Pyramid Arena
The home of the Memphis Grizzlies from their 2001 arrival until the end of the 2003–2004 season.
The Memphis Pyramid, originally known as the Great American Pyramid and Pyramid Arena, served as the home court for the National Basketball Association's Memphis Grizzlies after their relocation from Vancouver in 2001. The team played there until the end of the 2003–2004 season, with their final home game on April 14, 2004, before both the Grizzlies and the University of Memphis men's basketball program moved into the newly built FedExForum. Built in 1991 as a 19,000-seat arena for basketball, the facility was owned jointly by the city of Memphis and Shelby County until the county sold its share to Memphis in April 2009. Standing 321 feet tall with base sides of 591 feet, it remains a distinctive landmark on the bank of the Mississippi River.
- Years Active (Grizzlies)
- 2001–2004
- Capacity (Basketball)
- 19,000
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Pyramid's history began around 1954 when artist Mark C. Hartz first conceived a project of three pyramids on the south bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The largest would have been two-thirds the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The concept languished for decades until Hartz's son, Jon Brent Hartz, resurrected it with a bronze glass-glazed design adopted by entrepreneur John Tigrett. Groundbreaking occurred on September 15, 1989, and the building officially opened on November 6, 1991. Although plans for a Hard Rock Cafe, music museum, and theme park were scrapped due to financial fallout between Tigrett and manager Sidney Shlenker, the arena became a pivotal venue. It hosted the Grizzlies from their 2001 arrival until 2004. Renovations costing $7 million were made for the team's three-year stay, but the building fell short of NBA standards, prompting the construction of FedExForum.
In Their Own Story
The Grizzlies' tenure at the Pyramid was marked by both historic moments and financial strain. The arena hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament in 1995, 1997, and 2001. Beyond basketball, it saw major events like the WWF St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House pay-per-view in 1999, featuring Big Show's WWE debut under his real name Paul Wight. On June 8, 2002, Lennox Lewis defeated Mike Tyson by knockout in the eighth round during a record-breaking boxing event. The venue also hosted concerts by Mary J. Blige in September 1997, Shania Twain on November 14, 1998, and July 1, 1999, as well as Phish's sold-out show in 1999, which was later released as "Memphis '99". Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band performed the final concert at the Pyramid in February 2007 before it ceased regular sports and entertainment use.
Reader's Guide
Visitors to the Pyramid during its Grizzlies era experienced a unique environment defined by its steep, glass-walled geometry. While the venue was functional and profitable initially, it required significant investment to meet NBA standards. The city spent $7 million on improvements like enhanced dressing rooms and new television camera platforms. Fans attended games knowing that the arena's acoustics amplified every cheer or groan in the cavernous space. Although the Grizzlies left in 2004 due to the prohibitive cost of further renovations and a required year-long shutdown, the Pyramid remained open thanks to a city council vote. The Ledbetter committee later recommended converting it for destination retail. Today, the structure houses Bass Pro Shops, featuring an archery range, bowling alley, and the tallest freestanding elevator in America leading to an observation deck at its apex.
Did You Know?
- Lennox Lewis defeated Mike Tyson by knockout in the eighth round at the venue on June 8, 2002.
- 3 Doors Down performed the final concert in the building as a sports arena on November 17, 2007.
- Phish released an audio recording of their 1999 sold-out concert at the Pyramid titled "Memphis '99" in 2022.
- The structure is not typically ranked among the world's tallest pyramids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Grizzlies play before FedExForum?
The team played at the distinctive glass Pyramid Arena immediately following their relocation from Vancouver. This Midtown venue served as their temporary home during the franchise's first years in Tennessee.
How many seasons did the team spend at Pyramid Arena?
Memphis basketball was hosted there for three specific seasons spanning from 2001 to 2004. After this period, the organization transitioned to a new permanent facility downtown.
Why was Pyramid Arena significant for Memphis basketball?
It provided the unique backdrop where NBA games first returned to the city after the franchise moved from Canada. This era is remembered as the formative period when the team built its local fanbase.
What was the crowd capacity during Grizzlies games there?
The arena held roughly 18,500 fans for basketball events within its unique architectural design. This size created a loud and energetic environment for the early squads.
Did the Grizzlies ever return to Pyramid Arena after moving out?
No regular season games have been played there since the team moved to FedExForum in 2004. It now stands as a historic landmark representing the start of the franchise's time in Memphis.
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