Wayne Dowdle Named President of the 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, TN – Wayne Dowdle, a longtime board member and volunteer withthe AutoZone Liberty Bowl, has been elected President of the 2026 AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association. The 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be played in prime time on ABC, Saturday, January 2, 2027 at 6:30 pm Central Time. “The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is one of the most important and impactful events in Memphis. It shines a positive light on our community each and every year,”said Dowdle. “The opportunity to serve the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is a great honor and I look forward to continuing the Bowl’s success and its mission ofshowcasing Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through themany year-round events hosted by the Association.” Dowdle is a native Memphian and graduate of White Station High School and the University of Memphis, where he played football and lettered as a wide receiver. Wayne coached football for 25 years in Memphis area middle schoolsand high schools. The Dowdle name is well known in Memphis. Dowdle Sporting Goods was founded in the early 1900’s. Wayne led the company from 1985 to 2012, when he sold the business. In addition to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Dowdle serves on the board of directors of the Memphis Touchdown Club and Deeper Still Missions. He received the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s “Volunteer of the Year” Award in 2023.“ Wayne has been a dedicated supporter, volunteer and board member of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and all our activities for many years. We’re excited aboutthe experience, enthusiasm and dedication he brings to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association,” said Steve Ehrhart, Executive Director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. In addition to Wayne Dowdle, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Associationelected the following individuals as officers for 2026: Shone Bynum, Scott Cummins, Malvin Gipson and Kevin Nienhuis. To purchase tickets to the 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl, call (901) 795-7700 or
visit online at AutoZoneLibertyBowl.org
Wayne Dowdle named President of 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Wayne Dowdle named President of 68th AutoZone Liberty Bowl
