Liberty Bowl

The Liberty Bowl is one of the most historic and celebrated college football bowl games, held annually in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1959, the game has long been a staple of the NCAA postseason, renowned for its competitive matchups, deep traditions, and significant contributions to the sport’s rich history.

The Liberty Bowl was founded by entrepreneur Bud Dudley in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Named to honor American ideals of liberty and freedom, the inaugural game was played at Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium. Despite initial financial struggles, the Liberty Bowl found its permanent home in Memphis in 1965, where it has since become a marquee event.

The game is held at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, formerly known as Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. This iconic venue has hosted numerous legendary games, showcasing its capacity to deliver memorable moments for fans and players alike.

Traditionally, the Liberty Bowl features teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big 12 Conference. These conferences are known for their powerhouse programs and rabid fanbases, ensuring a thrilling contest each year.

Team selection is determined by regular-season records, bowl eligibility, and conference agreements. The Liberty Bowl often provides opportunities for teams to face non-traditional opponents, creating unique and exciting matchups that captivate college football fans.

Memorable Moments in Liberty Bowl History

The Liberty Bowl has hosted countless unforgettable games over the decades, cementing its place in college football lore:

  • 1982: Bear Bryant’s final game as head coach of Alabama saw the Crimson Tide defeat Illinois 21-15, marking the end of a legendary career.
  • 2004: Louisville’s thrilling 44-40 victory over Boise State featured over 1,000 yards of combined offense, making it one of the most exciting games in Liberty Bowl history.
  • 2010: UCF secured its first bowl victory with a 10-6 win over Georgia, a game that underscored the rise of the Knights’ program.
  • 2022: Arkansas defeated Kansas in a high-scoring affair, showcasing the dynamic talent of both teams and leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Cultural and Economic Impact

As one of Memphis’s most anticipated annual events, the Liberty Bowl contributes significantly to the city’s economy. Thousands of fans travel to Memphis for the game, filling hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. The game also highlights Memphis’s rich musical and cultural heritage, with the Beale Street parade and pregame performances featuring iconic acts.

Additionally, the Liberty Bowl has a tradition of supporting charitable initiatives. The game partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising funds and awareness for pediatric healthcare. This commitment to giving back amplifies the bowl’s positive impact beyond the football field.

 

Past Liberty Bowl games & results:

