For many Memphians the Grizzlies are as much a part of the city as the blues, and a game at FedExForum is a lively alternative to another museum. The arena sits on the edge of the downtown entertainment district, a short walk from Beale Street, The Peabody and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, so a game night slots easily into a trip built around the same blocks. The team plays in the NBA, and the home crowd, famous for its noise and for the grit-and-grind identity the franchise has carried, is a big part of the draw. Tickets are sold as a game-day entry for a chosen fixture, which makes this a seasonal attraction. The NBA regular season runs from autumn to spring, so a game is only possible when the team is at home, and the schedule is set by the league. Outside that window, the arena hosts concerts and other events, but this page is specifically about basketball. Prices vary a great deal by opponent and day of the week, so a midweek game against a smaller-market side is usually the cheaper route. A game suits families with older children, sports fans and groups who want a social evening near their hotel. It is also an easy way to see how locals spend a winter night, which often says more about a city than a landmark does. Plan for the crowd: arrive early to get through entry and find your seat, and expect the streets near the arena to be busy before and after tip-off.
How to visit
Choose a home fixture from the schedule when you book, and check that the date falls inside the season. FedExForum is at the downtown edge, close to the Hampton Inn on Beale Street and a short walk from The Peabody, so most visitors reach it on foot. Entry rules and bag policies are set by the arena, so look at them before you travel.
What to expect
A full NBA production with music, mascots and a loud crowd. A game takes about two and a half hours plus breaks. Dress casually, and bring a layer in winter for the walk. Seats vary widely in view and price, so check the seating chart before you buy.
Making the most of it
Arrive early and take a walk along Beale Street first, or finish the evening with live blues afterward. If a game does not fit your dates, a stop at the arena’s neighbourhood is still worthwhile. Avoid scheduling a long day trip before tip-off, since game nights make downtown traffic slow, and check hotel rates, which climb on busy game nights.
What to expect
The experience
A live NBA game at FedExForum with the full arena atmosphere, a short walk from Beale Street.
Best time
A home game in the autumn to spring season, ideally midweek for lower prices.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Choose a home date when you book, arrive early and check the arena’s entry and bag rules.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sports fans and groups who want a lively evening near downtown.
- Families
- Good for older children who enjoy basketball, with a loud, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Couples
- A fun date-night alternative to a museum day.
- Pair with
- Beale Street before or after the game.
- Time needed
- About three hours.
Good questions
When can I see the Grizzlies?+
Only during the NBA season, which runs from autumn to spring, and only for home games. Check the league schedule for exact dates.
Where is FedExForum?+
It is on the edge of downtown, a short walk from Beale Street, The Peabody and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.
How long does a game take?+
Allow about three hours including entry and breaks.
Are tickets expensive?+
Prices vary widely by opponent, day and seat, so compare dates and seating before you buy.
What is there to do around the arena?+
The downtown entertainment district has Beale Street music, restaurants and bars within a few blocks.
