The Grizzlies joined the NBA in 1995 as an expansion team in Vancouver and moved to Memphis in 2001. They have had three homes: General Motors Place (now Rogers Arena) in Vancouver, the Pyramid on the Mississippi River and, since 2004, FedExForum.
Here is every home in order, with the years the Grizzlies played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each arena with a ThrillZing guide links to it.
Every Grizzlies Arena, 1995 to Today
- Vancouver
1995–2001Home for all six Vancouver seasons, in an arena that opened in September 1995 for the Grizzlies and the Canucks. The team never reached the playoffs; falling crowds and new owner Michael Heisley led to the 2001 move.
Today: Renamed Rogers Arena in 2010; still home of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks
Stadium history →- Memphis
- 2001–2004
Pyramid Arena
A temporary home for the first three Memphis seasons, shared with the Memphis Tigers. Only ten years old, it was already too dated for the NBA, and refitting it would have closed it for a season.
Today: Reopened in 2015 as a Bass Pro Shops megastore with a hotel, restaurants and an observation deck
- 2004–presentCurrent home
Opened in September 2004 near Beale Street, built for $250 million with public bonds and shared with the Memphis Tigers. FedEx paid $92 million for the naming rights.
Visiting guide →
Grizzlies Arena FAQ
Where did the Grizzlies play before FedExForum?
At the Pyramid in downtown Memphis, from 2001 to 2004, while FedExForum was being built. In Vancouver they played all six seasons (1995–2001) at General Motors Place, now Rogers Arena.
How many arenas have the Grizzlies had?
Three: General Motors Place, the Pyramid and FedExForum.
Why did the Grizzlies leave Vancouver?
The team struggled on the court and never made the playoffs, and attendance fell to among the league’s lowest after the 1998–99 lockout. A weak Canadian dollar and some players’ reluctance to live in Canada added to the problems. New owner Michael Heisley moved the team to Memphis for the 2001–02 season.
Is the Pyramid still standing?
Yes. It has not been used regularly as an arena since 2007, and in 2015 it reopened as a Bass Pro Shops megastore with a hotel, restaurants, a bowling alley and an observation deck near the top.
Where do the Grizzlies play now?
At FedExForum in downtown Memphis, near Beale Street, their home since 2004. It seats 16,667 for basketball and is shared with the University of Memphis Tigers.