Cerda: New UofM sports stadium to be built in honor of Eliza Fletcher

A new University of Memphis soccer and track and field stadium will be built in honor of Eliza Fletcher.

School officials announced the new Liza Wellford Fletcher Stadium during a press conference Tuesday morning. The facility is dedicated in the memory of Fletcher, a Memphis mother and teacher who was kidnapped and killed in September 2022.

"Today is a special day for the university and for the city of Memphis. It's an opportunity for all of us to come together and really celebrate an amazing Memphian who impacted so many of our lives," Christina Wiatr, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Memphis said. "I'm a native Memphian, I am a mother, I am a runner, a lover of sports. I'm all those things. I'm personally invested and these young ladies and athletes, I'm just really excited for this opportunity for them and for us to be able to honor Liza."

"I'm happy to have coached Liza. Liza played here for two years, and in 2007 was actually the first championship the program had ever won. And she was a big part of that program," said Brooks Monaghan, Head Coach of the University of Memphis Women's Soccer team. "Liza wasn't the most talented player, but just her spirit, her work great, her attitude, her smile bright. She stands out amongst the hundreds of kids that I've coached over the years."

The initial phase of the project aims to raise $7 million to provide top-notch amenities for student-athletes. Enhancements will include a grandstand for the soccer and track stadium, press box, women’s soccer team area and a framework for the men’s side.

Read more via Carolyn Cerda via Fox 13.