Join the Blue Crew!

If you’re a University of Memphis student, game day starts with the Blue Crew, the official student spirit group for Tigers athletics. Being part of the Blue Crew gives you exclusive access to tailgating events, priority seating, and the chance to be front and center in all the game day action.

How to Join:
Head over to the Blue Crew website to sign up. Membership is typically free for students, and you’ll receive a free Blue Crew t-shirt, perfect for showing your Tiger pride.

Benefits:

• Priority seating in the student section
• Access to exclusive tailgating events
• Free swag and the chance to be part of special promotions and giveaways

Don’t Miss the Free Shuttles!

• Free shuttle bus service for all students, faculty, and staff.
• They will depart fromCentral Lot and Southern Lot 4 hours before kickoff until kickoff. They will be dropped off at the Cocoa Cola Bottling Co. on Hollywood.
• Shuttle services will continue after the game for 1 hour.
• Must have a valid UM ID. Shuttles will be open to the public for $10.
• Anything that is not allowed into the Liberty Bowl will not be allowed onto the shuttles.

Grab a Bite Before or After the Game in Midtown!

Before or after the game, Midtown Memphis offers a variety of great spots to grab a bite. Here are some favorites:

• Huey’s Midtown: A local favorite for burgers and live music. Perfect for a casual pre-game meal.
• Payne’s BBQ: If you’re craving some Memphis barbecue, this is the spot!
• Young Avenue Deli: A laid-back spot with great sandwiches, beers, and plenty of space to bring your whole group.
• Slider Inn: If you’re of age, nothing says game day like a Jameson slushie! If you’ve got a couple of years to go, the menu is packed with all of the sliders, sandwiches, and apps  that you could ever dream of!

Show Your Tiger Pride!

Show your Tiger pride by picking up some official merchandise. Here are the best spots to gear up:

• Tiger Bookstore: Located near the University of Memphis campus, the Tiger Bookstore offers a wide selection of Memphis Tigers apparel, accessories, and gifts.
• Campus Bookstore: Right on campus, this is a convenient spot for students to grab gear before heading to the game.

If you can’t make it to these locations, check out the University of Memphis online store for official Tigers merchandise.

Celebrate a Win!

Memphis doesn’t slow down after the final whistle! Here are some fun activities to keep the good times rolling:

• Beale Street: Just a short drive from the Liberty Bowl, Beale Street is the heart of Memphis nightlife. Enjoy live music, dancing, and a variety of bars and restaurants.
• Overton Square: A vibrant entertainment district in Midtown with great spots like Lafayette’s Music Room, perfect for live music, or grab a cocktail at The Second Line.
• Overton Park Shell: If you’re in the mood for a more laid-back evening, check out the shell for a free concert under the stars during their line up of events.

Enjoy the game, and Go Tigers!

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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.

Basketball

The Memphis Grizzlies

Grit. Grind. Go Grizz. We don’t have to tell you that Memphis is home to one of the best NBA teams in the country. The Grizzlies have been taking the city (and the country) by storm since 2001 and, no matter what, there’s no stopping now. The FedEx Forum isn’t just the place to see world-famous musicians, performances, and more–it’s also where the team calls home. Every home game is packed with growl towels, delicious food and drinks, and, of course, thousands of Memphians ready to cheer the Grizzlies on. To keep up with the team, click here.

University of Memphis Tigers

No matter if you’re a U of M alum or just a long-time fan, Memphians in every corner of the city love to cheer on the Tigers!  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.

Football

The Memphis Showboats

In 2023, the Memphis Showboats have made a triumphant comeback, reclaiming their status as Memphis’ own hometown team! With a talented roster, passionate ownership, and a devoted fan base, the team is back and better than ever! Under the guidance of a talented coaching staff and with a roster of skilled players, the Showboats are a team of absolute powerhouses. The team’s offense is led by a dynamic quarterback who possesses a strong arm and exceptional field vision. Supported by a versatile group of running backs and a solid offensive line, the Showboats’ offense has become a force to be reckoned with. Click here to make sure their next game is on your calendar!

University of Memphis Tigers

If you thought we were just about Tigers basketball–think again. The University of Memphis Tigers are known to take the football field by storm!

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.

