Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
AutoZone Park 200 Union Ave Memphis, TN 38103
Year Opened: 2000
Capacity: 14,320
Baseballs & Blues
Downtown Memphis is home to the Memphis Redbirds, the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals since the team’s inception in 1998. After playing their first two seasons in Tim McCarver Stadium the Redbirds moved to their current home, AutoZone Park. The stadium cost $80.5 Million to build which was the most expensive minor league stadium to be built at the time. It was built in a way that it could be expanded in the event Memphis received a major league team.
The Redbirds moved to the International League in 2021 after playing in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) since their inception. The Redbirds won four titles in the PCL, last winning the league in 2018. Memphis also won the AAA national championship game that same season. The Redbirds have a rivalry with the Nashville Sounds, even having an official “I-40 Cup Series” from 2012-2015.
Food & Beverage 4
AutoZone Park offers several concession stands throughout the stadium. The “American Dog” stand sells a variety of hot dogs with options including a Jumbo Hot Dog ($5.50), Veggie Dog ($5.50), or a Memphis Dog ($8). This stand (as well as the other stands) sells pretzels ($6.50), popcorn ($7.50), peanuts ($5.50), cracker jacks ($5.25), & candy ($5.25). Coca-Cola branded soft drinks are offered at the ballpark with small drinks ($5.25), large drinks ($7) & “Zen” bottled water ($6) sold at “American Dog”. Domestic ($10.25) and premium ($12.25) beers are also offered at this stand.
The “Farm and Foul” stand offers a Cheeseburger basket with fries ($8), double cheeseburger basket ($10.50), single cheeseburger drink combo ($12), chicken sandwich basket ($13), chicken tender basket ($12.50), black bean burger basket ($10), & a footlong corndog ($5.50). Pizzas are sold at “Slice of Memphis” with a slice ($6.50) or a whole pizza ($48) on offer.
Over at the “World Famous BBQ Nachos” stand are ballpark nachos ($6.50), Rendezvous BBQ nachos ($16), sausage & cheese plate ($13.50), & funnel cakes ($8). “Nachos 901” sells souvenir BBQ nachos ($15), chili & cheese nachos ($12), and a BBQ pork sandwich with chips & coleslaw ($10.50). Finally the “Sweet Treats” stand offers ice cream cups ($6.50), ice cream cones ($7.50), typhoon root beer float ($8.25), mini melts ($6.50), Oatley ice cream bar ($6), & churros ($6).
There are various food carts around the concourse to supplement the concession stands. The “Fry Cart” sells loaded fries with cheese ($8), chili & cheese ($10.50), and BBQ fries ($9.50). An “Icee Cart” offers an Icee Cup ($5.75), Frozen Icee ($8.50), ice cream bars ($5), and an Icee cookie ($4.75). The quesadilla stand sells quesadillas with cheese ($8), steak ($10.50), and chicken ($11.50). The “Memphis Hot Dog & Sausage” cart offers smoked sausage ($8), brats ($8), and fried bologna ($9). There is also a draft beer cart that sells beers and Jell-O shots ($3.50).
Atmosphere 4
At the main entrance of the ballpark is a “AUTOZONE PARK” sign with an LED display that promotes upcoming events. That sign welcomes you into the fan plaza with metal plates that resemble ball players. Upon entering the venue the team store will be on the right. The concourse is open to the field throughout the entire ballpark so that you are not missing any game action while getting concessions. There are also several monitors showing the game throughout the concourse.
The reserved seats are split into two levels with the vast majority being in the lower level. They are all chair backs and are close to the action no matter where you are sitting. The upper level has club seats that provide the best view of the entire ballpark. In right field is a large scoreboard where fireworks are released during the national anthem. There is another scoreboard in the left-field fence that shows scores from other games.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the Redbirds offer inflatables and face painting out by left field for kids to enjoy. On “Throwback Thursdays” $2 beers and $1 hot dogs are offered and the players wear “Memphis Chicks” jerseys which are a callback to the Memphis Chicks team that was a staple in Memphis until 1960. The Redbirds put on a postgame firework display on Saturdays while kids can get a free ice cream sandwich and run the bases after games on Sundays.
Neighborhood 5
There are a couple of great BBQ places next to AutoZone Park including Smurfey’s Smokehouse & Charlie Vergos Rendezvous. AutoZone Park is located near Beale Street, one of the most popular tourist spots in the United States. Beale Street is famous for its Blues clubs such as BB King’s & Blues City Cafe. Other restaurants include Silky O’ Sullivan’s for Irish fare, Dyer’s Burgers, & Flying Fish for seafood.
There are several museums within walking distance of AutoZone Park including the Cotton Museum, Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, & the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery. The ballpark is also within walking distance from FedEx Forum, home of the NBA’s Grizzlies. Lodging options within walking distance include Hotel Indigo, DoubleTree, & Hotel Napoleon.
Fans 3
Professional baseball has been a staple in Memphis since 1877 as Memphis has been home to many teams over the years. They were notably the home of the “Chicks” from 1912-1960 and the Redbirds honor that legacy by occasionally playing games with the “Chicks” nickname. Baseball fandom from the Chicks days has seemingly carried over to the Redbirds.
During breaks in the game, an emcee is keeping the fans entertained. The scoreboard will also have various fan cams and other activities for fan interaction. Redbird fans have friendly banter with fans of opposing teams with games against the Nashville Sounds bringing out the most of Redbird fandom.
Access 5
AutoZone Park is located in downtown Memphis not far from Beale Street and FedEx Forum. From I-55 North, take Exit 6B onto I-69 & merge off at Exit 30. Stay on the left and turn onto Highway 51 which becomes Union Street. Keep driving until AutoZone Park is on your right. From I-40 West, turn off at exit 1C and onto Highway 51 before making a right on Union Street & AutoZone Park will come up quickly on the right. From I-40 East, turn off on exit 1 after entering Tennessee and make a right on Riverside Drive. Turn left on Union Street and AutoZone Park will be on the left.
Memphis offers a trolley car line that has a stop next to AutoZone Park. The trolley costs $2 for a day pass and has stops throughout downtown Memphis. Most hotels downtown and several attractions should be within walking distance of a trolley stop.
There are several parking garages around the ballpark with the Redbirds endorsed ones costing about $20 to park. There is plenty of street parking within walking distance which goes for $1.50/hour until 10 pm Mondays-Saturdays.
There are several gates at the main entrance of the ballpark and there is plenty of space in the fan plaza. Once inside the stadium, the concourse is wide enough to walk around easily. There are plenty of concession stands that are spread out throughout the concourse which keeps lines at a minimum.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets start at $13 for general admission berm seats in the outfield. Reserved seats go for between $22-$28 depending on the view of the seat. Finally, club seats with food & drinks included cost $80. There is a $2 surcharge for games on Fridays - Sundays. If one person buys a general admission ticket to a weeknight game, parks on the street, and grabs some concessions about $35 will be spent. This is $60 for a date & a touch over $100 for a family night out.
Extras 4
The venue hosted the 2003 AAA All-Star Game as well as the 2016 & 2019 AAA national championship games. AutoZone Park also hosted exhibition MLB games in 2007 & 2008.
AutoZone Park is also the home of Memphis 901 FC, a professional soccer team that competes in the USL Championship. AutoZone Park is a popular stop for outdoor concerts in Memphis.
Final Thoughts
AutoZone Park was an expensive state-of-the-art stadium when it opened at the turn of the millennium. That may have been a good investment as the venue is still a great place to spend an evening in Memphis.
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