NBA Cares Week also tips off with multiple events in Memphis community
MEMPHIS, October 22, 2012 — The Grizzlies will be getting fans across the Mid-South excited about the start of their upcoming season in Memphis with Grizz Week, which tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 23 and culminates with the Grizzlies regular season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Grizz week is a series of community and promotional events around the city of Memphis which will get Grizz Nation ready to support the Bluff City’s team when they return to FedExForum on Nov. 5 to take on the Utah Jazz in the home opener.
As part of Grizz Week, there will be a series of community events that tip-off in conjunction with NBA Cares Week. NBA Cares Week events are being led by players and executives around the league in an effort to give back to the community in the areas of education, health and wellness through hands-on service.
Grizz Week will begin Tuesday, Oct. 23 with the 2012 Read to Achieve Tip-Off sponsored by International Paper at Downtown Elementary (10 N 4th St. Memphis 38103). All-Star Reading Team members Wayne Ellington, Jerryd Bayless and Quincy Pondexter, along with Grizz and the Grizz Girls, will be on hand to take part in an event that has become a staple of the Grizzlies community efforts every season. This is not a public event, but media is invited to attend the program that teaches children the importance of education and how much fun it can be to read outside of the classroom.
The Grizzlies will again be doing their part for the Memphis community as they hold a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 24 along with Mayor A.C. Wharton and the City of Memphis Division of Parks and Neighborhood to announce a new partnership between the two as they aid in the Southside Park Revitalization Project (565 S Parkway E Memphis 38106) and work to refurbish the area’s basketball court. The project will be completed in Spring 2013.
The week will continue on Thursday, Oct. 25 as the Memphis Grizzlies head to LaRose Elementary (864 Willoughby St. Memphis 38126) for the Healthy Home Court Fitness Tip-Off. Mayor Lutrell Jr. of Shelby County, Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur and Tony Wroten Jr., along with Grizz and the Grizz Girls will participate in the ribbon cutting of the new fitness room sponsored by C Spire Wireless. The new fitness room will be used to encourage the students of LaRose Elementary to increase their daily physical activity.
On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 27 the Memphis Grizzlies will participate in the Children’s Museum of Memphis Kids Market (2525 Central Ave. Memphis 38104) from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with inflatables and members of the Grizzlies entertainment team. That evening, the Grizzlies will host MVP Movie Night for all MVP Season Ticket Holders. MVPs will join Tony Allen, Marreese Speights and Josh Selby as they trick-or-treat through the “Grave Yard” and enjoy a Halloween movie on the big screen.
The 11th Annual Tip-Off Luncheon presented by First Tennessee Bank will take place on Monday, Oct. 29 at FedExForum beginning at 11 a.m. The luncheon will give Grizzlies fans a chance to welcome back the entire team of players and coaches and talk with them about the upcoming season. Fans will also have the opportunity to get coaching strategy from Head Coach Lionel Hollins and learn about the business of basketball from General Manager Chris Wallace. Luncheon goers will have the chance to take part in silent and live auctions held throughout the event featuring unique memorabilia and one-of-a-kind fan experiences as well. All proceeds benefit Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The week will conclude on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at A Game Restaurant & Bar (6642 Winchester Rd. Memphis 38115) at 9:30 p.m. with the Bud Light Watch Party as the Grizzlies head to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers in the season opener. Coming off a second-straight postseason berth, the Grizzlies will tip-off their 12th season in Memphis on the road with a re-match against their 2012 NBA Playoff opponent.
The Grizzlies will take on the Utah Jazz Opening Night Monday, Nov. 5. Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase tickets to Opening Night, 2012-13 Season Tickets, 10 and 20-Game Packs can do so by calling 901.888.HOOP or by visiting our ticket section at Grizzlies.com. Tickets for the Plaza IV and Terrace IV sections are already sold out.