Andrew Pace
The Memphis Grizzlies are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Grizzlies have home-court advantage, hosting the Thunder at the FedExForum, which has been their home venue since 2004. The FedExForum was built to replace the Grizzlies' previous home, the Pyramid Arena, which was unable to meet NBA standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the building | FedExForum |
| Year of construction | 2004 |
| Previous buildings used for basketball playoffs | Mid-South Coliseum, The Pyramid |
| Teams that have used the previous buildings | Memphis Tigers, Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Pharaohs |
| Address | Downtown Memphis |
| Capacity | 20,142 (1991-2001) 19,405 (2001-2002) 19,351 (2002-2004) |
| Height | 321 feet (98m, about 32 stories) |
| Base sides | 591 ft |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Memphis Grizzlies' former home
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, and compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. The Grizzlies were originally established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1995 as an expansion team, before relocating to Memphis in 2001.
In their first three seasons in Memphis, the Grizzlies played their home games at the Pyramid Arena, which was initially built for the Memphis Tigers in 1991. The Pyramid, also known as the ""Great American Pyramid" and the "Tomb of Doom", was located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. The unique structure, a nod to the city's namesake in Ancient Egypt, stands at 321 feet (approximately 32 stories) and has base sides of 591 feet, making it one of the largest pyramids in the world.
The Pyramid Arena hosted numerous basketball tournaments, including the 1993 Great Midwest Conference Men's and Women's tournaments, the 1994 and 1997 Southeastern Conference men's tournaments, and the 2003 Conference USA women's tournament. It also held the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament on multiple occasions. In addition to basketball, the arena hosted boxing matches, such as the 2002 mega-fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, and served as a filming location for the movie "Black Snake Moan".
However, when the Grizzlies moved to Memphis, it was discovered that the Pyramid Arena did not meet NBA standards. As the cost of upgrading the structure exceeded the cost of building a new stadium, the FedExForum was constructed and opened in 2004, becoming the new home arena for the Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers.
Understanding Basketball Score Sheets: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The FedExForum
Over the years, the FedExForum has hosted numerous sporting events and tournaments, including the 2003 Conference USA women's basketball tournament and the 2002 boxing mega-fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. The arena has also been a site for concerts, attracting famous artists from various music genres.
In addition to sporting events, the FedExForum has been utilised for other purposes. For example, filmmaker Craig Brewer used the arena as a sound stage for his film "Black Snake Moan" in 2005, showcasing the versatility of the venue.
Leaving High School Basketball: My Personal Story and Advice
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Pyramid's history
The Memphis Pyramid, formerly known as the Great American Pyramid and the Pyramid Arena, is a pyramid-shaped building located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, United States, at the bank of the Mississippi River. The building was conceived around 1954 by Memphis artist Mark C. Hartz, who envisioned three pyramids on the south bluffs of Memphis overlooking the Mississippi River. The project was resurrected by Hartz's son, Jon Brent Hartz, in the 1980s, and the building was opened on November 9, 1991.
The Memphis Pyramid was initially built as a basketball arena and served as the home court for the University of Memphis men's basketball program, also known as the Memphis Tigers. The team moved to the Pyramid in 1991 and played their home games there until 2004. During this time, the Pyramid was often filled with fans clad in the school's colours of blue and gray, and the team was consistently ranked among the top programs nationally in attendance.
In 2001, the Pyramid became the home arena for the National Basketball Association's Memphis Grizzlies, who had relocated from Vancouver. However, both the Tigers and the Grizzlies left the Pyramid in November 2004, moving to the newly built FedExForum. The Pyramid was not up to NBA standards, and the cost of upgrading the structure exceeded the cost of building a new stadium.
After the departure of the basketball teams, the Pyramid did not have any long-term tenants. It was used for various events, including boxing matches, concerts, and religious gatherings. In 2005, a committee studied possible uses for the arena, considering options such as a casino, an aquarium, a shopping centre, or an indoor theme park.
In 2015, after a complete renovation, the Pyramid reopened as a Bass Pro Shops megastore, which included shopping, a hotel, restaurants, a bowling alley, and an archery range, with an outdoor observation deck. The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid has become a popular attraction, drawing millions of visitors to downtown Memphis.
