Renderings show what new fairgrounds could look like | News

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) – Action News 5 is getting a firsthand look at what might be included at a revamped Mid-South Fairgrounds.

Some of the changes include the opening of Tiger Lane, closing of Liberty Land, and recent improvements to the Liberty Bowl.

A rendering provided by O T Marshall Architects gives us a better sense of what could be included in the renovation.

The plan, which was introduced early last year, is now estimated to cost about $150 million.

The rendering shows there retail space could be build into the area to the north of the stadium.

Community Development Director Robert Lipscomb told Action News 5 last week that it is all part of a citywide renaissance.

"And it's going to be in sync with what we're doing with Graceland. We're trying to redo Overton Square. We're doing the Pyramid. I mean, so it's all to make Memphis a major tourist destination site," he said.

The fairgrounds redevelopment will be paid for with help from what are known as tourism development zone funds. The money is generated by sales tax revenues at public-use facilities like the Liberty Bowl.

There was also news last week that baseball great Tim McCarver would donate a large amount of money for new athletic fields.

City officials say it is difficult to put a completion date on a project like this one.

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