MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s the talk of the town: The University of Memphis is pushing to join the Big 12 conference.
Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake, along with national exposure and prestige.
It’s no sure thing, but the UofM has one great asset the others don’t: backing from FedEx.
Word of FedEx possibly backing UofM’s campaign to get into the Big 12 has supporters wondering not just how many folks they can get in the stadium — it’s how many people they can get in Memphis in general.
“It would draw more people to Memphis. We have a lot going on here, it’s going to make more tourists, so more sales,” UofM graduate Nadiya Workman said.
That means sales at hotels, restaurants and in fan gear, too.
“The past couple of years with how much the fanbase has grown and the excitement for the games, it’s been great for us, going into the Big 12 now almost every single game is kind of like Ole Miss was last year,” said Jeremy Stinson of Tiger Book Store.
Late last year, UofM President M. David Rudd announced in a blog post Memphis will invest $500 on campus and in the university district over the next five years.
ESPN reports in February, Rudd sent a letter about that to presidents of some Big 12 universities. He reportedly included a letter from FedEx chairman Fred Smith saying he’s prepared to become a major Big 12 sponsor of football and basketball, including sponsoring a championship football game.
“I can’t begin to express my appreciation to Federal Express for what they’re doing here, and I think that puts us a step ahead of any other applicant into the Big 12,” Rudd said. “Memphis is on a roll.”
UofM booster Harold Byrd believes the change could up enrollment at the school and the number of visitors to Memphis to watch the Tigers take on major programs, like Texas and Oklahoma.
“Every week you would have 60,000 people in the Liberty Bowl,” he said.
But until the Big 12 announces its decision, it’s time out on all the what-ifs.
