Downtown Delays Expected for Tigers Tip-Off; Long-Term Lane Closures Continue on SR-3

Sunday Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters and residents in Memphis can expect a relatively smooth start to Sunday, February 22, 2026. However, traffic volume is projected to increase significantly by mid-morning due to major sporting and community events in the Downtown and Uptown areas. Local drivers are advised to plan for extra travel time if heading toward the city center or utilizing major commuter arteries affected by ongoing multi-year construction projects.

Downtown and Beale Street Congestion

The primary driver of traffic today will be the Memphis Tigers vs. UAB Blazers men's basketball game at the FedExForum. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM, meaning doors will open to fans around 9:30 AM. Expect heavy congestion along Beale Street, B.B. King Boulevard, and Union Avenue as fans arrive and depart. Parking garages in the immediate vicinity of the arena are likely to reach capacity early. Motorists not attending the game are encouraged to use Second or Fourth Streets as alternatives to avoid the immediate Beale Street bottlenecks.

Uptown Event Alert

North of the city center, the Youth Villages Soup Sunday fundraiser is taking place at The Kent (61 Keel Avenue) starting at 11:00 AM. This popular community event will likely increase volume on Front Street and around the Uptown neighborhood. Drivers should remain alert for increased pedestrian activity in the area between Keel Avenue and the northern edge of the Downtown core.

Major Roadworks and Lane Closures

While weekend traffic is generally lighter than weekday commutes, several long-term infrastructure projects remain active today and may impact travel times:

• State Route 3 (Shelby County): Ongoing construction continues to reduce SR-3 to a single lane in both north and southbound directions. This restriction is part of a multi-year improvement project and is expected to remain in place through early 2027. Drivers on this route should anticipate slower speeds and exercise caution near work zones.
• Interstate 269 (Fayette County): A bridge repair project between mile markers 3 and 4 has reduced the northbound lanes to a single-lane configuration. This work is scheduled to continue through the spring of 2026, so through-traffic should prepare for potential merging delays.
• I-240 Resurfacing: While primary resurfacing work is scheduled for nightly hours, motorists may encounter lingering lane closures or temporary barriers on the stretch between Poplar Avenue and Summer Avenue during the early morning hours as crews break down equipment.

Public Transit Update

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) is operating on its standard Sunday schedule today. Riders should note that while most routes are running on time, bus lines passing near the FedExForum—including those serving the Main Street corridor and the North End Terminal—may experience minor delays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM due to game-day traffic. MATA maintains regular service, and no inclement weather disruptions are reported for today's operations.