The Memphis Redbirds organization said 901 FC’s departure from AutoZone Park has “no impact on the Memphis Redbird’s current tenure” but says work is needed on AutoZone Park.
The soccer club officially announced Wednesday morning it will leave Memphis for Santa Barbara, California. The news surfaced in media reporting Tuesday evening. The team is leaving because the city did not secure it a soccer stadium.
“From the beginning, we emphasized that a soccer-specific stadium was essential for the long-term viability of professional soccer in Memphis,” reads a statement from the team on X Wednesday morning. “Following the city’s direction, we participated in multiple trips to lobby the Tennessee legislature in 2023 for a $350 million cash grant to fund sports facilities, including a new soccer stadium and renovations to AutoZone Park.
“While the state of Tennessee fulfilled this grant to Memphis, funding for the Liberty Park soccer stadium and AutoZone Park was unceremoniously left out. In the past year, we have explored additional options, but unfortunately time was not on our side.”
The Redbirds, which manages AutoZone Park for the city, said it was “saddened” by the news, that it will stay Downtown, but more work needs to be done at the park.
“Since AutoZone Park was not allocated any of the state funding made available last year, the city has deployed approximately $5 million in funds to help start to bring the city-owned facility into compliance with MLB standards before next year’s [Professional Development League] deadline,” reads a statement from the Redbirds. “However, we have communicated to the city that there is still a long list of vital needs that must be addressed in order for AutoZone Park to maintain a Triple-A club, including new seating, painting, bathroom renovations, and concrete repairs, among others.
“These items must be addressed seriously and swiftly to safeguard the long-term future of AutoZone Park as the proud home of the Redbirds and a premier destination for events in the city.”
