FedExForum
“The Grindhouse”
NBA

FedExForum

Memphis Grizzlies

191 Beale Street Memphis, TN 38103

A Guide to FedExForum

Opened in 2004 at the eastern end of Memphis's historic music district, FedExForum seamlessly blends professional sports with the city's rich musical heritage. As the home of the Memphis Grizzlies, the arena captures the soulful energy of the nearby blues clubs, channeling it into a gritty, passionate game-day environment that perfectly reflects the heart of the city.

Getting to the Arena

  • Driving & Parking
    From the West (Arkansas - I-40 E / I-55 N): Take the bridge across the river, exit onto Riverside Drive or Front Street heading south, then turn left onto Union Avenue. From the East (Nashville - I-40 W): Take Exit 1B for Danny Thomas Boulevard South, then turn right (west) straight onto Dr. M.L. King Jr. Avenue. From the South (Mississippi - I-55 N): Take I-55 North, exit east onto E.H. Crump Blvd, then turn north onto B.B. King Boulevard (3rd Street) Parking Garage: 195 Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Avenue (attached directly to the south side of the arena). Two access points, both located on Dr. M.L. King Jr. Avenue between B.B. King Blvd and 4th Street.
  • Public Transit
    MATA trolley service runs along Main Street, about a 5-minute walk from the arena. Bus routes serve the downtown area.
    • Train (Trolley)
      The Main Street Line Route 51: Passengers take the rubber-tired trolley bus down Main Street and get off at the Beale Street Stop, which places them exactly a 5-minute walk (two blocks west) from the FedExForum front doors.
    • Bus Routes
      Route 1 – Union: Connects Midtown and East Memphis straight to Union Avenue, dropping off just blocks north of the arena. Route 2 – Madison: Runs continuously from the University of Memphis through downtown, dropping off along Madison Avenue within short walking distance. Route 39 – South Third: Travels from South Memphis directly past the arena's west side along B.B. King Blvd - 3rd Street for the closest possible drop-off. Route 50 – Poplar: A high-frequency line running from East Memphis down Poplar Avenue to the downtown transit terminal, an easy walk or transfer to the arena.
  • Rideshare
    The officially designated drop-off and pick-up zone for rideshare, taxis, and limos is located on the east side of the arena on 4th Street, specifically on the block between Beale Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Pregame Festivities

Beale Street is the pregame! One of the great entertainment streets in America, directly connected to the arena. Blues clubs, BBQ joints, and dive bars line the three-block strip.

Bars & Restaurants

  • A live music venue and restaurant on Beale Street named for the legendary bluesman. Live blues performances every night, Southern food, and a full bar. The energy on game nights is electric.
  • A Memphis craft brewery taproom on serving their lineup of craft beers brewed in Memphis. A quality craft beer option amidst the honky-tonks.
  • A Memphis BBQ institution serving some of the city's best ribs, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. Memphis-style BBQ dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, with optional sauce is a religion here.
  • A Memphis craft brewery producing creative beers in a spacious taproom. One of Memphis's best craft breweries.
  • A craft distillery on Front Street. Tours and tastings showcase their bourbon, vodka, and other spirits. The cocktail bar is a refined pregame option.
  • A Memphis legend serving incredibly crispy, spicy fried chicken. The chicken is worth any wait golden, crunchy, and seasoned with a peppery kick.
  • A historic general store on that has been operating since 1876. Part museum, part store, it sells everything from voodoo potions to vintage candy. A unique Beale Street experience.
  • A restaurant near the arena offering seafood and casual dining.
  • The South Main Arts District, has galleries, restaurants, and bars in a walkable neighborhood. Worth exploring for a pregame wander.

Neighborhood Attractions

  • Three blocks of live music, bars, and restaurants that have been the home of the blues since the early 1900s. W.C. Handy, B.B. King, and countless other musicians got their start here. On game nights, the music spills from every door and the energy carries into the arena.
  • Located at the Lorraine Motel. Where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. About a 10-minute walk from the arena. The museum tells the story of the American civil rights movement through powerful exhibits. An essential Memphis visit.
  • A massive Bass Pro Shops store inside the Memphis Pyramid, featuring an indoor cypress swamp, an aquarium, bowling, a hotel, and a rooftop observation deck with panoramic views. It's one of the most unusual retail experiences in America.
  • "The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins recorded. Tours of the original studio are offered and you can stand on the same floor where Elvis recorded "That's All Right."
  • The grand hotel on Union Avenue, famous for its marching ducks . Every day at 11 AM and 5 PM, the resident ducks march through the ornate lobby to and from the fountain. A charming Memphis tradition.

