You’d be hard-pressed to find a better arena site anywhere. “We’ve linked the building to the Beale Street experience,” said Lead Designer Jon Niemuth of Ellerbe Becket. Beale Street is a crossroads of American music, and the arena has been themed around the great sounds born and nurtured in Memphis.
Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, Jazz, Country, Gospel, it’s all here. FedExForum is the epicenter for a movement that changed the world. From Claiborn Temple to Church Park, from Beale Street to the Gibson Rock & Soul Museum, the new arena is center stage for national history and popular culture.
Local officials are marveling at how smoothly it’s all come together.
“We can’t build community centers on time and on budget,” Memphis City Councilman Brent Taylor told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The fact that the $250 million FedExForum is opening on time and within budget “really is miraculous.”
New Memphis Arena Public Building Authority (PBA) Chairman Arnold Perl went a step further. He said FedExForum is poised to be “one of the biggest victories in the history of this city.” He cited the fact that Contractor Mortenson achieved substantial completion on July 30 – a day ahead of schedule – and is on pace to achieve minority participation goals.
FedExForum At A Glance
| Cost | $250 million |
| Developer | New Memphis Arena Public Building Authority |
| Owner | City of Memphis, Shelby County |
| Operator | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Funding | City and County Bond Sale |
| Architects | Ellerbe Becket LRK |
| Contractor | Mortenson |
| Building Dimensions | 748,000 sf |
| Seating | 18,055 Basketball 18,879 Center Stage Concert |
| Suites | 64 Total (28 lower level; 32 at club level; 4 party suites at club level) |
Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com
