MEMPHIS — The Memphis City Council delayed a vote on a $5 million bond funding package intended for safety repairs at AutoZone Park during a committee meeting on June 9. A second vote is scheduled for June 23.

City officials are seeking the bond funding to replace the fire suppression system and complete other safety repairs at the ballpark. The funding proposal also includes replacing the original heating and ventilation system and installing safety netting for clubhouse-level seating. City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Antonio Adams stated that the deferred maintenance is required by the lease agreement.

Council Budget Committee Chairman Chase Carlisle cited concerns about attendance figures. "They are not going to baseball games. They are not going to minor league baseball games. At some point we have to say 30 years later, 'Is baseball our best bet?'" Carlisle said.

Councilwoman Jerri Green stated the city is not financially obligated to fund the upgrades under the current lease agreement. "This is changing the rules in the middle of the game." Green said. AutoZone Park, which opened in 2000, is the home stadium of the Memphis Redbirds. The franchise signed a 17-year lease with the city to manage the ballpark in 2017. The current funding request matches a separate $5 million investment made for the ballpark in 2024. The combined bond issuances are intended to bring the facility up to minor league baseball compliance standards.

The ballpark upgrades are part of a three-phase redevelopment plan initiated in 2025. This plan also includes future mixed-use development. AutoZone Park averaged more than 2,900 attendees per game during the 2025 season. A final vote on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling $897 million, is also scheduled for June 23. The city council deadline to approve the budget is June 30.