Memphis Madness replaced by Memphis Basketball Block Party this year
Memphis Madness is being replaced this year.
Instead of the Tigers’ preseason pep rally extravaganza – held annually at FedExForum – the university is shaking things up. The rebranded event, the Memphis Basketball Block Party, will highlight the men’s and women’s basketball programs with a free, on-campus celebration from 3-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall.
It marks the first time since 2017 that Memphis Madness has not been held. In recent months, athletic department officials and coaches from both programs collaborated to brainstorm fresh ideas.
“We can’t be afraid to change things up every now and then,” Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch told The Commercial Appeal on Thursday. “We’re always talking about how we can engage our students and our fans on an interactive, relational basis and finding ways to bring people to our campus. That’s always a challenge, having a couple of our big venues (FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium) at other locations.”
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Both teams are scheduled to be introduced that day at 4:30 p.m., and the event will also feature music, inflatables, games and food trucks, as well as performances by the Tiger band, cheer and dance teams. Following the event, both sets of Tiger players will hold a free autograph session, sponsored by the 901 Fund, a non-profit NIL collective aimed at helping local charities while also deepening "the connection between Memphis and the student-athletes who represent us.”
Since Penny Hardaway was hired in 2018, Memphis Madness regularly drew thousands of fans and helped generate major buzz in the weeks leading up to the season. Veatch recognizes some fans may be disappointed by the pivot, but he did not rule out the possibility of Memphis Madness returning in the future.
“It’s not going away forever,” he said. “Maybe it’s back next year. But let’s try this and see how it goes. We may look at Madness or doing it all differently again next year.”
Hardaway and women’s coach Katrina Merriweather both released statements Thursday voicing their support for the Memphis Basketball Block Party.
“This unique event will be something new for fans to experience, and we know our teams will feel the love of Tiger Nation during the Block Party,” said Hardaway.
“Connecting with our student body and University community is a huge part of our mission, and the Block Party is a great way for of us to interact with fans of all ages,” Merriweather said.
From a financial standpoint, Veatch labeled the move as a wash.
“We’re not charging anything, so there’s no revenue to offset expenses,” he said. “(But) there aren’t as many expenses.”
Parking will be free in the Zach Curlin parking garage near Elma Roane Fieldhouse, as space allows. Additional parking spots will be available throughout campus. No outside food or beverage is allowed.
Additional information will be made available leading up to the event, according to a university news release.
Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Madness 2022 to be replaced by Memphis Basketball Block Party