Soccer

Memphis 901FC

Memphis 901FC is our city’s beloved professional soccer team! With their relentless spirit and dynamic playing style, the club has become a symbol of pride for Memphis’ passionate soccer fan base. Donning their iconic blue and white jerseys, Memphis 901FC takes the field in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, ready to leave their mark on the beautiful game.

Led by a talented coaching staff, the team showcases a potent combination of skill, speed, and tactical prowess. From mesmerizing goals to jaw-dropping saves, each match promises edge-of-your-seat excitement as Memphis 901FC goes head-to-head with some of the league’s toughest opponents. Don’t miss your chance to experience the electric atmosphere and unwavering support as Memphis 901FC brings the city together, uniting fans of all ages in a shared love for the game.

Golf

The FedEx St. Jude Championship

The FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship not only captivates golf enthusiasts with its exceptional play but also holds a deeper significance. Partnering with the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the tournament stands as a symbol of hope, compassion, and philanthropy. With every swing, the golfers contribute to the mission of the hospital, raising funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Prepare to witness the perfect blend of sporting excellence and charitable endeavors at the FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship, where the pursuit of victory is intertwined with a greater cause. Not to mention, the food, music, and so much more make this one of the city’s favorite events!

Click here to learn more and get ready for the tournament!

Baseball

The Memphis Redbirds

As the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Redbirds bring the excitement of professional baseball to the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee. With their rich history and passionate fan base, the Redbirds deliver an unforgettable experience on and off the field.

From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, each game at AutoZone Park is a celebration of America’s favorite pastime. The Redbirds showcase top-tier talent and future stars of the game, providing an opportunity to witness baseball at its finest. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball enthusiast or a casual fan looking for a memorable outing, the Memphis Redbirds promise an unforgettable experience filled with unforgettable moments. Learn more about the team here!

Hockey

The Mississippi RiverKings

Based in Southaven, Mississippi, the RiverKings are a force to be reckoned with in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Stepping onto the ice at the Landers Center, the team showcases skill, speed, and fierce determination, delivering an exhilarating spectacle for fans of the sport.

The electric atmosphere reverberates through the arena as their fans cheer on their beloved team. With every goal, save, and fight, the Mississippi RiverKings forge a deep connection with their community, uniting hockey enthusiasts of all ages in a shared love for the game. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the thrilling action and unwavering spirit of the Mississippi River Kings as they skate their way to victory!

#SoulLivesHere

Sports are a serious business in Memphis. From football and basketball to soccer, golf, and so much more, our sports teams and athletic community speaks to a key part of Memphis’ soul. Share your team spirit with us by tagging us @wearememphistn and using #bringyoursoul!

Banner Photo Credit: FedEx Forum

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If you’re a huge Grizzlies fan like me you’re probably missing Ja, DB, Jaren Jackson, Brooks, Adams and the entire squad, right about now. This Past season was an exciting one and we are counting down the days until the 22-23 season begins! Over the weekend the NBA released the preliminary schedule for the upcoming season and according to it The Grizzlies will be battling the Warriors on Christmas Day. It’s exciting news for Grizzlies fans; with this being the first Christmas Day Game in Memphis franchise history. 

With such exciting news, who better to sit down to talk with than, Grizzlies Marketing and Regional Manager and in-game Emcee Brandon Johnson a.k.a BLJ a.k.a The Best Hype Man in the NBA.

Brandon has been the MC & Host for the Memphis Grizzlies for the past 17 years. He has been there for the extreme highs and the not so good lows, from the Grit N Grind era to the Next Gen era, but one thing that has remained is his love, dedication and loyalty to his home team, The Memphis Grizzlies.

Read more as we discussed Brandon’s 17-year career with The Grizzlies, his favorite Grizz era and how he has evolved behind the microphone.

What does your job as the Marketing and Regional Manager and in-game Emcee entail?

I have meetings daily; especially every game day. We meet early in the morning with our individual teams about the game and how we’re going to execute what’s going to happen during the game. Then pre-game, I’m over concourse activation that takes place right out front of the FedEx Forum. I then have to walk each floor to make sure that everything is in place, functional and to the NBA’s standard. Fun but organized is the key! 

What is your favorite part of what you do?

