Will yet another professional sports team blow-off Memphis?
It's a wait and see situation for area sports fans.
There are several pros and cons to relocating the Vancouver Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association to Memphis.
Reggie Barnes, chairman of the Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority, said Memphis would be the perfect place for the NBA team.
"Memphis is a basketball-crazed town more than any other sport," Barnes said.
Prior to this week, St. Louis, New Orleans, Anaheim, Calif. and Louisville, Ky., were also being looked at as possible new homes for the Grizzlies.
In the March 1st issue of The Province, an article regarding the move stated unnamed league sources said Memphis was the top choice for the Vancouver franchise.
On Monday, however, statements from Steve Perry, the top aide for Louisiana Governor Mike Foster brought on some doubt that Memphis would remain in the running.
Perry stated that the search has been limited to New Orleans and Anaheim.
Grizzlies owner, Michael Heisley was not available for comment and did not confirm Perry's statement.
"I can tell you nothing has been done," Barnes said. "I don't think it is a true statement."
One important factor for the Grizzlies move is having a facility to house them that is up to NBA standards.
There has been no decision yet on where the Grizzlies will be playing, if they do come to Memphis.
The Pyramid would have to go through extensive renovation in order to accommodate an NBA team.
There is also the possibility of building an arena for the team.
"We don't know yet," Barnes said. "They are crunching numbers, deciding on the best possible scenario."
Although the possibility of the move is generating some excitement in the Memphis area, the situation might play out as it has in the past -- a disappointment.
Memphis has to compete with the other possible locations.
Stan Meadows, Vancouver Grizzlies Corporate Counsel member, met with officials from Memphis on Feb. 19 at the Memphis Country Club.
Since then, Memphis officials have been preparing to pitch our city to the Vancouver franchise.
"The two mayors are both working on a proposal to bring to Michael Heisley," Barnes said.
The NBA has set a March 26 deadline for Heisley to choose the new location of his team.
