The agreement for The University of Memphis basketball team toplay in the FedExForum now hinges on getting approval to sellalcohol at Tiger games, officials say.
That decision is up to the Tennessee Board of Regents, whichmeets next week to discuss the Tigers' move, including the issue ofalcohol sales.
A recent contract between The U of M and the Memphis Grizzlies,which will operate the Forum, calls for the Tigers to play in thenew arena starting next basketball season.
Under terms of their deal with The U of M, the Grizzlies willpay The University $800,000 a year. In return, the NBA team willkeep all concession revenue from Tiger games.
The sale of alcohol at U of M games is important because itwould significantly boost concession revenues. Without alcoholsales, the deal will be off, Grizzlies officials told TheCommercial Appeal this week.
Shelby County government has already agreed to let the Tigersout of a lease at The Pyramid to move to the Forum. Similar actionis needed from the City of Memphis and the Board of Regents.
"The University of Memphis plays no role in the sale of orprofit from concessions," said U of M president Shirley Raines in aWednesday press release.
A 2001 Boston College survey reported that 88 percent of highereducation institutions do not allow alcohol sales at athleticevents.
If alcohol sales are approved, The University would join C-USAschools Cincinnati, Louisville, and Tulane, in selling alcohol atsome sporting events.
"I don't see the big deal about it," said Jeremy Gratton, seniorsports and leisure studies major. "There are already other schoolsin our conference that sell alcohol and they don't seem to have anyproblems."
Though The U of M will not receive any revenues fromconcessions, alcohol sales would increase revenues for the MemphisGrizzlies.
"Money is a big issue for the entire structure," said TrentDavis, undecided freshman. "Anyway they can make more money, I saygo ahead."
Telephone calls to Raines and U of M Athletic Director R. C.Johnson were directed to Curt Guenther, The university'scommunications director. He, in turn, referred all questions to theMarch 24 press release. Daily Helmsman calls to the MemphisGrizzlies business office were not returned.
