There are still many questions about the Tiger basketball team’s possible relocation from the Pyramid to the new arena, which is currently being built for use by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Students at the University of Memphis, who feel strongly about supporting the success of Tiger basketball, have strong opinions on whether or not they should move.
Those in support of the move some said they think the new facility would boost the spirit of both the team and its fans.
“It would be a good move,” junior business management major Josh Brunt said. “We’ve got a new team, new players, it’s a new year, so why not have a new place to play?”
John Matthews, a junior exercise and sports management major, agreed and said the Pyramid doesn’t add to the team’s success.
Matthews said the Tigers should play until the completion of the new arena then relocate.
Jody Sneed, a junior physical therapy major, said he thinks the arena will attract more fans from outside the student body.
“It will bring more people, especially if they’re winning,” Sneed said. “Students will come regardless, and this will let others come and see the arena and our team.”
While those in favor of the move are excited at the thought of their team playing in a new facility, students who oppose it are claiming leaving the Pyramid would be like leaving home.
“The tradition is important,” journalism major Marcus Washington said. “If we keep changing everything, what will we have? We need to keep playing there.”
Vanessa Gray, a senior political science major, said maintaining tradition is the main reason the Tigers should stay.
“We don’t need to (leave the Pyramid) just because something is new,” Gray said. “We are trying to build tradition here at the U of M and there will be no way to attain it if we continue to change. Students should know that they are going to Tiger-land when they go to the Pyramid.”
Jameel Galloway, a junior exercise and sport science major, said the Pyramid gives the team a high confidence level because of the tradition associated with it.
“We need to keep the Tomb of Doom,” Galloway said. “The Tigers playing there is like a ritual. It should ring in your head and keep the intimidation level up.”
Although the larger seating capacity of the new arena is a positive aspect of the potential move, Brandon Gillespie, a freshman political science major, said he sees the smaller size of the Pyramid to be one of its positive aspects.
“Smaller confines bring the fans closer together and create a more supportive atmosphere,” Gillespie said. “We won’t be able to fill the arena, and that could decrease confidence levels.”
Other concerns from students regarding the move were price inflation of tickets and the future of the Pyramid if the Tigers do indeed make the move.
