Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum
The Grizzlies have called FedExForum home since 2004, three years after the franchise relocated to Memphis from Vancouver, British Columbia. Those first three seasons, the Grizzlies played in the Pyramid, but the landmark venue needed costly upgrades to meet NBA standards. Construction of a $250 million arena was found to be more feasible.
The dome-shaped venue on Memphis' historic Beale Street pays homage to the city's rich music history, boasting murals, photographs and themed restaurants and clubs throughout. FedExForum has undergone several renovations since its initial construction, including a state-of-the-art, high-definition scoreboard and video screen installed in 2017. The arena was also the first in the NBA to have "see-through" shot clocks, so the views of fans were not obstructed.
Memphis Grizzlies 2022-23 Team Info
Conference: Western
Division: Southwest
Year Founded: 1995
Team Colors: Beale Street Blue, Memphis Midnight Blue, Steel Gray, Gold
Memphis Grizzlies History
As the Vancouver Grizzlies, the team joined the NBA in 1995 along with the Toronto Raptors as the league expanded to Canada. Their early struggles -- six consecutive seasons with no more than 23 victories -- hurt attendance. Ownership found open arms in Memphis and moved the franchise in 2001.
Their first year in Memphis, they drafted forward Pau Gasol, who would go on to win NBA Rookie of the Year, the franchise's first All-Star and, eventually, the Grizzlies' all-time leading scorer and rebounder. In 2002, the Grizzlies brought on Jerry West as general manager, and the franchise reversed course. In the 2003-04 season, they posted a winning record, making the playoffs for the first of three consecutive seasons.
A four-year dry spell followed, but sparked by forwards Zach Rudolph and Rudy Gay and helmed by coach Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies returned to the playoffs in the 2010-11 season, upsetting the San Antonio Spurs in the first round before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games in the conference semifinals. It was the first of seven consecutive playoff appearances for the Grizzlies.
The 2012-13 season saw the Grizzlies use their record-setting defense to make it as far as the conference finals. They ultimately fell to the San Antonio Spurs.
The 2020-21 season saw the Grizzlies finish the season with a winning record (38-34) and win two play-in games to clinch the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The team eventually fell to the No. 1 seed Utah Jazz in five games. Behind star Ja Morant, the Memphis roster appears well positioned for continued success. Morant averaged 19.1 points, four rebounds and 7.4 assists per game and was a standout during the play-in game tournament.