Stadium Operations Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Stadium & Sales is responsible for leading external event sales, strategic partnerships, and stadium business development initiatives for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Reporting directly to the Assistant Athletics Director, Stadium and Event Operations, this position serves as the primary lead for sourcing, developing, and coordinating new revenue-generating opportunities while building long-term relationships with community, corporate, and tourism partners.

Approximately 70% of this role focuses on sales, business development, and partnership coordination with organizations including the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Memphis Sports Council, University event departments, Liberty Park, tourism agencies, promoters, sponsors, and external event organizers.

The remaining responsibilities are evenly split between stadium operations support, event execution, and facility coordination to ensure successful event delivery and exceptional guest experiences.

About Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is a 136-acre multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex centered around the iconic stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Previously known as Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, the venue opened in 1965 as Memphis Memorial Stadium.
The stadium serves as the home venue for the Memphis Tigers Football program, Southern Heritage Classic, AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and Memphis Showboats of the UFL. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is currently completing a $220 million renovation that will further position the venue as a premier destination for college football, entertainment, and major events.
 

Initial screening will begin Thursday, July 23, 2026 and will occur every Thursday thereafter until filled.

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor's degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master's degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field required and four (4) years of experience in sport sales, venue management, event development, sponsorship sales or related field required OR Master's degree and two (2) years of relevant experience. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience working in sports, entertainment, tourism, hospitality, or large public assembly venues strongly preferred.
Proven ability to generate revenue opportunities and build strategic partnerships.
Strong understanding of stadium operations, event logistics, and venue management.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Familiarity with budgeting, contract coordination, CRM systems, and event planning software preferred.
Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended event days.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Sales & Business Development 
Lead stadium sales initiatives focused on increasing venue utilization, external events, sponsorship opportunities, and revenue generation.
Source, develop, and cultivate new event opportunities including concerts, festivals, sporting events, community events, corporate functions, conventions, and special events.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for external partners including the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Memphis Sports Council, Liberty Park, University of Memphis departments, tourism agencies, promoters, sponsors, and community organizations.
Coordinate with University departments and external stakeholders to identify and secure new event opportunities.
Develop strategic partnerships that enhance the visibility and economic impact of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Conduct outreach and business development meetings with event organizers, promoters, and corporate partners.
Assist in developing proposals, presentations, pricing structures, and event agreements.
Maintain strong relationships with existing clients to drive repeat business and long-term partnerships.
Represent Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium at industry conferences, networking events, community meetings, and tourism-related functions.
Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote stadium events and venue capabilities.
Identify opportunities for sponsorship integration, premium experiences, and ancillary revenue streams.
Track sales activity, event pipeline development, and partnership metrics.

Operations & Event Coordination 
Assist with operational planning and execution for external events hosted at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Coordinate event logistics including scheduling, staffing, vendor coordination, parking operations, security coordination, and facility readiness.
Participate in planning meetings with internal departments and external event stakeholders.
Support event-day operations and serve as Manager-on-Duty when assigned.
Assist in coordinating event timelines, load-ins/load-outs, and operational schedules.
Collaborate with public safety, emergency management, and traffic management personnel.

Stadium & Facility Coordination 
Support stadium leadership with venue utilization planning and operational readiness.
Coordinate with facility operations teams regarding maintenance, event setup requirements, and stadium improvements.
Assist with monitoring guest experience initiatives and operational efficiency improvements.
Maintain event documentation including event resumes, operational notes, diagrams, and scheduling records.
Support game day and major event operations as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
Frequent walking throughout the stadium, event spaces, parking lots, and exterior grounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods during events and operational activities.
Regular use of computers, radios, phones, and office equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment
Work is performed in both office and live event environments.
Noise levels may vary from moderate during planning periods to loud during live events.
Position requires working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with changing priorities.