Vote for the Grizz Girls

The NBA Dance Team Bracket is under way. Vote for your Grizz Girls today, March 24 starting at 2 p.m. (CT) when they face off with the Denver Nuggets Dancers.

Watch our behind-the-scenes video straight from the Grizz Girls locker room plus get to know the dancers, view the latest photos and more. Follow the Grizz Girls on Twitter.

Upcoming Grizzlies Events

Before the Memphis Grizzlies take the floor against the NBA Champion Boston Celtics on Saturday, March 21, they have a series of events planned that day that will lead up to the sold-out game.

 

The first event on the docket is the 2nd Annual Jack Jones Shootout, named after Memphis basketball enthusiast Jack Jones, which will take place at 12:30 p.m. at FedExForum.  The Jack Jones Shootout began as a scrimmage game for the M33M AAU basketball team, and has now expanded in its second year to include a kids game.

 

The inspiration behind this year’s shootout will also have an increased emphasis on a youth basketball movement in the city of Memphis, which will be spurred by basketball events at eight area Memphis Athletic Ministries locations and a youth basketball camp at a STREETS Ministries location.  The camp will be run by Ed Schilling, a nationally renowned basketball instructor who formerly worked at the University of Memphis under Head Coach John Calipari, and the members of the M33M AAU basketball team.  Fans who would like to donate to the Jack Jones Shootout to help spread youth basketball in Memphis can call (901) 205-1453.

 

Immediately following the Jack Jones Shootout at approximately 2:30 p.m., Memphis’s bravest and finest will take the FedExForum floor,when members of the Memphis City Fire Department and Memphis City Police department square off for the Inaugural Guns ‘N Hoses Basketball Game.  The first year of the event will see Mayor Willie Herenton toss the ceremonial tip-off before the action gets underway.  Anyone who has a ticket to that evening’s Grizzlies-Celtics game can also use it for admittance to the Jack Jones Shootout and/or the Guns ‘N Hoses Basketball Game. 

 

The Grizzlies are also teaming up again with ACH Food Companies for the Hoops for the Hungry canned food drive prior to the Grizzlies tip-off with the Celtics at 7 p.m.  All canned food items will be accepted at FedExForum and will be donated to the Mid-South Food Bank. 

 

Grizzlies fans making a donation will receive a “buy-one-get-one” ticket voucher for a select upcoming Grizzlies game.  This voucher is good for one free Terrace or Plaza Level ticket with the purchase of an additional Terrace or Plaza Level ticket for the Grizzlies contest on April 1 vs. the Washington Wizards or their April 7 game against the Portland Trail Blazers.  All tickets based on availability.

Grizzlies Recall Haddadi

For the second time this season, the Memphis Grizzlies have recalled center Hamed Haddadi from the NBA Development League’s Dakota Wizards, the club’s D-League affiliate, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

 

Haddadi posted 5.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.86 blocks in 17.0 minutes in seven games (two starts) in his second stint with the Wizards, where he was reassigned by the Grizzlies on Feb. 17.  Overall, the 7-2, 280-pound center has averaged 5.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.67 blocks in 17.4 minutes in 18 games (nine starts) with Dakota in his rookie season.

 

The Ahvaz, Iran native recorded two points and one rebound in four minutes in his NBA debut on Dec. 30 vs. Phoenix, becoming the first Iranian-born player to appear in an NBA game.  Haddadi has averaged 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 3.5 minutes through four games with Memphis this season.

 

Grizzlies Give Back

The Memphis Grizzlies plan to use the final month of the 2008-09 regular season as a way to give back and say thanks to the city of Memphis, the environment and all of their community partners and True Fans through Grizzlies Give Back.

 

The Grizzlies are partnering with St. Jude to tip-off the month with the St. Jude Give Thanks Night on Wednesday, April 1 vs. the Washington Wizards.  Starting at 10 a.m. through game time, fans who come to the FedExForum Box Office and make a donation of at least $5 will receive a free Terrace Level ticket to that evening’s game, while supplies last.  The partnership with St. Jude for Grizzlies Give back does not end there, however, as the Grizzlies are also set to host their largest in-arena silent auction in team history when they face off against Shaquille O’Neal and the Phoenix Suns on April 10.  All proceeds from both the St. Jude Give Thanks Night on April 1 and the in-arena silent auction on April 10 will benefit Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Grizzlies Go Green Night on April 3 is the next evening of giving for the Grizzlies, and on this night, the Grizzlies will be giving back to the environment by educating citizens of Memphis about environmental responsibility.  The evening will tip-off with the “Tour De Grizz” group bike ride and will be followed by a Green Expo on the Plaza Level of FedExForum that will give fans the chance to learn how to be more environmentally responsible.

