As Memphis football kicked off its season Saturday evening against North Alabama, Sutton Smith and Mario Anderson weren't the only ones encountering gaping holes at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Memphis fans got their first look at the in-progress $220 million stadium renovations, which has resulted in a substantial opening on the west side of the stadium and even gave a somewhat nostalgic view of the Mid-South Coliseum.

Renovations will last through parts of the 2026 season, meaning Memphis fans will have to get comfortable with the new aesthetic for at least the next two seasons.

While overcast skies mostly provided protection from the heat and sun coming in from the hole, many fans, including family and friends who received tickets from players and coaches, faced an adjustment in finding their new seat locations for the home opener.

"It's fine. I don't like it, you know, it'd be good if we had the shade," said Shirley Doman, grandmother of starting defensive tackle William Whitlow Jr. "It seems like today is a day (dealing with the sun), so I'll think about it next game. But today is fine because it's kind of cloudy, and the wind's blowing."

Despite the inconveniences, William Whitlow Sr. said the school properly communicated with families about seat adjustments, and he told The Commercial Appeal that he likes his viewing experience now than at his former seat.

For fans on the east side of the stadium, they were the ones primarily dealing with an altered view. For Alan Strolle in Section 119 — a lifelong Memphian who has been attending Tigers football games for more than 30 years — it's going to take some getting used to.

"I guess it's different," Strolle said. "There's no problem with it, but it's just different. I've been looking across there for years now, and it just looks different. Being able to see the Coliseum and have a direct view of that, that is cool."

However, for fans like Strolle and the families of players, there's a recognition that renovations, despite inconvenient, are a sign of unprecedented levels of growth for Tigers football. And, after a 40-0 victory over North Alabama, they're hoping to cash in on that growth with an appearance in the new 12-team College Football Playoff.

"I'm ecstatic. I do believe they'll probably be the ones representing the Group of Five," Strolle said. "I'm excited, I'll be here every chance I get, believe me. Probably this same seat."

You can reach writer Joshua Crawford via email at @joshua.crawford@commercialappeal.com, or via X @JCrawford5656

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football fans see Liberty Stadium renovations for 1st time