FedEx Archives: 2002 Press Releases

( BW)(TN-FEDEX)(FDX) FedEx, Area Leaders Unveil Name of New Memphis Arena; `FedExForum' an Extension of FedEx Community Involvement

    FedEx acquired naming rights for the arena after the Memphis Grizzlies became the city's first NBA and major-league sports franchise last year. Company officials said the facility would significantly add to other public projects that are part of the vibrant and growing downtown area, including AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds.

    "FedEx strongly believes the Memphis Grizzlies will continue to bring tremendous benefits to the Memphis area, the place FedEx has called home nearly 30 years," said T. Michael Glenn, FedEx Corp. executive vice president of market development. "Through this agreement, FedEx is building upon our commitment to the Memphis community and our employees, providing FedEx with a high return on investment by extending the company's visibility, building brand awareness through a positive sports-marketing arrangement and enhancing our ability to attract and retain world-class employees."
    Glenn said FedExForum was a logical choice for the name because the arena will be used for sports and other entertainment. It is also unique in that no existing NBA arena has "forum" as part of its name.

    "A forum is a public place, and this arena will be a showcase for professional sports and family entertainment that will serve the Memphis area well for years to come," Glenn said.

    He added that FedEx has a strong history in sports marketing, which FedEx uses to enhance its brand worldwide. FedEx has several marketing sponsorships in professional sports, including football, golf and auto racing.

    "This is an historic moment for the Memphis area and the Grizzlies," said Jerry West, Grizzlies president of basketball operations. "Today's announcement speaks highly of the FedEx commitment to the city, and serves as reinforcement that the Grizzlies are here to stay long term. Our fans can watch this building grow and soon enjoy an arena equal to or better than any in the NBA. Equally important, FedExForum will be the home to a team that will make everyone proud."

    FedExForum Facts

    Scheduled to open in fall 2004, FedExForum is designed to provide outstanding guest comfort, excellent sightlines and acoustics, and the flexibility to host a variety of events. As the new home of the Memphis Grizzlies, the arena will seat 18,400 spectators over five levels for NBA basketball.

    With a variety of seating layouts, as well as an integrated ice floor, the facility will also be able to host events ranging from concerts and hockey to iceskating, exhibitions, circuses, family shows, rodeos and indoor motorsports.

    Located one-half block south of historic Beale Street in downtown Memphis, the FedExForum will tie directly into the surrounding area, with outdoor entertainment and party areas and a 35,000 square-foot exterior plaza. Inside the facility, guest comforts and amenities include wider seats and aisles, two main concourses with more than 100 points of sale for concession and retail items, a Grizzlies team store, casual sports bar, premium restaurants and lounges, and interactive displays and exhibits--all showcasing the unique flavor of Memphis.

    EDITOR'S NOTE: FedExForum is one connected word, with an upper-case "F" in Forum.

    About FedEx

    With annual revenues of $21 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply chain management services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including: FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, the largest U.S. provider of regional less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical, North America's largest provider of expedited time-critical shipments; and FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs clearance, international freight forwarding and trade facilitation.

    --30--SH/na*

    CONTACT: FedEx Corp., Memphis
             Jim McCluskey, 901/434-7764
             jmmccluskey@fedex.com
             http://www.fedex.com

    KEYWORD: TENNESSEE
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ADVERTISING/MARKETING AIRLINES ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS TRANSPORTATION MARKETING AGREEMENTS
    SOURCE: FedEx Corp.