As the NBA "is looking at" Memphis as a possible
location for a team in its proposed developmental league in
2001, the Shelby County (TN) Sports Authority (SCSA) "seems
inclined to study whether Memphis could land an NBA team,
either through expansion or the more likely route of
relocation," according to David Williams of the Memphis
COMMERCIAL APPEAL. The Pyramid GM Alan Freeman said that he
"knows of two or three teams unhappy with their arenas or
arena leases," but the cost to bring The Pyramid "up to NBA
standards could match the building's original" $65M cost.
Improvements to the facility "would have to include"
doubling or tripling the number of luxury suites and
creating club seats and a private club room (Memphis
COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 5/22). Meanwhile, in a sidebar, Williams
wrote that the SCSA, which is three years and four months
old, is "bracing for an expected" $325,000 loss from the
Conference USA men's basketball tournament last season,
which was held at The Pyramid, and is "searching for a
regular funding source after spending the majority of the
nearly" $1M it received from the Titans when they first
relocated from Houston. SCSA members "tout and defend their
work," saying they have "established" Memphis as a "player
in a national race" for sports events. They also note the
"challenges ahead." One of the "victories" came last week
with the $500,000 Wal-Mart FLW Tour pro fishing event, which
brought 350 anglers and ESPN to the city. The tape-delayed
coverage airs June 3 (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 5/22).
