Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to break out the face paint, secure your tickets, find your seats, and make some noise, because it’s game time!
When it comes to athletics, you can find it all in Memphis. From pro athletes, to college game day, to talented up-and-comers who always got game –Memphis has it all.
Take a look at our teams, traditions, and where to find tickets for the hottest events in town.
The Memphis Grizzlies
You may have heard by now that Memphis is home to the Grizzlies. Since 2001 they’ve been thrilling us with daring dunks, stupendous long-range shooting and winning seasons. They play with grit at the FedExForum, which is often packed to the rafters with rabid hoops fans. In fact, the FedExForum is known around Memphis affectionately as the Grindhouse, for its grit-and-grind style of basketball.
The Grizzlies were bestowed the title of best overall sports franchise in 2013 by ESPN. Memphis has embraced their no-nonsense basketball team, led by Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Gasol has been a perennial contender for Defensive Player of the Year since bringing home the hardware after the 2013 season. Since arriving in the NBA in 2006, Conley has become the heart and soul of Memphis, becoming the franchise leader in games played, assists, 3-pointers made, steals, and points scored. Combined, Gasol and Conley have led the Grizzlies to seven straight playoff appearances, the longest active playoff streak in the NBA.
The Memphis Redbirds
You can catch tomorrow’s MLB stars today when you score tickets to see the Memphis Redbirds play at AutoZone Park.
The Redbirds became the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998 and features some of the game’s hottest rising stars. Past Redbirds stars include Dan Haren, Lance Berkman, Cris Carpenter, Rich Hill, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright.
Memphis is coming off their best season yet, winning 91 games in 2017 to eclipse the previous record of 83 set in 2000. The Redbirds went on to win the 2017 Pacific Coast League (PCL) Championship. In the last five years, Memphis has brought home two PCL American South Division titles, one American Conference title, and one PCL title.
Learn more about our very own boys of summer by visiting the Memphis Redbirds website.
College football
Saturdays are for college football, and in Memphis, college football is all about the University of Memphis Tigers.
Our team plays in the American Athletic Conference, meaning the Tigers square off against the likes of Temple, East Carolina, and South Florida on a regular basis. Memphis made noise nationally in 2015 when Paxton Lynch led the Tigers to an upset over the then-No. 13 ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Memphis made their fourth-straight bowl appearance in 2017.
The Tigers play at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, which provides the quintessential college football game-day experience. Saturdays in the fall are made for Tiger Lane, the ultimate tailgating experience. Plus, the University of Memphis has Tom Tiger III, one of just two live tiger mascots in the country, present and proud at every home game.
Learn more and get your tickets today.
College basketball
Former Memphis Tiger Penny Hardaway has returned to U of M to take the coaching reins and usher in a new generation of college basketball greatness. To watch our women’s team in action, drop by the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, where you’re sure to encounter a lively college basketball atmosphere.
Learn more about college basketball in Memphis.
The Mississippi RiverKings
You might be surprised to hear that we have our very own professional hockey team down here in Memphis.
While the Mississippi RiverKings no longer play in the city of Memphis, they’re just a short drive away in Southaven, Mississippi—and they always put on a great show.
NASCAR and IHRA
If high-octane racing is your thing, cruise over to the Memphis International Raceway, where NASCAR returned in 2017 after an eight-year absence. The MIR also hosts the NASCAR K&N Series regional championship, which showcases the Monster Energy series stars of tomorrow.
Not only does the 0.75-mile, tri-oval short track make for some intense competition, it’s also where you’ll get to see IHRA-sanctioned drag racing up close and personal.
Learn more about professional auto racing by visiting the Memphis International Raceway website.
Professional golf
Home to some of the best golf courses in the country, Memphis is a golfer’s paradise—so it should come as no surprise that the PGA swings through town for the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind each and every year.
Tickets for the FedEx St. Jude Classic go fast, so make sure to visit the tournament’s website today to get yours.
An ‘Undefeated’ spirit
Sports are serious business in Memphis. That said, we understand that the games are about more than just wins and losses—they’re about life lessons, striving to reach goals, and bringing a community together.
We rally around our athletes, celebrating the incredible spirit and soul they display on a nightly basis.
Perhaps nothing captures the essence of athletic pursuits in our fine city better than “Undefeated,” a documentary about the Manassas Tigers high school football team. The film chronicles the hard work, grit, dedication, and determination of the players and coaches as they struggled to overcome an unsuccessful history to put together a winning season.
It’s emotional. It’s inspirational. And it embodies our undefeated spirit.
After you watch the film, head to our Memphis travel section and find your tickets to watch some of the greatest
