This Week in Memphis History

Every week, we travel through the milestones that shaped the Bluff City. Here’s your curated look at some unforgettable moments in Memphis history between September 5–11.

🎶 Music Milestone: Otis Redding’s Birthday – September 9

• 🎤 Otis Redding’s Birthday (September 9): Stax Records’ giant, Otis Redding, was born on this day. His soul-stirring hits like “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Dock of the Bay” embody the Memphis sound and continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

🏀 Sports Flashback: FedExForum Opens – September 6, 2004

• 🏟️ FedExForum Opens (September 6, 2004): Downtown Memphis welcomed the brand-new FedExForum, forever changing the local sports landscape. As the home court for the Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis Tigers basketball teams, the arena stands as a premier venue for sporting and entertainment events.

🏛️ Culture & Legacy: Piggly Wiggly Opens First Self‑Service Grocery – September 6, 1916

• 🛒 Piggly Wiggly Opens First Self‑Service Grocery (September 6, 1916): Clarence Saunders revolutionized retail when he opened the world’s first self‑service grocery store at 79 Jefferson Avenue in Memphis. This innovative idea changed the way people shopped and left a permanent mark not just on Memphis history, but on grocery shopping everywhere.

Deep Dive: 21 Years of FedExForum – A Home for Memphis Hoops

On September 6, 2004, Memphis ushered in a new era for sports and live entertainment with the opening of FedExForum. Replacing the beloved but outgrown Pyramid, FedExForum provided the Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis Tigers with a modern, state-of-the-art home in the heart of downtown. Over the past 21 years, players and fans have celebrated countless milestones here, from buzzer-beaters in NCAA March Madness to electrifying NBA playoff runs.

From its sleek, glass-paneled façade to its tributes to Memphis music—including Beale Street–inspired touches on the concourse—FedExForum was designed to reflect the city’s identity. Built on Beale Street, it has become an integral part of the urban fabric, hosting concerts, family shows, and major civic events, in addition to legendary basketball battles. Its opening marked a major investment in downtown development and signaled Memphis’s ongoing commitment to being a top-tier destination for both athletics and entertainment.

As the arena turns 21 this September 6, it’s clear that FedExForum is more than just a building—it’s a hub of local pride and a living part of Memphis history. Generations of fans have cheered on their teams, witnessed unforgettable moments, and felt the pulse of the city in its stands. As Memphis continues to evolve, FedExForum remains a central gathering place where history is made, one game (or concert) at a time.

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