That’s twofold. I enjoy coaching and elevating the Claw Crew. I let them know that this is peak entertainment in the NBA. You represent the organization at all times and it’s important to be professional. They call me “Uncle B” because I teach them the ropes. And I also really enjoy the BLJ character. When the mic and camera turn on, I’m the best hype man in the NBA! I only give that personality to those Grizzlies fans. I absolutely love it. 

How important do you think the Grizzlies are to the city of Memphis?

They’re important because it takes your mind off of all the negativity going on in the city, in the world, and in our individual lives. The Grizzlies unify our city! I believe ZBo set that tone for players wanting to come to Memphis. If you buy into this city, the fans will pay it back with love.

What has been your favorite Memphis Grizzlies era?

The Grit N Grind era! Watching them collaborate and work together was remarkable. You saw how they related to each other, even though they were all from different places, and had different backgrounds; their personalities just meshed well. That era lasted for about 5 years and they were able to put players together that you never thought would play together, such as A.I, Vince Carter, Lance Stephenson and Matt Barnes. I liked being around those guys. We’re all around the same age, so we related to one another. At that time, the team was growing and as the team grew, so did the entertainment. It helped me learn and prepare for this new era… they’re so many people that love The Grizzlies. 

Who is your favorite Memphis Grizzly of all time? 

ZBo! Zach’s my favorite because when he came here he showed me a lot of love. He was personable, humble and grateful to be here. We had mutual respect for one another. He embraced me and since we were close in age we were able to relate on many levels. 

What are your predictions for the 22-23 season?

Success! The Grizzlies have gotten a taste of what success looks and feels like, and I think they really enjoyed it. They quickly went from being the underdogs to the dogs. The team and the fan base have one another’s back. These guys are going to continue learning and success is going to be there.

Keep up with The Best Hype Man In The NBA on Instagram

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Southern skaters have their own style that’s known to have a slow groove and bop to it that pairs perfectly with any R&B/Hip-Hop hit at the rink.  This style is known to most as a southern roll.  Southern Roll /ˈsəT͟Hərn rōl/: “A southern skate family, with its own southern flavor, its own southern style like no other area, city, or state. We roll a southern way” — Lukki, creator of Southern Roll.  With the help of our favorite Memphis skaters and local skate parks, their tips and events will not only get you back in shape, but also introduce you to Memphis’ top tier skating experience. So mask up, tie ya laces, and let’s hit the flo’! 

1. East End Skating Center 

East End Skating Center – located at 5718 Mt. Moriah Rd – still stands as a home to all faithful and newbie skaters.  Making sure that they abide by safety guidelines, they keep the rental skates and rink disinfected, as well as only allowing a limited number of skaters at all sessions.  Do be aware that non-skaters must pay during this time as a precaution to keep the capacity from being met.  It’s advised for newbie skaters and those that can’t keep up to pass on the Sunday adult nights, as the rink is filled with advanced skaters during that session.  However, any other session, advanced skaters are excited to help out anyone that seeks tips/help out on the floor.  

2. Beale Street Landing

Beale Street Landing is a great place to practice your skating while surrounded by our beautiful skyline and the river.  With tons of open space to stay safe with social distancing guidelines, you can bring limited family and friends with you as well as a speaker to create good vibes.  A great tip is to make sure you have a set of outdoor wheels to ensure a smooth experience out on Riverside Dr. or on the Landing’s pavement.  Doing so will keep your skates in good shape in the long run.

3. Raleigh Springs Town Center Skate Park

Open from 8AM-8PM everyday, is the Raleigh Springs Town Center Skate Park.  Located off Austin Peay Hwy at the old stomping grounds of Raleigh Springs Mall, you’ll find skaters of all ages perfecting their skills and jamming out to music.  Featuring smooth ramps, bowls, and more, you’re able to challenge yourself along with getting in a great workout.

