Memphis Grizzlies
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Franchise Name History
Vancouver was granted an expansion team in the spring of 1994 to begin play in 1995-96 season.
The team was named the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies borrow their name from the Grizzly bears that are part of the rugged landscape of British Columbia. Grizzlies reflect the powerful nature of the sport of basketball, and the heritage and culture of Western Canada. The team relocated to Memphis prior to the 2001-02 season.
Relocation Introduces a New Identity
When the Grizzlies moved to Memphis from Vancouver for the start of the 2001-02 season, some folks thought that Memphians would have trouble identifying with the team name and logo. Focus group research indicated otherwise. Fans, in fact, did not want to change the name. Yet, the consensus was that their new team’s logo should be reflective of their home city.
So the Grizzlies looked. And what they found was hospitality, pride and progress. The Mighty Mississippi, home-cooking and diversity. Barbecue, blues and neon lights. Elvis, perseverance and Beale Street. Wrap it with a little heart, soul, and imagination and you’ve got the recipe for what makes Memphis unique.
The identity introduced to fans prior to the start of the 2004-05 season embodies these values.
From the base color of blue that brings this identity to life (Memphis Midnight, Beale Street Blue and Smoke Blue) to the neon-inspired typeface of the city name. From the intense gaze of the Grizzly that represents a serious and competitive team to the subtle references to the colors of Egyptian royalty (Grizzlies Gold). All elements of this new identity were put in place to represent this city and this game. It’s about where we’re from.
Grizzlies may not be native to Memphis, but like the traveling delta bluesmen, have been adopted into their new home. It’s a special home with tremendous fans, a deeply committed organization and a new identity that is the symbol of that commitment.
Franchise History
The Grizzlies entered the NBA as an expansion franchise based in Vancouver in 1995. In 2001 they moved to their current home in the city of Memphis. Despite a playoff drought in Vancouver, the Grizzlies have advanced to the playoffs three times in their new home. Read More...
Grizzlies Charitable Contributions in the Community
The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation and Community Investment department focus on fostering a desire to learn in children as well as making an impact on the local community. But the team is not just another team when it comes to philanthropy. The NBA said that the Grizzlies are firmly in the upper echelon. Through the foundation and other vehicles, the Grizzlies have raised more than $18.5 million in donations and pledges with a focus on youth since December 2001.
Major projects have included but are not limited to the development of Grizzlies Academy, a public high school for teenagers who are two years or more behind grade level. In 2007-08, the Grizzlies Academy celebrated the second graduation in the school's history.
Other team initiaves have included:Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a short-term family residence on the campus of St. Jude which opened its doors in January 2004.
The Memphis Athletic Ministries’ Grizzlies Athletic Center, a first-class public gymnasium available to neighborhood youth.
Get Fit with the Grizzlies, launched in 2005, this initiative was developed out of concern for the growing obesity trend in the U.S. The program is designed to help educate Memphis area children about healthier choices through a six-week fitness program developed in conjunction with the Memphis City Schools.
On November 14, 2005 the New York Times featured a story on the charitable contributions of the Memphis Grizzlies to their community.
Franchise Arenas
| Arena | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FedExForum | 2004-present | As the Memphis Grizzlies |
| Pyramid Arena | 2001-2004 | As the Memphis Grizzlies |
| GM Place | 1995-2001 | As the Vancouver Grizzlies |