  • 2024 Liberty Bowl – Arkansas 39 – Texas Tech 26 – December 27
  • 2023 Liberty Bowl – Memphis 35 – Iowa State 26 – December 29
  • 2022 Liberty Bowl – Arkansas 55 – Kansas 53 – 2 OT – December 28
  • 2021 Liberty Bowl – Texas Tech 34 – Mississippi State 7 – December 28
  • 2020 Liberty Bowl – West Virginia 24 – Army 21 – December 31
  • 2019 Liberty Bowl – Navy 20 – Kansas State 17 – December 31
  • 2018 Liberty Bowl – Oklahoma State 38 – Missouri 33 – December 31
  • 2017 Liberty Bowl – Iowa State 21 – Memphis 20 – December 30
  • 2016 Liberty Bowl – Georgia 31 – TCU 23 – December 30
  • 2015 Liberty Bowl – Arkansas 45 – Kansas State 23 – January 2, 2016
  • 2014 Liberty Bowl – Texas A&M 45 – West Virginia 37 – December 29
  • 2013 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi St 44 – Rice 7 – December 31
  • 2012 Liberty Bowl – Tulsa 31 – Iowa State 17 – December 31
  • 2011 Liberty Bowl – Cincinnati 31 – Vanderbilt 24 – December 31
  • 2010 Liberty Bowl – UCF 10 – Georgia 6 – December 31
  • 2009 Liberty Bowl – Arkansas 20 – East Carolina 17 – Jan. 2, 2010
  • 2008 Liberty Bowl – Kentucky 25 – East Carolina 19 – Jan. 2, 2009
  • 2007 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi State 10 – UCF 3 – Dec. 29, 2007
  • 2006 Liberty Bowl – South Carolina 44 – Houston 36 – Dec. 29, 2006 ESPN
  • 2005 Liberty Bowl – Tulsa 31 – Fresno State 24 – Dec. 31, 2005
  • 2004 Liberty Bowl – Louisville 44 – Boise State 40 – Dec. 31, 2004
  • 2003 Liberty Bowl – Utah 17 – Southern Miss 0 – Dec. 31, 2003
  • 2002 Liberty Bowl – TCU 25 – Colorado State 3 – Dec. 31, 2002
  • 2001 Liberty Bowl – Louisville 28 – BYU 10 – Dec. 31, 2001
  • 2000 Liberty Bowl – Colorado State 22 – Louisville 17 – Dec. 29, 2000
  • 1999 Liberty Bowl – Southern Miss 23 – Colorado St. 17 – Dec. 31, 1999
  • 1998 Liberty Bowl – Tulane 41 – BYU 27 – Dec. 31, 1998
  • 1997 Liberty Bowl – Southern Miss 41 – Pitt 7 – Dec. 31, 1997
  • 1996 Liberty Bowl – Syracuse 30 – Houston 17 – Dec. 27, 1996
  • 1995 Liberty Bowl – East Carolina 19 – Stanford 13 – Dec. 30, 1995
  • 1994 Liberty Bowl – Illinois 30 – East Carolina 0 – Dec. 31, 1994
  • 1993 Liberty Bowl – Louisville 18 – Michigan State 7 – Dec. 28, 1993
  • 1992 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi 13 – Air Force 0 – Dec. 31, 1992
  • 1991 Liberty Bowl – Air Force 38 – Mississippi St. 15 – Dec. 29, 1991
  • 1990 Liberty Bowl – Air Force 23 – Ohio State 11 – Dec. 27, 1990
  • 1989 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi 42 – Air Force 29 – Dec. 29, 1989
  • 1988 Liberty Bowl – Indiana 34 – South Carolina 10 – Dec. 28, 1988
  • 1987 Liberty Bowl – Georgia 20 – Arkansas 17 – Dec. 29, 1987
  • 1986 Liberty Bowl – Tennessee 21 – Minnesota 14 – Dec. 29, 1986
  • 1985 Liberty Bowl – Baylor 21 – LSU 7 – Dec. 27, 1985
  • 1984 Liberty Bowl – Auburn 21 – Arkansas 15 – Dec. 27, 1984
  • 1983 Liberty Bowl – Notre Dame 19 – Boston College 18 – Dec. 29, 1983
  • 1982 Liberty Bowl – Alabama 21 – Illinois 15 – Dec. 29, 1982
  • 1981 Liberty Bowl – Ohio State 31 – Navy 28 – Dec. 30, 1981
  • 1980 Liberty Bowl – Purdue 28 – Missouri 25 – Dec. 27, 1980
  • 1979 Liberty Bowl – Penn State 9 – Tulane 6 – Dec. 22, 1979
  • 1978 Liberty Bowl – Missouri 20 – LSU 15 – Dec. 23, 1978
  • 1977 Liberty Bowl – Nebraska 21 – North Carolina 17 – Dec. 19, 1977
  • 1976 Liberty Bowl – Alabama 36 – UCLA 6 – Dec. 20, 1976
  • 1975 Liberty Bowl – USC 20 – Texas A&M 0 – Dec. 22, 1975
  • 1974 Liberty Bowl – Tennessee 7 – Maryland 3 – Dec. 16, 1974
  • 1973 Liberty Bowl – NC State 31 – Kansas 18 – Dec. 17, 1973
  • 1972 Liberty Bowl – Georgia Tech 31 – Iowa State 30 – Dec. 18, 1972
  • 1971 Liberty Bowl – Tennessee 14 – Arkansas 13 – Dec. 20, 1971
  • 1970 Liberty Bowl – Tulane 17 – Colorado 3 – Dec. 12, 1970
  • 1969 Liberty Bowl – Colorado 47 – Alabama 33 – Dec. 13, 1969
  • 1968 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi 34 – Virginia Tech 17 – Dec. 14, 1968
  • 1967 Liberty Bowl – NC State 14 – Georgia 7 – Dec. 16, 1967
  • 1966 Liberty Bowl – Miami 14 – Virginia Tech 7 – Dec. 10, 1966
  • 1965 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi 13 – Auburn 7 – Dec. 18, 1965
  • 1964 Liberty Bowl – Utah 32 – West Virginia 6 – Dec. 19, 1964
  • 1963 Liberty Bowl – Mississippi State 16 – NC State 12 – Dec. 21, 1963
  • 1962 Liberty Bowl – Oregon State 6 – Villanova 0 – Dec. 15, 1962
  • 1961 Liberty Bowl – Syracuse 15 – Miami 14 – Dec. 16, 1961
  • 1960 Liberty Bowl – Penn State 41 – Oregon 12 – Dec. 20, 1960
  • 1959 Liberty Bowl – Penn State 7 – Alabama 0 – Dec. 19, 1959