 

The Grizzlies April 10 game against the Phoenix Suns will not only mark the largest in arena silent auction in team history, but it will also be a night for fans to enjoy X-Game action as well as part of X-Treme Sports Night, presented by Pepsi.  X-Treme Sports Night is a great chance for fans to see two sports for the price of one, especially considering the fact that it is also a Pepsi Family Value Game, which offers families four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi fountain drinks, starting at $48.  Fans who come to X-Treme Sports Night will want to come early, as the Grizzlies are also set to give out exclusive O.J. Mayo bobbleheads to the first 5,000 fans in attendance.

 

The final evening of Grizzlies Give Back will be Fan Appreciation Night, which will take place on the Grizzlies season finale against the Atlanta Hawks on April 15.  The Grizzlies are giving fans the chance to take part in the Ultimate Fan’s Choice, where they are encouraged to log onto grizzlies.com to vote for their favorite entertainment teams, music and much more.  

Grizz Benefits

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their pricing structure for the 2009-10 season, and for a fourth straight year returning Season Ticket Holders will not see a price increase.  Furthermore, the Grizzlies have gone straight to them for suggestions and feedback to help put together three unprecedented new incentives for renewing Season Ticket Holders.

 

The first ‘True Incentive’ actually cuts 5% off the total season ticket purchase for renewing Season Ticket Holder MVPs who make their first payment to renew their Season Tickets and MVP status by April 17, 2009.  This marks the first time in Memphis Grizzlies history that ticket prices have been reduced across the board for renewing MVPs of all levels, in all seating sections.

 

The Grizzlies are also aware of the commitment that it takes to renew season tickets in the current economic climate, and because of this are offering ano-risk guarantee for MVPs as their second ‘True Incentive.’  Prior to November 1, 2009 if a renewing Season Ticket Holder experiences an unexpected economic downturn, the Grizzlies will refund 100% of the cost of all remaining, un-played games.

 

An extraordinary third ‘True Incentive’ is also being rolled out to renewing MVPs, giving Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to take up to 10 months to pay their account in full between their initial renewal payment and January 2010.

 

In addition to these three unbelievable ‘True Incentives,’ all returning Season Ticket Holders will still receive all of the amazing ‘True Loyalty’ opportunities that they currently enjoy as MVPs.  MVP Loyalty Benefits such as express concession lines for all MVPs, guaranteed giveaways for MVPs who have Legend and All-Star status and a free NBA League Pass Subscription for those who have been with the team since their move to Memphis continue to be met by rave reviews.      

 

The Grizzlies are also presenting a new Free Ticket Credit option that gives renewing Season Ticket Holders up to $500 in free ticket credit per account toward Grizzlies single game tickets for select games throughout the 2009-10 season.  The Grizzlies will also introduce new Special Access Passes, which offer Season Ticket Holders up to five Special Access Passes per account that allow them to take themselves and guests to places not normally available to some MVPs, like the First Tennessee Club Level, the Lexus Lounge or the Legends Lounge. 

 

“We value and recognize Season Ticket Holders as the pulse of our organization.  After everything that we’ve been through as a franchise, successes and growing stages included, our Season Ticket Holders have been with us every step of the way and deserve to be rewarded,” said Greg Campbell, Grizzlies President of Business Operations.  “The outlook for the 2009-10 season is very promising for the Grizzlies, and we are thrilled to be offering fans the chance to take advantage of our bright future with the best rewards program in the NBA.  It is our way of thanking them for all of the support they’ve shown us over the years.”