Monuments & Unique Features

  • The Plaza Brick Program
    The exterior plaza features thousands of custom-engraved fan bricks installed over the last two decades, reflecting the core community bond of the franchise.
  • The Historic Music Connection
    Just steps away from the arena footprint at the corner of Beale and 4th Street, you will find the Ida B. Wells Statue honoring the iconic civil rights journalist whose office once sat on that exact site
  • Retired Jerseys
    • #50 Zach Randolph
      Retired in December 2021. The first player in franchise history to receive the honor.
    • #33 Marc Gasol
    • #9 Tony Allen
  • The Broadcast Banner
    The arena features a dedicated banner for Don Poier, the original television and radio voice of the Grizzlies who passed away suddenly during the 2005 season.
  • Memphis Tigers College Banners
    Because the University of Memphis Tigers Men's Basketball team shares the arena, the rafters also house nine retired college jerseys including head coach Penny Hardaway’s #25, along with their respective NCAA tournament appearance and conference championship banners.
  • The "Grit and Grind" Hallway/Displays
    The main concourse features massive graphic murals, historical photography, and quotes dedicated to the 2010s "Grit and Grind" core.
  • The Music and Sports Integration
    Inside the arena, the player walk-up tunnels and selected public concourse walls display oversized imagery that connects the timeline of Memphis music pioneers (Stax, Sun Studio, Beale Street) directly with the timeline of the basketball franchise.

Seating & Special Sections

  • Courtside & Floor Seats
    Courtside & Floor Seats (Event / Plaza Level) Row AAA through CCC surrounding all four sides of the court. These are the most exclusive seats in the house. For Grizzlies games, courtside ticket holders receive access to the ultra-premium Courtside Lounge (located on the event tunnel level). This space features all-inclusive luxury catering, a premium open bar, and custom chef's tables before and during the game. It also features dedicated in-seat wait service so fans never have to leave the floor.
  • Pinnacle Club Level
    Sections P1 - P14: The entire mezzanine level, positioned along both sidelines directly above the lower bowl Plaza sections. This premium concourse offers highly elevated sideline sightlines. The sections are small featuring extra-wide padded seats and extra legroom.
  • Semi-Private Club Boxes
    Located at the East end of the arena bowl directly above the Plaza Level opposite the concert stage setup. Perfect for small groups (typically sold in clusters of 4 to 8 tickets). Instead of standard stadium stadium seats, these feature rolling, high-back upholstered chairs arrayed along a wide personal ledge or table perfect for holding plates and drinks.
  • Luxury Suites
    Pinnacle & Executive Levels-Sandwiched directly between the lower and upper decks, framing the entire circumference of the arena. They feature high-end interior decor, indoor bar rail seating, a private lounge area with flat-screen TVs, and custom catering menus provided by Levy Restaurants. Suite ticket holders also enjoy a private, direct VIP entrance connecting directly from the Gossett Motors Garage straight onto the suite concourses.
  • The Blues Room
    Plaza Level concourse, directly across from Section 116A: This is an exclusive hospitality add-on space designed specifically for premium concert-goers and major events. It requires a separate ticket addition.
  • Big River Steel Terrace
    The 200-Level upper bowl.: Officially branded as the Big River Steel Terrace Level, this area represents the passionate general-public core of the fanbase. While it lacks luxury perks like in-seat wait service or all-inclusive chef tables, it boasts the highest energy in the arena.

Concessions

  • Signature Items
    Memphis BBQ is the star! Dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, and smoked sausage from local purveyors. The stadium also features hot tamales (a Memphis-Mississippi Delta tradition) and Southern comfort food.
  • Rendezvous BBQ
    Sections 106, 116, and 216: The undisputed crown jewel of the arena’s food lineup. This legendary local institution serves its world-famous charcoal-rib flavor via BBQ pork sandwiches, dry-rubbed sausage and cheese plates, and the heavily ordered Rendezvous BBQ nachos.
  • TacoNganas
    Section 118 & 209: A highly popular local food truck empire brought inside the arena. They serve authentic street-style Mexican tacos accompanied by fresh salsas, providing an excellent alternative to standard stadium fare.
  • Rock 'n' Dough Pizza
    Section 109 and 209: A local favorite serving thick, gourmet pizza by the slice. Options include classic cheese, pepperoni, and a specialty Memphis BBQ pizza. They also serve their own locally brewed craft beers.
  • Smoke n Pour
    Section 204: A unique upper-deck cart specializing in massive, comforting baked potatoes piled high and loaded with your choice of smoked pork, beef, or chicken.
  • Chick-fil-A
    Section 101: A massively popular addition serving their classic menu staples including the original chicken sandwich, spicy chicken sandwiches, wraps, and waffle fries. (Note: In keeping with company policy, this location is closed for Sunday home games).
  • The Grill & Gourmet Grill
    Across from Section 106 & 118: The go-to spot for classic arena baseline mains. Re-imagined to feature single, double, and triple-stacked cheeseburgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, jumbo sausages, and french fries.
  • Wiseacre Brewery Bars
    Section 112 & 215: Massive dedicated taprooms for one of Memphis's premier craft breweries. They pour fan-favorites like Tiny Bomb Pilsner and Ananda IPA on draft, alongside canned selections, wine, and mixed cocktails.
  • Milagro Tequila Bar
    Across from Section 108: A premium spirits lounge serving handcrafted, signature Milagro tequila cocktails, margaritas, and traditional single/double highballs.
  • Modelo Bar
    Next to Section 103: A specialized beer bar centering heavily on imported Modelo drafts and packages, perfect for pairing with nearby street tacos.

Arena Information

Capacity
17,794
Avg Attendance
15,339
Opened
2004
Last Renovated
2022
Architect
Ellerbe Becket
Construction Cost
$250 million

Notable Events

The Relocation: The Grizzlies moved from Vancouver, where they began as an expansion team in 1995, to Memphis in 2001, finding a fanbase that embraced the team far more passionately than Vancouver had.

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