4. Tobey Skate Park 

A true skate gem located in Midtown, directly behind the Board of Education is the Tobey Skate Park.  It is the first neighborhood skate park in Memphis, and is reserved for skaters and cyclists of all levels. Filled with ramps, bowls, and more, it’s a great practice area for newbie and seasoned skaters.  Luckily, it’s free, and also open to the public from 6AM-6PM everyday during the fall and winter seasons.  Protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads is highly recommended as you skate at your own risk.  However, skaters that are 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  

Just like everything else on the market, there’s a shortage in skates as most retailers are sold out or limited to very few skates in stock due to the new popularity.  Memphians can make their way to East End as they are also a skate retailer.  Please be aware of shipping delays on specific skate brands and styles, as skate manufacturers are catching up to the high demand of roller skates.  Ebony Lemons, of the Southern Roll family, suggests to Memphians to look into Riedell roller skates as they’re the best quality skates around.  And as for those on a tight budget, purchasing Chicago Classics would be a good route to take. 

If you’re ready to throw on your skates this week, We Are Memphis is hosting a virtual skating class this Friday, from 6PM-7PM via Facebook Live!  Tune in to learn tips and tricks on how you too can roll like a southern, soulful skater.  The class will be led by the one and only Ali Manning as she advocates for healthy living through skating as a fun form of exercising

Stay safe & get to rolling! Don’t forget to use our hashtag in your roller skating videos and pictures! #WeAreMemphis

You may also be interested in: Axe Throwing Memphis: Things To know 

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First, here is some information about the game: 

• The National Football League’s 54^th Super Bowl game will occur on the first Sunday of February, which is customary. This year’s game is on February 2 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. EST. 
• You can watch the game on your local Fox channel.

Party for a Cause

If you want to watch the game and do some good for the community, attend the AlphaMemphis Super Bowl Party. The Alpha Memphis Education Foundation will hold the party at its facility at 4122 Barton Drive, to benefit youth education.

If the Super Bowl is a Food Holiday…

Then check out our list of parties where food is the real champion:

• The High Point Pub at 477 High Point Terrace is hosting its 28^th annual Super Bowl Sunday Funday.
• Watch the game at Hi-Tone at 412 Cleveland and you can win a crockpot full of meatballs – and the crockpot!
• Bell’s Catfish and Soul Food at 2846 Airways Blvd is hosting an all-you-can-eat Super Bowl Party. Tickets are $30.
• Steve A Castle House of Rhythm & Blues at 2558 Warren is hosting a Super Bowl party with free beer! Tickets are $10 before 6 p.m., $15 after 6 p.m., and $25 for VIP with wings and champagne.
• Mr. P’s Buffalo Wings at 4202 Hacks Cross is hosting a Super Bowl party. Call to reserve a tab table.
• High Cotton Brewing at 598 Monroe is hosting a Super Bowl Watch Party. The game will be shown on a six-foot screen and the brewery’s next door neighbor, Edge Alley, will be serving a full menu.
• Wild Bill’s Memphis at 1580 Vollintine will host a Super Bowl Watch Party with music by The Juke Joint All-Stars.
• Celtic Crossing at 903 Cooper will host its annual Super Bowl Party. The event will feature $10 beer buckets, $4 Slane shots, and $2 off all appetizers.
• Picasso’s at 6110 Macon is hosting a Super Bowl Party. Tickets are $5 at the door.
• The Casual Pint at 395 South Highland is hosting a Super Bowl party with tots and chips and dip on special for $5.
• The Railgarten at 2166 Central is hosting its Big Game Watch Party featuring a Bowl Buffet, $2 Bud Light drafts, and $4 Meddlesome and Memphis Made drafts.
• The Jerry Lee Lewis Cafe at 310 Beale is hosting its Jerry Lee’s Super Bowl Watch Party.
• The Coyote Ugly Saloon Memphis is hosting Football Sunday. Wear your team jersey and get discounts on food and drinks. If your team is playing and you’re wearing the jersey, you get a free Coyote shot each time they score. This is a party you don’t want to miss!

No matter where you enjoy the game, please be safe. 

For more stories about Memphis events, check out our Culture page.

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The Axe-Throwing Sessions

When you come out to Civil Axe Throwing, you’ll find a number of axe-throwing options available.

First, there is the one-hour axe-throwing session. You can either throw with someone else, on your own, or throw with other individuals who want to take part in the activity (it’s a great way to make new friends).

There are axe-throwing leagues for when you are feeling a bit more competitive. The eight-week league allows you to form up with a team and compete against other teams. So whether you are going in blind and want to have some kind of competitive element added to your axe throwing or you have been practicing and feel good about your skill, the eight-week league is the perfect option for you.

