The team, formerly known as the Vancouver Grizzlies, relocated to Memphis in USA and are currently playing at The Pyramid, a $65m arena, which opened in 1991.

Downtown Memphis will be the new home of the team in an 18,500-seat arena designed by Ellerbe Becket, the fourth largest architecture and engineering firm in the USA. The arena will be a mixed-use sports and entertainment facility and is scheduled to complete in 2004, in time for the 2004/2005 season.

Known as the FedEx Forum, the $250m arena will play host to a wide variety of events from concert tours, major sporting events and local community events. The site is close to the historic Beale Street and will have an outdoor entertainment area and 35,000sq ft plaza. Inside facilities include over 100 retail and concession outlets, restaurants and bars. Details: www.newmemphisarena.com