MEMPHIS, October 21, 2010— The Grizzlies Opening Night contest against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 27, presented by First Tennessee, will celebrate their 10th Anniversary Season in Memphis by paying homage to the diverse spectrum of Memphis music that helps to define the city.
Pregame entertainment on Opening Night will incorporate the Memphis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mei-Ann Chen and acclaimed Memphis hip-hop star Al Kapone. Half-time is set to feature a Memphis Music Showcase with Booker T. Jones of Booker T and the MG’s, Stax music legends The Barkays, soul-music star Vaneese Thomas (daughter of Rufus Thomas) and Garry Goin and the Memphis Grizzlies House Band.
As part of the tribute to the team’s relationship with the city over the past decade, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton has encouraged all Memphians to celebrate the Grizzlies 10th Opening Night with a “Blue-Out” of the city and FedExForum, and the Grizzlies are doing their part by providing 10th Anniversary Beale Street Blue t-shirts to the first 10,000 fans in attendance, courtesy of First Tennessee.
“Opening Night is always one of the most exciting evenings of the season, and as we are about tip-off our 10th Anniversary Season in Memphis, we know that this particular one has added significance to the city and the franchise,” said Grizzlies President of Business Operations, Greg Campbell. “Our entertainment lineup on Opening Night will speak to the city’s deep musical roots and acknowledge our own place as a piece of the past and future of the fabric of Memphis as we begin what we hope will be our most exciting season yet.”
As part of the evening, the Grizzlies will honor Rudy Gay for representing all of Memphis during his gold-medal winning appearance at the FIBA World Championships in Turkey this summer. Opening Night on Oct. 27 will also represent the first game in a series of 10th Anniversary In-Arena Auctions that benefit Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Fans will have the chance to bid on autographed items and memorabilia from throughout the team’s decade in Memphis.
The Grizzlies will also give a nod to the city’s culinary fame with the debut of their Rib Races, which are sure to be a fan favorite. Opening Night goers can also expect to see a performance from one of the hottest acts in entertainment, Lil P-Nut, whose appearance on the Ellen show garnered national recognition and many more surprises.
Tickets are still available for Opening Night, including Season Tickets which feature all regular season home games. Season Tickets start at just $5 per game in the Terrace Level and $25 per game in the Plaza Level with 6,000 seats available at $10 or less per game. Individual tickets, Power Packs and Half-Season tickets are also available. Call (901) 888-HOOP.