 

Season Ticket Holders who renew their tickets by April 17 will be put into the ‘Early Bird Reward Lottery’ which makes them eligible for an assortment of prizes.  The first deadline on March 21 will include a drawing that is highlighted by a trip with the team to Milwaukee on April 4.  The second renewal deadline on April 3 includes a drawing with a chance to win a pregame locker room tour and meet and greet a Grizzlies player.  The third and final early renewal deadline to be eligible for ‘True Rewards’ is on April 15, with lottery items that include complimentary parking in the Ford Parking Garage for the 2009-10 season.  Fans who renew before each deadline are also eligible for subsequent lottery drawings, giving them more chances to win.   

 

Season Ticket Holders can renew their seats for the 2009-10 season by mail with the invoice that will come with their renewal package, online at grizzlies.com, by fax at (901) 205-1444 or by contacting their Account Executive. 

 

For fans who want to get in on all the action in future years, season tickets for the 2009-10 season are now on sale, with 6,000 season tickets available for under $10 or less.  Tickets start at just $22 per game in the Plaza Level and are only $5 per game on the Terrace Level.  Any fan who purchases before the end of the 2008-09 season will automatically receive tickets to the Grizzlies remaining contests for this season, which includes a matchup with the NBA Champion Boston Celtics on March 21. 

 

Staxtacular

The Memphis Grizzlies are set to host the biggest soul shakin’ function of the year with the 5^th Annual Staxtacular on February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

After jamming with the Stax Music Academy Band earlier this month, Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley will make their return to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to host this event that is a party, an auction and much more. 

Staxtacular 2009 will feature the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind NBA memorabilia, original artwork and special experiences in live and silent auctions, enjoy gourmet cuisine and open bar and pay tribute to the Soul tunes of yesteryear.  

Some auction items on the block this year at Staxtacular include; authentic jerseys autographed by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the opportunity to face off against a Grizzlies player in a game of H-O-R-S-E, dinner for eight at the home of Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace prepared by Spindini chef Judd Grisanti and original artwork by local artists David Lynch and Kate Gore.

All proceeds from Staxtacular 2009 will benefit the Stax Music Academy.  The Academy provides mentoring, music education and exciting performance opportunities designed to enhance students’ music abilities and academic and leadership skills. The Stax Academy uses music as a vehicle to improve students’ self-confidence, reading and math scores, and discipline in order to help them become good citizens and facilitators of community change. Both the Stax Music Academy and Stax Museum have been Memphis Grizzlies community partners since 2002.

Tickets are still available for $150 per person by calling (901) 261-6385 or visiting staxtacular.com.

Welcome to the Show

The Memphis Grizzlies are giving NBA media members and fans alike that are attending All-Star Weekend festivities the chance to see front and center what the city of Memphis has enjoyed all season, as three different O.J. Mayo billboards will debut in Phoenix for All-Star Weekend as part of Mayo’s Rookie of the Year campaign.

 

The billboards, which feature a larger than life Mayo and the tag line “”Welcome to the Show,” are being introduced in conjunction with the launch of voteoj.com.  Mayo’s website includes interesting stats and testimonials about the USC product from coaches, players and media members that will be updated with new features to help garner media support throughout the guard’s run towards the 2009 Rookie of the Year.

 

“The great city of Memphis is fortunate enough to see O.J. Mayo every day, and we wanted to help share his basketball brilliance with the entire NBA community,” said Greg Campbell, Grizzlies President of Business Operations.  “We decided that there would be no better place than Phoenix, with the national spotlight on All-Star Weekend to debut O.J.’s Rookie of the Year campaign.”

 

Mayo’s presence at All-Star Weekend won’t only be seen on billboards from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the United Airways Center, however, as he is also set to participate in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge on Friday, February 13 and the H-O-R-S-E competition on All-Star Saturday Night.

 

The 6-4, 210-pound guard currently leads all rookies in scoring (19.3 ppg) and minutes (37.9 mpg) and is in the top five in four other major categories.  With 22 points, 16 rebounds and five assists in Monday’s win vs. New Orleans, Mayo became one of only three rookies since the 2000-01 season, along with LeBron James and Al Horford, to record a 20-point, 15-rebound and five-assist performance. 

 

The Rookie of the Year Award is selected by a panel of media members who cover the NBA on a daily basis.  For more information, go to voteoj.com or grizzlies.com.

Bibby and Stoudamire Named Assistant Coaches

The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that Henry Bibby and Damon Stoudamire, a former Grizzlies player, will join head coach Lionel Hollins’ staff as assistant coaches.

