Sorry for no post yesterday… had car trouble, and it’s still being looked at, so I’m working from home until they call and say it’s ready.
If you’re looking for stuff to do on New Year’s Eve, Holly from the I Love Memphis Blog has a guide.
The Grizzlies host the L.A. Lakers tonight at the FedExForum at 7. Prior to the game, former Memphis Tiger and NBA star Penny Hardaway will sign autographs and take photos with fans. Penny’s appearance is compliments of NBA League Pass. Also tonight, the first 3000 fans get these Memphis Grizzlies headphones, so come early.
If you’re not going to the Grizzlies game, turn the TV to ESPN at 8 for #16 Florida Gators vs. #15 Memphis Tigers.
Frank Murtaugh had an excellent commentary on whether the city should buy AutoZone Park yesterday. In case you missed it, the St.Louis Cardinals want to buy the Memphis Redbirds, but it’s contingent on the city buying AutoZone Park. The mayor is for it but some of the city council members aren’t so sure. Here are a few of the points in Murtaugh’s commentary:
- Memphis is Cardinal country. It has been for many years. The Cardinals know this and they want to be here. They want to improve the park and make the Cardinals’ relationship with Memphis an even better one.
- If you think the Redbirds don’t generate enough revenue, imagine if they leave and a triple-A affiliate of San Diego or Minnesota moves into the park. Nobody here cares about those teams. Worse, what if we got downgraded to a double-A affiliate?
- If the park did not get a new tenant, it would cost millions to demolish, and then we’d have a big gaping hole to fill at Third and Union, one of the prime corners in the city.
- The park is a civic asset, and we need to see it that way. Downtown Memphis is better with the park and the Redbirds here. Downtown Memphis would be worse without the park and the Redbirds.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association has invited all Downtowners to its “Island Christmas Party” tonight. There will be music, prizes, a special drawing, and food from the party’s host, the Arcade Restaurant at Main and G.E. Patterson. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up. This is an opportunity to meet the DNA board and find out what the organization is all about. Party starts at 6.
The Blind Bear has announced a 2nd Anniversary Party for next Monday, December 23. It will start at 8 PM with the Michael Brothers from 8 to 11, and DJ Eric Hurston from 11 to 2. There will be many $3 drink specials and prize giveaways, so come celebrate.
Pianist John Felix is playing in the lobby of One Commerce Square tonight. The public is invited to stop by on their way home from work.
Johnny Mathis plays the Orpheum Saturday, December 21. Here’s a link to a Flyer interview with the singer.
That’s all the news for now. Most likely I will be at the Blind Bear’s Tuesday poker night at 8.