Basketball Sizes for 10-Year-Olds: What's the Right Fit?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Memphis Tigers' basketball
The Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represents the University of Memphis in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The Tigers have a rich history dating back to 1920 when the predecessor of the University of Memphis, West Tennessee State Normal School, first assembled a basketball team.
The Tigers joined the Mississippi Valley Conference in 1928, initially playing their home games in various venues, including a local high school gym and a room on campus called the "Normal Cage." In 1929, the team moved into a $100,000 on-campus facility, Memorial Gym, which served as their home court. Over the years, the Tigers have had notable coaches such as Zach Curlin, who led the team from 1924 to 1948, and Gene Bartow, who took over in 1970, guiding the team to success.
The Memphis Tigers have experienced both highs and lows throughout their history. In the 1970s, led by standout players like Larry Finch and Ronnie Robinson, the team achieved significant victories, including upsetting conference rival Louisville in 1971. However, they also endured a low point under the leadership of Iba, with multiple loss seasons.
The Memphis Tigers have played their home games in several venues throughout the years. In 1966, they moved off-campus to the Mid-South Coliseum, and later to the Pyramid Arena in downtown Memphis, which opened in 1991. The Pyramid, also known as the “Great American Pyramid" and affectionately nicknamed the "Tomb of Doom," became a symbol of the city. The arena hosted various basketball tournaments and notable events, including the NCAA Tournament and boxing matches.
However, when the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team moved to the city, the Pyramid was found to be unsuitable for NBA standards. As a result, the FedExForum, a new downtown venue, was built and opened in 2004, becoming the home of both the Memphis Tigers and the Grizzlies.
The Tigers have consistently ranked among the top basketball programs in the country. As of 2020, they boasted the 26th highest winning percentage in NCAA history, and ESPN ranked them 19th in their annual 50 in 50 list for the period from 1962 to 2012. The team has produced notable players, including Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, who led the Tigers to the 1992 NCAA tournament and earned a spot on the Dream Team before the Barcelona Olympics.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the University of Memphis men's basketball program has announced the signing of Daniel Vieira-Tuck, a versatile guard with international experience, adding depth and skill to the Tigers' roster.
Get Your Big Ten Basketball Tournament Tickets Now!
You may want to see also
Memphis Sports and Events Center
The Memphis Sports and Events Center opened in Fall 2022, and is located in the heart of Liberty Park, just outside the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The venue is within walking distance of a wide range of entertainment, retail, dining, and hospitality options, making it an ideal location for travelling tournaments and events. The complex features indoor basketball and volleyball hard courts and can be adapted for other sports, including wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, and futsal. It also includes two courtside cafes and concessions areas, a gaming lounge, and the Ninja 901 Adventure course, which is a perfect place for children's birthday parties.
The Memphis Sports and Events Center has hosted a variety of events, including the Memphis Mayhem tournament, the Blues City Bash tournament, the MSEC Basketball ALL-STAR Game, and the NAGA Memphis Grappling Championship. The center also hosted the Egg-streme Ninja Hunt, a one-of-a-kind egg hunt with a ninja twist, in April 2025.
The Memphis Grizzlies are the city's National Basketball Association (NBA) team. They previously played in the Pyramid Arena, also known as the Great American Pyramid, from 2001 to 2004. The Pyramid Arena was located in downtown Memphis on the banks of the Mississippi River. In 2004, the Grizzlies moved to a new downtown venue, the FedExForum, which is now the primary indoor sports arena in the city.
The Grizzlies are participating in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder. The first round of the NBA Playoffs started on April 19, 2025.
Tonight's Men's Basketball Champions: A Recap and Review
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Memphis Grizzlies play their home games at the FedExForum, which is located in downtown Memphis.
Before the FedExForum, the Grizzlies played at the Pyramid Arena, also known as the Great American Pyramid or the "Tomb of Doom".
Both the Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers moved to the FedExForum in 2004.
The FedExForum has a capacity of 19,351 for basketball games.
The FedExForum also hosts wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, and convocation events.
