Memphis averaged 8,813 fans in coach Penny Hardaway's first season, up from 4,583 last yearUNIV. OF MEMPHIS
The Univ. of Memphis will receive a "partial payment from the Grizzlies" as a result of men's basketball attendance at FedExForum in Penny Hardaway's first season as coach, according to Drew Hill of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. The amount "won't be known" until Memphis turns in its FY '19 report to the NCAA in January. Memphis averaged 8,813 fans this season, up from 4,583 last season when the university "missed out entirely on the $800,000 payment for the first time after attendance hit historic lows." According to the university's FedExForum lease, Memphis is "due an $800,000 payment from the Grizzlies if it averages more than 10,000 fans." If it "averages between 6,000 and 10,000, the school receives a reduced payment in proportion to the shortfall." If average attendance is below 6,000, Memphis "gets no money from the Grizzlies." If the average turnstile count is below 6,000 in two consecutive seasons, the Grizzlies "have the option to terminate the school’s lease." Unlike recent years, Memphis "decided to announce attendance based on season and single-game tickets sold, actual student attendance, plus credentialed personnel" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 3/15).
