Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

9 of 30

Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; General view prior to game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trailblazers at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

#22 – FedEx Forum – Memphis Grizzlies

The Name: Where do the Grizzlies get off calling their bungalow arena a “forum?” Is Mark Antony running the pick-and-roll? Do the Vestal Virgins come off the bench? I’ll bet that if the arena was sponsored by Burger King, they would want to call it the “Burger King Basilica.” 2/10

The Aesthetics: I wouldn’t be able to tell you why, but I’m not a fan of the team’s use of yellow, especially with the touches of yellow on the edges of the paint area. Otherwise, the seating is quite good, allowing for an accessible view of the game no matter where you are in the arena.

The Experience: The arena has awful acoustics, but that is beside the point if you are going to a Grizzlies game. The Forum is supposed to be horrendous as a concert venue. Otherwise, the experience is totally middle of the road; As a fan you get to see a middling, competent team that plays an ugly brand of basketball.

Overview: You could do far worse than the FedEx Forum, but convenience ought to be the only attractive quality.

Next: #21

Home/NBA