Memphisborn

My thoughts as well they want another location. Hotel/ restaurant space.

CA makes note of Hard Rock hotels separate entities from restaurants also notes they have been in discussions about a hotel. Would seem to me that they plan to have the restaurant adjacent to the hotel that’s the reason for not renewing the lease. Hopefully they will be breaking ground on a hotel soon https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/money/business/development/2023/06/01/hard-rock-cafe-in-memphis-closing-beale-street/70277232007/

Hope that would be the case. If the hotel happens

Good point have to wait and see when if that time comes. That’s honestly one reason why I like pursuing NHL. A newly renovated arena in place along with entertainment district no additional state funding just a deep pocket owner(Robert Pera) to move them to FedEx forum

Agreed as far as NFL by way of relocation. Would have to build a brand new stadium and house them temporarily @ LB. The Bonds on FedEx forum and Autozone park, are just about paid. Yes a sweet deal would be necessary much like Vegas and buffalo did.

You made a great point about WNBA. Also good point about renovated MSC. I have worked on the redevelopment project to reopen MSC. There has been conversation with city council about moving the soccer stadium to another footprint @ Liberty Park or downtown the city is committed to Liberty park as the home for 901 fc so fine. There are definitely available footprints within the park that’s available. Council has been very amenable to the idea of preserving and redeveloping MSC. Heres a link to a WNBA legend promoting Memphis for a WNBA franchise.

100 percent agree u have to give Memphians a reason to support. Yes we need more diverse activities and IMO a second Major league sports franchise. We have to stop thinking we’re the Memphis of old comparing our city to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville etc. we have a different dynamic now in this city and we should grow off of that dynamic. There is no doubt with the Walk (Hopefully) Sterick redo adding more foot traffic and residents also let’s not forget the edge district adding more residents to the downtown core. Young millennials, students and professionals flock to sports events and not just basketball either. Hockey would do well with the added mix of young residents, hotels ,Blue oval city, BealeSt entertainment, tourist etc. Memphis Coyotes! Howl ! Memphis.

I hear your point and I’m a definite MSC supporter. Memphis Coyotes that has a nice ring, and for those who might ask. Yes there are Coyotes in Memphis. https://wreg.com/news/coyote-sightings-surge-in-bartlett-area/amp/

Brewers are the next possible relocation MLB. There lease expires 2030

Just FYI for the comments about FedEx Forum not being built for hockey. 1) It was initially built from day one with the ability to host ice hockey. 2) With 300-400 million dollar renovations on tap u can certainly address the sight line issues if there are prohibitive to hockey. 3) The arena has hosted NHL once and there are no reports I’ve seen that state the sight lines were horrible for hockey. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FedExForum

With the forum set for renovation I strongly believe a possible NHL team has been discussed by the powers that be. A lot happens in terms of discussions behind the scenes that the general population knows nothing about. If Robert Pera has interest in a NHL team it could realistically happen. No need to ask for taxpayer dollars to fund a arena that’s been done with the 350 million state funds. Relocation could be a reality

Agreed and we already have the facility. Which huge as a start. 400 million is on the low low end for NHL franchises I could see Richard Smith doing something like this. You made an excellent point about ford exces being on board with this, I can see them giving corporate support to this. While many may feel we would not support it I disagree the river kings had good success and they were minor league you bring NHL downtown with all the new condos/ apts/ hotels either being built or proposed and u would see a lot of young millennials black & white @ the games. Also that might help solve the MSC issue if u think about it, NHL would be the logical second tenant and get dates & The tigers could go BACK to MSC as the anchor tenant in a renovated MSC it’s closer to campus for students and they would be right next to football team @ LB it just makes sense and they would have control of the arena as far as scheduling goes. The coyotes may go for less than 400 mil. The Florida panthers were just sold for 250 million plus arena operations rights. https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/1788377-florida-panthers-reportedly-sold-to-vincent-viola.amp.html

NFL would be the obvious favorite but unless the Jaguars stadium deal falls thru there are no candidates currently also MLS just awarded San Diego a franchise so no more expansion soon relocation maybe. Honestly I believe WNBA and the USL super league (women) will be our next franchise. Would love NFL just don’t see it in near future.

Agreed it’s definitely possible. Sterick, Crosstown, NBA we’re all impossible. We see what happened. It take a deep pocket owner(Robert Pera) and a willing City leadership. As far as corporate support goes We have that no doubt. Now could be that time Guardian the rays lease expires 2027. I say we pull the rug up under Nashville feet like they did us with the NFL. Memphis Rays !!!

Recent news has suggested that the Tampa Bay Rays and the Arizona Coyotes may be up for sale soon. Florida governor has made it publicly clear that he will not subsidize a new stadium in Tampa. Several reports state the rays owner has been in talks with potential groups about a possible sale. The coyotes failed to gain public support for a stadium district in Tempe and are currently playing in a college hockey arena ASU that holds 4600 capacity. Is one of these an option for Memphis to pursue ?? Robert Pera?Richard Smith? Pitt Hyde?? Thoughts on this. https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nhl/2023/5/17/23727048/airzona-coyotes-relocation-rumors-election-maricopa-county https://brobible.com/sports/article/rays-could-relocate-in-sale/

I would have loved to see CA site converted to soccer stadium. However it didn’t happen. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a new development @ CA this year.

It’s definitely not a tier 1 cc however it’s a definite top tier 2 once JW and renovated Sheraton comes online.

Renassant is very high quality was just in there yesterday it’s amazing the decor, smell, carpet and break out meeting space is great. It’s seamless connection to canon center give it more size IMO, once Sheraton renovates and adds the JW it will definitely be a 2nd tier CC. Until that happens I rate it as 3rd tier only because the adjacent convention hotel needs upgrades.

Agreed, the Lowes hotel proposal along with the GrandHyatt failure really hurt and needs to be revisited. Also we HAVE TO ADDRESS our CRIME issues. Nobody wants to tour a city where they are afraid to park there car and walk down the street. On a brighter note hopefully Sheraton will continue to move forward on the proposed renovation and JW addition. Would love to see the Edge district continue to grow as a entertainment district along with residential/ culinary options.

I saw that the article mentioned Ford officials being in downtown Memphis, I wonder if they are planning office space @ the walk ?? Or Sterick??

Interesting let’s see how it all pans out

Yes of course that’s more exciting but not likely to happen at least not anytime soon. 30 years from now who knows what may be possible.

Great news this will be a great asset to Memphis if this can get done. Opening up travel plans for Memphians

Great news! We need a passenger airline headquarters here

Yes I’m anxious to see them break ground as well, those projects are game changers for our downtown. Hopefully they will move forward this year without any delays or setbacks