Tennessee House Speaker Sexton signals support for stadium funding

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton expressed optimism Tuesday that city of Memphis’ ask of state dollars for stadiums could pass the Tennessee General Assembly this year.

“I’m hopeful that we can at least get the Liberty Bowl and Fedexforum through the process, and then we’ll see what we can do with the rest,” Sexton, Rcrossville, said in Memphis Tuesday. The speaker’s comments are a significant show of support for Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s agenda in Nashville.

The city revealed $684 million in stadium plans last month. The plans, which are contingent on $500-plus million in state funds, would pay for a $150 to $200 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, a renovation for Fedexforum, a new soccer stadium to replace Mid-south Coliseum and an overhaul for Autozone Park.

The city has declined to breakout how much the Fedexforum renovations would cost but the renovations to the arena and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium are the two big ticket items on the city’s wish list.

Sexton’s show of support for the two big items is a sign that Strickland’s efforts to build relationships in Nashville have found fertile ground. Strickland and Sexton partnered on legislation that mandates longer prison sentences during the last session.

Before the city revealed its funding requests for stadiums, it briefed Sexton, Lt. Gov. Randy Mcnally and Gov. Bill Lee. It has pitched the stadium asks as investments that would give the state a return due to the economic impact of sports.

Sexton, who spoke after the United States Football League announced the Memphis Showboats would be playing at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, noted the potential return.

“If you’re looking at it from a return on investment, having multiple things playing here throughout the year really does help with the return,” Sexton said. He noted there’s support among his caucus.

Strickland said Tuesday he’s “optimistic’ that the city’s funding ask will meet success in Nashville.

“To have Sexton here is a big deal. We’re working it hard. To borrow an old phrase of the Grizzlies, it’s grit and grind. We’re meeting with legislators and the governor’s office, just one at a time,” Strickland said. Mark Giannotto contributed reporting.

Samuel Hardiman covers Memphis city government and politics for The Commercial Appeal.