 

With over 25-plus years of collegiate and professional basketball experience as both a player and coach, Bibby comes to Bluff City after spending the past two-and-a-half seasons (2005-06 – 2007-08) as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers under Maurice Cheeks.

 

Bibby also served as the head coach of the men’s basketball team at the 

University

 of 

Southern California

, where he guided the Trojans to a 131-111 record over nine seasons (1996-04), including back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2000-01 and 2001-02.  Bibby led USC to an Elite Eight appearance in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, which remains the program’s deepest tournament run since 1979.

 

Bibby spent part of the 2005 season as the head coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and has coached several teams in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), including the Oklahoma City Cavalry (1992-94), the Tulsa Fast Breakers (1989-91), the Savannah Spirits (1988) and the Baltimore Lightning (1986).  Bibby posted a 223-213 regular season record in the CBA, making him one of four coaches to reach 200 wins, and his teams made the CBA playoffs six times.

 

As a player, Bibby averaged 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 675 career games over nine seasons (1972-81) with the New York Knicks, New Orleans Jazz, the 76ers and the San Diego Clippers.  Bibby was a teammate of current Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins while both played for 

Philadelphia

 in the 1979-80 season. He also won an NBA championship in 1973 with Knicks, who featured eight future Hall-of-Famers, including Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe, Jerry Lucas, Phil Jackson and Red Holzman.

 

The Franklinton, N.C. native attended UCLA where, under head coach John Wooden, he was the starting point guard on three NCAA title teams (1970-72), earning consensus All-American honors while serving as the team’s captain as a senior in 1972.  Bibby is the father of former Vancouver Grizzlies guard Mike Bibby, who now plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

 

Stoudamire, who played two-plus seasons with the Grizzlies from 2005-08, returns to the organization for his first NBA coaching job after a stint earlier this season with the Rice University men’s basketball team, where he served as the Owls’ director of player development under head coach Ben Braun.

 

The 13-year NBA veteran (1995-08) averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 878 career games with the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs.  Stoudamire appeared in 118 games with the Grizzlies, averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists after signing as a free agent on Aug. 5, 2005.

 

Originally selected in the first round (seventh overall) in the 1995 NBA Draft, the 

University

 of 

Arizona

 product averaged 19.0 points and a career-best 9.3 assists, and won the 1995-96 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

 

A prolific three-point shooter, the 

Portland

 native made 1,236 three-pointers in his career, placing him 26^th on the NBA’s all-time list.

 

6th Annual Gospel Night to Feature Mary Mary

The Memphis Grizzlies 6^th Annual Gospel Night is set to be the biggest and best in team history, as gospel super-group Mary Mary will perform a free post-game concert following the Grizzlies matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, February 20.

Since releasing their career-defining single “Thank-You” in 2000, Mary Mary has gone on to become Grammy, American Music Award Dove, Stellar and MOBO winners, and each of their studio albums has gone on to earn either platinum or gold status. 

Tickets for the 6^th Annual Gospel Night start as low as $15.  Special group packages that include the opportunity for a meet and greet with Mary Mary, floor seats to the game and the post-game concert and a block of tickets for both events are also available.  Fans who would like to purchase a special group package should call (901) 205-1462 for more information.  

Fans who are interested in purchasing single game tickets to the 6^th Annual Gospel Night, or any of the Grizzlies remaining contests of the 2008-09 season can call 888-HOOP or go to Grizzlies.com.

Memphis Grizzlies 6th Annual Gospel Night to Feature Mary Mary

The Memphis Grizzlies 6^th Annual Gospel Night is set to be the biggest and best in team history, as gospel super-group Mary Mary will perform a free post-game concert following the Grizzlies matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, February 20.

Since releasing their career-defining single “Thank-You” in 2000, Mary Mary has gone on to become Grammy, American Music Award Dove, Stellar and MOBO winners, and each of their studio albums has gone on to earn either platinum or gold status. 

Tickets for the 6^th Annual Gospel Night start as low as $15.  Special group packages that include the opportunity for a meet and greet with Mary Mary, floor seats to the game and the post-game concert and a block of tickets for both events are also available.  Fans who would like to purchase a special group package should call (901) 205-1462 for more information.  

Fans who are interested in purchasing single game tickets to the 6^th