An official with the Memphis baseball and soccer teams shared facts about “The crown jewel in Memphis” — Auto Zone Park — at the monthly Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (6.26.19).
Andy Steavens, vice president of sales and marketing for Memphis 901FC and Memphis Redbirds, told attendees at Stonebridge Golf Club, “There is so much going on at Auto Zone Park. This is truly a crown jewel in Memphis. There are 89 events including baseball, soccer, a St. Louis Cardinals Exhibition Game and a championship game.”
He said there is a year-long celebration this year as the Park observes its 20th anniversary, having served 10.7 million fans in that time.
Mr. Steavens said the new soccer team, Memphis 901FC, began play in March and is part of the USL Championship.
But how does soccer fit into a baseball park, he asked? He explained it is done in the infield by laying sod over the dirt. For example, the Memphis Redbirds played baseball at 2 p.m. on a recent Tuesday and by 7 p.m. the next day, it was time for a soccer match. “It’s a challenge for our groundskeepers,” he added.
Unique to soccer, he said, is a supporters group, locally called the Bluff City Mafia. “They generate a lot of energy for the matches with smoke, flags, even drums. They play four matches in July and I encourage you to come.”
Of the Redbirds, Mr. Steavens said they won two consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018.
The luncheon was catered by Buffalo Wild Wings and sponsored by Fireworks City.
Wil Ashworth, Chamber president, said the next luncheon is July 24th with Tim Simpson, WREG news meteorologist. The annual golf tournament is Sept. 30th. He said the tournament is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser and in 2018 made $9,000 to donate to Lakeland schools.
Among attendees today were Richard Gonzales Jr. and Wesley Wright, Lakeland commissioners, and Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System superintendent.
… Photos courtesy of Anna Stonestreet Smith