If you’re looking for a way to entertain a large group of people, why not consider coming out to take up axe throwing in Memphis? Civil Axe Throwing offers group events; you can book portions of the facility for eight to 50 people. Just contact Civil Axe Throwing ahead of time to book your slot.

Additional things to know

If you’ve been looking for fun things to do in Memphis and want to give throwing axes a try, here are a few things you need to know ahead of time.

First, it costs $20 an hour for a ticket. Each “booth” is made up of eight tickets per hour. This means you can fit up to eight people per booth. If you want to make sure the booth is all yours, you will need to purchase all eight tickets. If not, you may be partnered with other people (although typically only during busy hours).

There is no requirement for shoes. However, it is a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes (open-toed shoes and heavy-bladed objects usually do not go well together). Outside of this, you can wear whatever shoes you might like.

There is an age limit for throwing axes; you need to be at least 14 years of age to take part. As long as you meet this requirement, you will be fine to take part in the activity. For any other questions, feel free to contact Civil Axe Throwing.

Additional Reading

The Memphis art scene: Art Galleries & Places Memphis

Greater Memphis Chamber

The post Love throwing axes? Is that even a question? appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Get ready to rearrange your furniture so every armchair quarterback has a good seat. Here are the kickoff times for the Memphis Tigers televised and non-televised/TBA games!

Televised

(Subject to change – times are central)

TBA or non-televised games

University of Memphis Tigers football: Can you hear the roar-r-r-r?

As the UofM Athletic Department phrased it, “To say that that people are wild about our Tigers is a total understatement.” If you’re interested in giving back to our city’s favorite football team, the Time to Shine capital campaign is fundraising to improve UofM athletics, with targeted football funding set to include:

• An indoor practice facility
• Nutrition and athletic development programs
• Offices
• Study spaces for student-athlete academics

You can donate by check, credit card, monthly payments or appreciated stocks/assets.

Mailing address:
Memphis Athletics Development
260 Athletic Office Bldg.
Memphis, TN 38152

To learn more, call 901-678-2334.

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

Follow our Instagram page below!

Let’s show the world how Memphians live a great story. Bring your soul to everything you do and choose to make a positive difference every chance you get. Thanks to Memphian @aleksworks for capturing this and reminding us to look at the big picture. Follow him to see more of his photography! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ——— : @aleksworks ——– Want to be featured on our page? DM us! #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Jun 8, 2018 at 6:45pm PDT

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We have some good news for you: Starting on Saturday, Sept. 1, you won’t have to choose. That’s right, another exciting year of University of Memphis Tiger football is coming up fast, with season tickets available now and single-game tickets going on sale in August.

First up, Georgia’s Mercer University meets the University of Memphis at the home opener on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. Kroger stores will be selling $10 discounted tickets for the game in August.

2017: A hard act to follow

Last year, the Memphis Tigers not only took the American Athletic West Division Championship first-place trophy but beat Navy for the first time in the school’s history! Even with an early kickoff against 27-mph winds and a delayed start due to lightning in the fourth quarter, the Tigers defeated SMU for the 2017 conference win.

2018 Tigers football schedule

Don’t miss another season in Memphis

Whether you’re in town for a football game, a business trip, a vacation or something else, be sure to make time to check out the sights and sounds of Memphis. There’s no shortage of things to do in these parts, no matter what season you visit. Here are some of our favorites:

• An October riverboat ride on the historic Mississippi River is the perfect way to see the city without melting in the process.
• As the temperature plummets, get a head start on your holiday shopping at Memphis’ wide variety of neighborhood marketplaces and urban malls.
• Memphis has more than 160 parks and green spaces, which means you can spend every spring weekend outdoors. In fact, Memphis is home to one of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms Park.
• Get in touch with your wild side as you stroll around the Memphis Zoo on sunny days.

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

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Impressed by their moves? Witness more amazing Memphis talent in person at our next #BringYourSoul event! ——— : @steven.prince.tate Also featuring: @aevolner & @tamarrapparrish ——– Want to be featured on our page? DM us! #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Jul 23, 2018 at 9:33pm PDT

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