Location: Bardog Tavern

Join Bardog Tavern’s 17th birthday bash at their Alley Party. Live music, a meatball eating competition, beer trucks, raffles, and more at one of downtown’s favorite hangouts. Bar’s opening at 9 AM, so get after it!

Welp, Thats all Folks. Thank you for reading and being part of the Memphis story. This newsletter exists because of you.

If there’s an event we missed, or a Memphis history story or birthday you’d like us to highlight, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

See you next week, Memphis!

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