FedExForum was designed to blend seamlessly into the Beale Street Entertainment District. FedExForum: Memphis New Front Porch The $250 million dollar FedExForum opened on time and on budget in September 2004, and since then has come to be known as the premier arena in the NBA and in North America. It is home to the NBA s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers, and in the two basketball seasons since FedExForum opened, the arena has played host to two NBA Playoff series and two Conference USA Tournaments. FedExForum is again scheduled to host the Conference USA Tournament in 2007. But beyond hoops, FedExForum has also played host to concerts by dozens of chart-topping stars. The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock and Destiny s Child are among the A-List acts that have played FedExForum. Family shows like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, Disney on Ice, Monster Jam and Motocross have also proven to be popular. And on top of that, boxing has also played a big role in the success of FedExForum, having hosted numerous World Championship bouts, most recently the Jermain Taylor vs. Winky Wright Middleweight title fight. FedExForum has become more than just an arena. It has achieved the goal set by Grizzlies ownership, management and community leaders and has become the new front porch for Memphis, a place where people can come together. Since the arena opened in September 2004, over two million people have enjoyed a basketball game, concert or event at FedExForum. So what is it about FedExForum that has the city, the NBA and fans buzzing? The Rolling Stones rocked FedExForum in December 2005. An experience at FedExForum is unlike any other. It starts with unprecedented service, as every guest who enters the building is welcomed and taken care of. There are five seating levels in the arena, with wide concourses making navigating the building easy. There are over 100 points of sale for concession stands, meaning expedited service. There are four full-service restaurants, with three offering service to Premium Seat Holders: Opus, a fine dining restaurant overlooking the court, Blue Note Lounge, where fans can get a cocktail and a light meal before or during the game, the Lexus Lounge, where fans can watch the Grizzlies run onto the court from the locker room, and one open to all fans just off the Grand Lobby: Jack Daniel s Old No. 7 Sports Bar, a fun pre-game meeting place with patio seating. There s also the Green Room, a patio area overlooking Beale Street where fans can meet and greet before and after every game. Each of those spaces is also available to rent for private functions during nongame or event times. 266
All of the food in FedExForum is provided by Levy Restaurants, the leader in sports and entertainment venue dining and providing fans with selection and quality beyond anything they ve ever had at a sporting event. Whether it s a Memphis favorite such as Neely s Barbecue, or traditional fare like hamburgers, every fan can find something to satisfy their appetite. Once in their seats, the first thing fans notice is the massive videoboard. Designed by Daktronics, the center-hung scoreboard provides fans with live video, instant replays and information on ten large digital full-color displays, including four dedicated scoring sections. The scoreboard is one of the biggest in the NBA, measuring approximately 22 feet high by 38 feet in diameter. The unique design of the main center-hung scoreboard includes two 360-degree full-color rings of LED on the top and bottom of the scoreboard. Four additional video displays, in vertical configuration, flank the main video screens and dedicated scoring sections. To complement the center-hung video and scoring displays, additional LED displays are prominently featured around the seating bowl. One 360- degree ring of light encircles the entire seating bowl, mounted on the Terrace Level fascia. A second large display curves 270 degrees around the Club Level fascia. The four LED rings comprise the largest amount of linear feet of LED in any arena in the United States. FedExForum is also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as acoustic technology, making the sound in the arena crystal clear. Cirque de Soleil s Delirium thrilled audiences at FedExForum in March 2006. FEDEXFORUM The Grizzlies have qualified for the NBA Playoffs in each of their two seasons at FedExForum. 267
Kid Rock brought his high-energy show to FedExForum in March 2006. Before, during and after games, fans can buy the latest merchandise and Grizzlies gear in the Grizzlies Den team store, located in the Grand Lobby and at several boutique stores throughout FedExForum. The store is also open from 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Monday Friday and 1 p.m. 5 p.m. on Saturday, or can be reached by phone at (901) 205-1551. One of the most unique features of FedExForum is the music theme that is prevalent throughout the arena. Luxury Suite holders have their name engraved on a record outside their suite, and lyric sheets from famous Memphis songs appear prominently on the walls. Concessions and restaurants are named with uniquely Memphis music themes and areas of the arena concourses are divided into sponsored zones highlighting musical genres like Rock n Roll, the Blues, Gospel, Memphis Music Today and more. FedExForum is also home to the Rock n Soul Museum on the street level of the administration building. The Rock n Soul Museum traces the roots of rock and roll and soul music in Memphis, offering visitors a self-guided tour of Memphis music from the early 20th century into the 70s. The Rock n Soul museum is one of only two Smithsonian Institution exhibits not located in Washington, D.C. FedExForum has set a new standard for arenas in the NBA and surpassed all expectations. But in addition to all the impressive numbers, it achieved something even more significant: it became Memphis new front porch and the premier showcase of entertainment in the Mid-South. The elephants of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus enjoyed a meal on the FedExForum plaza in June 2006. 268
Jermain Taylor retained his Middleweight title in a 12-round draw against Winky Wright at FedExForum in June 2006. FedExForum/Media FAQs: 1. Where is the media entrance located? Media should enter the building on the Southeast corner of Fourth Street and Linden Avenue (Media/Staff Entrance). All bags will be subject to search upon entry into FedExForum. 2. Where is the media parking? Media parking is available in the FedExForum surface lot located on Linden Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets. 3. Where do I enter for the practice facility? Media should enter through the Staff/Media Entrance at Fourth and Linden. 5. Where are the locker rooms located? All locker rooms are located on the Event Level with the Media Suite strategically located on the East side. Memphis Grizzlies Southeast Visiting Team Northeast 6. Where are the media dining room and work rooms located? Event Level Southeast. Press take the elevator from the Media Entrance to the Event Level which opens directly into the Don Poier Media Center. 7. Where is the media seating? Two rows, south side center court, plus auxiliary seating on the Plaza Level, East side. 8. Where do satellite trucks park? Satellite trucks park in the surface lot to the South of the garage. The surface lot is located on Linden between Third & Fourth Streets. 9. Where are press conferences held? In the press conference room located in the Don Poier Media Center. FEDEXFORUM 269
The legendary Elton John performed at FedExForum in November 2005. Toby Keith performed to a sellout crowd at FedExForum in February 2006. The University of Memphis men s basketball team won the Conference USA Tournament at FedExForum in March 2006. 270