MEMPHIS, April 12, 2011 – It’s time to Believe,
Memphis! The Grizzlies are back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2006,
and the City of Memphis is joining its team in “painting the town blue
and gold.” Many local landmarks will support the Grizzlies in unique ways
throughout the postseason, while the Grizzlies will be all around the community
as Grizz fever spreads in the Bluff City.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland will celebrate the Grizzlies and their success
in reaching the 2011 NBA Playoffs by illuminating the exterior of the famous
Memphis landmark in Beale Street Blue and Grizzlies Gold starting Thursday,
April 14 throughout the team’s NBA Playoff run. The First Tennessee Bank
building in downtown Memphis will do its part by spelling out “Go Grizz”
on the exterior of the iconic skyscraper in the heart of the city. At the Memphis
Zoo, blue and gold lighting will decorate the facility in support of the Grizzlies’
historic season.
In addition to the encouragement of many prominent local businesses, the Grizzlies
themselves will be “painting the town blue and gold” with several
appearances by team mascot Grizz, the Grizz Girls and the Claw Crew. Between
the end of the regular season and the start of the Playoffs, the Grizzlies will
keep the good times rolling, beginning with a Rooftop Party at the Peabody featuring
Memphis-based rock band Ingram Hill on Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m. The Grizz
Girls and Claw Crew will be on hand for the party to pass out playoff information
and Playoff Rally Cards to party goers.
On Friday, April 15, the Grizzlies will team up with the Center City Commission
for a Downtown Alive Go Grizz! Pep Rally at Court Square downtown from 11:45
a.m.-1 p.m. Fans are asked to take their lunch breaks with the Grizzlies as
the city celebrates the return to the postseason with a rally that will include
Grizz, the Grizz Girls, Claw Crew and Grizzlies inflatables.
While Grizzlies players and coaches will be hitting the road for their first
playoff road game by Saturday, April 16, the organization’s presence will
still be felt as the city prepares for their first home NBA Playoff game since
2006. Grizz and the Grizz Girls will be the honorary starters of the Charles
Finney Bike Ride beginning at 8 a.m. while the Junior Dance Team and Claw Crew
will be at the Children’s Museum from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for their Spring
Fling.
From 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, the Grizzlies will hold an Open House for 2011-12
season tickets at FedExForum. Grizz, the Grizz Girls and Claw Crew will be on
hand, along with Grizzlies inflatables, face painting and balloon animals, as
fans have the opportunity to handpick their seats for the Grizzlies’ 2011-12
season. Free parking is available for the event at the Toyota Parking Garage
located on Linden Ave. and Grizzlies Season Ticket Account Executives will be
available to assist fans in selecting their seats.
Throughout the day on April 16, Claw Crew members will bring their level of
spirit and excitement to festivals in the city, including Africa in April and
the South Main Hot Wing Fest.
The Grizzlies will cap off the weekend at the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
behind AutoZone headquarters on Sunday, April 17, where Grizz, the Grizz Girls
and Claw Crew will shoot out t-shirts into the crowd on the hour every hour
from 1-6 p.m. in addition to handing out Playoff Rally Cards.
As the Grizzlies paint the town blue and gold over the coming days, fans can
grab their own piece of the action by picking up Playoff Rally Cards at participating
partner locations, including First Tennessee Bank, Toyota Dealers, Malco Theatres,
Sonic Drive-Ins, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Golf and Games Family Park, Great
American Home Store, Verizon Wireless, City Gear USA and Jason’s Deli,
among others.
Grizzlies fans looking to cheer the team on as it hits the road to play its
first two postseason games should stay tuned for further announcements regarding
Bud Light Playoff Watch Parties.
Members of Grizz Nation can purchase tickets for Playoff Home Games 1 and 2
at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000
or 901-888-HOOP(4667), by visiting the FedExForum Box
Office or online at grizzlies.com
or ticketmaster.com.