For the first time in more than a decade, the Missouri Tigers football program is heading for St. Louis.
On Monday, Missouri announced its Sept. 23, 2023. scheduled game against Memphis is being moved from Memphis to The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.
The game is the start of a partnership with the St. Louis Sports Commission, which will host multiple Missouri athletic events in the St. Louis area in the 2023-24 academic year.
“The St. Louis region is a key market for us in recruiting, fan engagement and corporate support and we are looking forward to playing in The Dome next fall,” Missouri director of athletics Desireé Reed-Francois said in a release by the athletic department.
“Finding a unique way to hold events in the city has been a priority for Mizzou Athletics. This is an incredible opportunity for fans across the state as we bring Mizzou Athletics closer to St. Louis and the surrounding areas. We are grateful to the St. Louis Sports Commission for its partnership and look forward to continuing to grow and enhance the Mizzou brand statewide. We appreciate the hard work of so many people in making this series happen.”
Missouri last played in St. Louis in the 2010 season, posting a 23-13 victory against Illinois in the final game of the Arch Rivalry Series. Missouri went 6-0 in the series.
Memphis also announced the site change for the game Monday. Their athletic department insinuated the game had to be played in St. Louis or it wouldn’t be played at all.
“To be clear, we are very disappointed that this game could not be played in Memphis,” Memphis vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Laird Veatch said in a release. “However, once we were made aware that would no longer be an option, we explored every possible alternative.
“In the end, rescheduling the game with Missouri in St. Louis was the best remaining option for our football program. We very much look forward to competing against them next fall.”
Missouri will start the 2023 football season with three home games -- South Dakota, Middle Tennessee and Kansas State -- before playing Memphis.
The Tigers will then wrap up the 2023 regular season with eight consecutive Southeastern Conference games.