The 901: Economic impact of Elvis Week, FedEx St. Jude Championship occurring simultaneously

Attendees watch during the first-round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at TPC Southwind in Memphis.
Attendees watch during the first-round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

Good morning, Memphis, where we’ll see brighter and warmer days through the weekend compared to the cloudy and rainy week we had.

But, first, if you haven’t already noticed, two of Memphis’ biggest events are occurring simultaneously — the FedEx St. Jude Championship and Elvis Week. This could mean a significant economic boost for the area, our Omer Yusuf reports.

The combination of Elvis fans traveling to Memphis to celebrate him and thousands more traveling to see the world’s top golfers at the FedEx St. Jude Championship is likely to bring millions in economic impact to the area.

“It’s certainly millions and millions of dollars,” Kane said. “There’s no doubt about that. What the exact dollar amount is it’s just a little premature for us to try to project exactly what that’s going to be. It’s going to be significant.”

Read Omer’s story to see how both events this week are driving visitors and fans to the Memphis-area this year.

Memphis student detained after wearing slides to school

On the second day of class this year, a Memphis high schooler wore slides and later was detained by three school security officers, our Laura Testino reports.

The report indicates the school security officers weren't going to let the student come to class because he was wearing slides, or flip-flop-type shoes.

Videos of the incident on social media show the Southwind High School student on the ground with school security officers apparently on top of the lower half of his body and surrounding him.

The incident has brought renewed attention to relationships between students and school security as well as the enforcement of district policies for cell phones and dress code.

Memphis firefighter killed in crash identified

Memphis Firefighter David Pleasant died in a crash involving a fire truck and car on Aug. 10, 2022.
Memphis Firefighter David Pleasant died in a crash involving a fire truck and car on Aug. 10, 2022.

The City of Memphis and the Memphis Fire Department identified firefighter David Pleasant as the man killed late Wednesday night after a crash with a car in South Memphis, our Micaela Watts reports. 

The veteran firefighter with more than 30 years with MFD was rushed to the hospital along with three other firefighters and the driver of the second vehicle. Pleasant was pronounced dead at Regional One Health.

"David was extremely passionate about his role with the Memphis Fire Department, and he loved to help people and serve our community,” MFD Chief Gina Sweat said. “Driver Pleasant began his career with the Division of Fire Services on July 9, 1990, and faithfully served for 32 years. His legacy will remain in our hearts for years to come."

Pat Boone comes to Graceland to talk about friendship with Elvis

Pat Boone (standing by Elvis) visit Elvis and actress Juliet Prowse on the set of "G.I. Blues."
Pat Boone (standing by Elvis) visit Elvis and actress Juliet Prowse on the set of "G.I. Blues."

Pat Boone plans to visit Memphis on Monday to participate in “Conversations on Elvis” at the Graceland Soundstage, our John Beifuss reports.

Boone will be joined by Priscilla Presley, “I Dream of Jeannie” star Barbara Eden and others as part of the annual “Elvis Week” commemoration of the life and legacy of the singer who died on Aug. 16, 1977.

Boone has plenty of stories and "deeper insights" to share about the man he calls "my buddy," he said.

"I believe Elvis was spiritually hungry," Boone said. "He was tired, he was worn out, he was taking pills to go to sleep and taking pills to wake up because he was trying to cope with this empty space inside... That's why he would sing gospel songs into the wee hours, he was looking for the presence of God."

Memphis-area home sales decline as inventory rises

Construction of the Oak Hill subdivision in Collierville on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Building began of the five phases starting in 2018 where homes once selling in the $400,000 range have nearly doubled in value since, according to Magnolia Homes, the builder of the project.
Construction of the Oak Hill subdivision in Collierville on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Building began of the five phases starting in 2018 where homes once selling in the $400,000 range have nearly doubled in value since, according to Magnolia Homes, the builder of the project.

A shift in the Memphis-area housing market may be underway with declining home sales, prices rising at lower rates and higher inventory for potential buyers, our Omer Yusuf reports.

Omer puts together a list of four things to know about the Memphis housing market from the Memphis Area Association of Realtors data report.

Si Woo Kim takes lead with J.J Spaun at FedEx St. Jude Championship

Si Woo Kim, of South Korea, center, shakes hands with Mackenzie Hughes after Kim made an eagle from the 18th fairway during the first round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Memphis.
Si Woo Kim, of South Korea, center, shakes hands with Mackenzie Hughes after Kim made an eagle from the 18th fairway during the first round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Memphis.

Si Woo Kim’s holeout from 168 yards to end his first round helped him finish Thursday with a flourish at the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, our Jason Munz reports. The eagle completed a round of 8-under-par 62 and left him as the early leader in the clubhouse – if only for less than an hour.

Soon afterward, J.J. Spaun came off the course with his own 62 after making birdie on two of his last three holes. Tony Finau and J.T. Poston were tied for third at 6 under in the morning wave of tee times.

Today, the second round is underway. Follow our live updates, stories and highlights from TPC Southwind. 

The 901 is written by Ray Padilla, digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter at @Ray_Padilla_. 

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: The 901: Elvis Week, FedEx St. Jude Championship create economic boost