🗓 On This Week in Memphis History
1916 – Piggly Wiggly Opens First Self‑Service Grocery
On September 6, 1916, Clarence Saunders transformed Memphis history by opening the world’s very first self-service grocery at 79 Jefferson Avenue. His idea forever changed how America shops—letting customers browse and select their own goods in the heart of downtown. This revolutionary concept, born on the edge of Court Square, paved the way for the modern supermarket and remains one of the city’s most significant contributions to retail history.
2004 – FedExForum Opens Downtown
On September 6, 2004, the FedExForum officially opened its doors on Beale Street, giving Memphis a state-of-the-art arena to host both NBA’s Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers basketball teams. The venue not only upgraded the city’s sports facilities but quickly became a central hub for concerts and Memphis culture downtown.
1912 – University of Memphis Welcomes Its First Class
On September 10, 1912, what’s now the University of Memphis (originally West Tennessee State Normal School) began a new chapter in Memphis history by educating local teachers. Located in the Normal Station neighborhood, it’s grown into one of the Mid-South’s largest universities, impacting countless students and Memphis families.
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🎶 Music City Moments
Otis Redding’s Birthday – September 9
This week in Memphis history, we celebrate the birthday of Stax Records legend Otis Redding, born September 9, 1941. Redding’s electrifying performances and soulful voice gave the world hits like “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Dock of the Bay.” Often recording at the famed Stax Studios on McLemore Avenue—only a few miles from Beale Street—Redding became a defining figure in Memphis music and soul, bridging communities and influencing generations of artists around the globe. As fans gather to remember his legacy each September, the city claims its rightful place at the center of American music heritage.
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🏀 Tigers & Grizzlies Flashback
FedExForum Debut – A New Era for Memphis Sports (September 6, 2004)
When the FedExForum opened its doors on September 6, 2004, it didn’t just change the skyline along Beale Street—it dramatically shifted the future of both Memphis Tigers basketball and Grizzlies history. Prior to this, the Memphis Grizzlies played in the Pyramid, a unique venue but one that felt increasingly out-of-date for the NBA’s evolving standards. For Tigers fans, the move promised a dynamic basketball experience with upgraded facilities, amplified acoustics, and the capacity to host bigger crowds and NCAA tournament showdowns.
The inaugural season at FedExForum brought basketball fans from the Edge District, South Main, and beyond, eager to see the Grizzlies’ young stars, including Pau Gasol and Mike Miller, in a brand-new home. The arena’s distinctive circular design and blues-inspired motifs reflected the city’s deep music tradition. For the Tigers, recruiting efforts soared as new athletes toured a “pro-level” facility just steps from the heart of downtown. With amenities that rivaled top national programs, both teams found fresh energy and support from a city proud of its sporting roots.
Over the years, iconic moments have unfolded inside the Forum: Mike Conley’s clutch plays, grit-and-grind playoff runs, and Tigers legends like Derrick Rose electrifying student sections. The venue also became a gathering spot for civic events, concerts, and family memories, cementing its status as a Memphis landmark.
This week, as we mark over two decades since that opening tip-off, Memphis celebrates how sports, architecture, and culture converge at FedExForum—making it not just an arena, but a living chapter in Memphis history.
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🏙 Memphis Culture & Legacy
Piggly Wiggly’s Retail Revolution (Downtown, 1916)
Memphis history was forever changed when Clarence Saunders opened the original Piggly Wiggly at 79 Jefferson Ave in downtown Memphis. As the world’s first self-service grocery store, it inspired global retail innovation. To this day, the Piggly Wiggly building stands as a testament to Memphis entrepreneurship and shows how local ideas can impact the world far beyond the Bluff City.
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