The Grizzlies announced a piece of good news yesterday. Starting with the Western Conference 9/10 play-in game Memphis is hosting tomorrow evening, capacity at FedExForum will increase to 40%. It was formerly 20%. The Grizzlies worked with the Shelby County Health Department and the NBA office to make this happen. Tickets for tomorrow night’s game go on sale at 9 this morning for season ticket holders, 2 PM for the general public.
If you manage to be one of the lucky people who scores a seat to tomorrow’s game, you’ll find a growl towel on it. It’ll be the first time the towels have been out since 2017.
More complaints on Nextdoor about drag racing in the area of Waterford Plaza. My piece of advice: You’re going to have to be louder (figuratively speaking) than the drag racers to move the city into action.
I got some rather shocking news in an alumni email from Rhodes College this morning: They’re dropping their theater major. They say that interest in the major has dropped considerably in recent years. Rising seniors and juniors will work with the Academic Affairs department to complete their majors. McCoy Theater on campus will remain an outlet for the performing arts.
I mean, it doesn’t affect me much, but… wow. I never expected that news. I’m lucky to have met some talented theater majors at Rhodes who went on to build highly successful careers. I’m also grateful that I got to take an Intro to Theater class from the legendary Julia “Cookie” Ewing in McCoy Theater fall semester of my junior year.
Two metal silos sit in The Ravine, the pocket park that bisects The Edge District. They were used by Wonder Bread to store flour until the factory closed up eight years ago. The one closer to Union will be part of a plaza with food trucks and pop-up retail. Local artists Kong Wee Pang and Jay Crum have been commissioned to create a mural for that silo.
The Ravine will open this summer, and the second Memphis Made Brewing Co., which will back up to The Ravine on its northern end, is about 5 months away from completion on renovations.
I-40 bridge news: The inspector who failed to report the crack and gave the bridge passing grades in 2019 and 2020 has been fired, ARDOT reports. He may face criminal charges. All bridges inspected by that employee over the past year will be re-inspected.
ARDOT is responsible for inspection of the bridge and TDOT handles repairs. TDOT says the fracture affects 100% of the outboard and top plates and 20% of the bottom plate. I’m not an engineer, but that certainly doesn’t sound very good.
The Orpheum has announced its upcoming Broadway season as things get back to normal. Here’s the list:
- Come from Away October 5-10
- Disney’s The Lion King November 11-28
- HAMILTON December 21-January 2
- Hadestown February 1-6
- Tootsie February 15-20
- CATS March 22-27
- The Band’s Visit April 12-17
- Mean Girls April 26-May 1
- Jesus Christ Superstar June 28-July 3
The Redbirds return to full capacity at the homestand beginning today. First pitch tonight is 6:45 and the Louisville Bats are the opponent. Every ticket includes a free order of Ballpark Nachos, and you can upgrade to BBQ Nachos for a small fee.
From Food & Wine: Gigantic pickle-stuffed corn dogs are a thing. Get one at Disneyland for $13. It’s panko-crusted!
That’s it. Back tomorrow with more.