History
FedExForum has come to be known as one of the premier arenas in the NBA and in North America. It is home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team, and in the time since FedExForum opened, the arena has presented 10 NBA playoff series, including the 2013 NBA Western Conference Finals, and hosted major basketball tournaments such as the 2009, 2014 and 2017 NCAA Regional Men’s Basketball Tournaments, the 2014 and 2019 American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Tournaments and the 2010 NCAA South Regional Women’s Division I Basketball Tournament.
FedExForum has already played host to many concerts of chart-topping stars including: AC/DC, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Billy Joel, Blake Shelton, Bob Seger, Bon Jovi, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapelton, Elton John, Eric Church, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Garth Brooks, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Janet Jackson, John Mayer, Journey, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kenny Chesney, Michael Bublé, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Usher among other A-List acts that have played FedExForum.
In addition, Memphis and FedExForum have become a premier location for major boxing events having already hosted seven World Championship Boxing events, four concert rehearsals and tour openings as well as many major family shows like World Wrestling Entertainment, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and Motocross, Cirque du Soleil and Professional Bull Riders. FedExForum also helped lead the initiative to legalize mixed martial arts in the state of Tennessee, leading to UFC 107 being held at FedExForum in December 2009.
FedExForum has become more than just an arena. It has achieved the goals 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 $250 million arena opened on time and on budget in September 2004, millions of fans have enjoyed a basketball game, concert or event at FedExForum. In addition, FedExForum has become synonymous with unprecedented “Fans First” service, a principle which helped lead the Grizzlies and FedExForum being ranked as the best overall professional sports franchise in North America in ESPN The Magazine’s 2013 Ultimate Standings, a composite ranking of all 122 franchises across the four major professional sports in North America (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL).
Upon entering the arena through the FedExForum Grand Lobby, fans can get a first-hand look at the Built Ford Tough Training Facility, the official in-house practice facility of the Grizzlies and Hustle where fans can grab a quick bite while getting an in-person look at the Grizzlies LIVE pregame, halftime and postgame shows. The FedEx Hub, and IP Zone are featured on the Plaza Level, one of five seating levels in the arena. Wide concourses allow fans to navigate these levels to see the best Memphis has to offer.
For expedited service, there are over 100 points of sale for concessions throughout FedExForum. In addition, premium seat holders can enjoy Sissy's Floor Seat Lounge to watch the Grizzlies run onto the court from the locker room, and the exclusive HHM Courtside Club near the Grizzlies tunnel and Caesar's Sportsbook Lounge overlooking Beale Street.
All food in FedExForum is provided by Levy Restaurants, the leader in sports and entertainment venue dining, and fans experience selection and quality beyond anything they’ve ever had at a sporting event. From Memphis favorites such as Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous BBQ, IPOP Gourmet Popcorn, and Dippin’ Dots, to Levy concepts like Memphis Burrito Co., all fans can find something to satisfy their appetite.
Designed by Daktronics, the newly installed center-hung videoboard, measuring 16.5 feet high and 145.5 feet in diameter, provides fans with continuous 360-degree live video, instant replays and information on 24 large digital full-color displays. The new videoboard system consists of nearly 2,700 square feet and more than 5.8 million LEDs. Four additional video displays, measuring 20 feet by 37.5 feet, are featured on each corner of the arena bowl. FedExForum features one of the largest corner video displays in the NBA.
To complement the center-hung videoboard, 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 Pinnacle Level fascia. The LED rings comprise one of the largest amounts of linear feet of LED in any arena in the United States. FedExForum is also equipped with a high-tech sound system, as well as acoustic technology, making the sound in the arena crystal clear, and a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network powered by Ubiquiti.
Fans also can get in the game with the latest NIKE Grizzlies gear in the Grizzlies Den by Fanatics team store, located in the Grand Lobby and at several merchandise stands throughout FedExForum. The store is also open on non-game days from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Playoff hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. The team store 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 1970s. The Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is one of only two Smithsonian Institution exhibits not located in Washington, D.C.