The Memphis Redbirds organization said 901 FC’s departure from AutoZone Park has “no impact on the Memphis Redbird’s current tenure” but says work is needed on AutoZone Park.
The soccer club officially announced Wednesday morning it will leave Memphis for Santa Barbara, California. The news surfaced in media reporting Tuesday evening. The team is leaving because the city did not secure it a soccer stadium.
“From the beginning, we emphasized that a soccer-specific stadium was essential for the long-term viability of professional soccer in Memphis,” reads a statement from the team on X Wednesday morning. “Following the city’s direction, we participated in multiple trips to lobby the Tennessee legislature in 2023 for a $350 million cash grant to fund sports facilities, including a new soccer stadium and renovations to AutoZone Park.
“While the state of Tennessee fulfilled this grant to Memphis, funding for the Liberty Park soccer stadium and AutoZone Park was unceremoniously left out. In the past year, we have explored additional options, but unfortunately time was not on our side.”
The Redbirds, which manages AutoZone Park for the city, said it was “saddened” by the news, that it will stay Downtown, but more work needs to be done at the park.
“Since AutoZone Park was not allocated any of the state funding made available last year, the city has deployed approximately $5 million in funds to help start to bring the city-owned facility into compliance with MLB standards before next year’s [Professional Development League] deadline,” reads a statement from the Redbirds. “However, we have communicated to the city that there is still a long list of vital needs that must be addressed in order for AutoZone Park to maintain a Triple-A club, including new seating, painting, bathroom renovations, and concrete repairs, among others.
“These items must be addressed seriously and swiftly to safeguard the long-term future of AutoZone Park as the proud home of the Redbirds and a premier destination for events in the city.”
New year 2024 concept, beginning of success. Text 2024 written on asphalt road and male runner preparing for the new year. Concept of challenge or career path and change.
What do you mean it’s almost January? If you’re anything like us, the encroaching new year has really seemed to have come out of left field. The churning news cycle means that we’ve had our heads down covering the arts, a mayoral race, the Tennessee legislature, and everything in between. But despite a packed 2023, there are plenty more stories on the horizon. With 2024 just around the corner, our writers take a look at what we can expect in Memphis news next year.
Breaking News
Paul Young
Paul Young taking the mayor’s seat will be the Memphis news story to watch in 2024.
Memphis hasn’t had a new mayor for eight years; hasn’t done things differently for eight years — for good or bad. So, Memphians can expect new ideas, fresh faces, and new approaches to the city’s same-old problems (but maybe some new opportunities, too).
Paul Young (Photo: Paul Young for Memphis)
Some could argue too much emphasis is put on the mayor’s office, much like the president’s office. But that office is where the city’s business is done daily, from police and fire to trash collection and paving. Yes, these ideas are later shaped by the Memphis City Council and, yes, the mayor is expected to carry out rules formed entirely by the council. But all of that is executed (executive branch, get it?) by the mayor and his team.
Young has already named a few key staffers. Tannera Gibson will be his city attorney and Penelope Huston will be head of communications, according to The Daily Memphian. Young told the Memphian, too, that he’ll keep the controversial Cerelyn Davis as chief of the Memphis Police Department.
Memphis in May
This next year could be make or break for the Memphis in May International Festival (MIM).
It ended 2023 with a whimper. The nonprofit organization posted a record loss of $3.4 million and record-low attendance for Beale Street Music Festival. Also, its longtime leader Jim Holt announced his retirement.
MIM leaders put Music Fest on hiatus for 2024. It also moved the Championship Barbecue Cooking Competition to Liberty Park.
Meanwhile Forward Momentum and the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) announced a new three-day music festival at Tom Lee Park (called River Beat) and a new barbecue contest, both in May.
It’s unknown if these new events could supplant MIM. Speculation, though, has the future of the nonprofit in question. It’ll be worth watching.
Tennessee General Assembly
State lawmakers are hard to predict.
Last year, for example, one GOP member spent countless hours persuading his colleagues to add firing squads to the list of options for the state’s death row inmates. Another wanted to add “hanging by a tree” to that list.
However, one can easily predict Republicans will seek to make life harder for the LGBTQ community. One bill paused last year, for example, would allow county clerks to deny marriage rites to anyone they choose (wink, wink).
The little-known but hard-working Tennessee Medical Marijuana Commission may approach lawmakers next year with a plan to get a state system off the ground. Dead medical cannabis bills have become too many to count over the years. But the hope is that the group’s expertise after years of study may help tip the scales.
Easy bets are also on bills that mention “abortion” or “trans.” — Toby Sells
Politics
Oddly enough, the city’s incoming chief executive, Paul Young, remains something of an unknown despite his extensive exposure (and his consistently adept campaigning) during the long and trying mayoral race that concluded in October. Nor will the aggressive ballyhoo of his preliminary activities — parade, concert, and inaugural ball, no less! — have shed much light on his intentions in office, though his inaugural address will be highly anticipated in that regard.
Major changes may be in the offing, though so far the shape of them is not obvious. Young’s announced reappointment of police director C.J. Davis at year’s end may be an indication that, in the personnel sense, anyhow, there may well be a continuum of sorts with the administration of outgoing Mayor Strickland.
C.J. Davis (Photo: Memphis Police Department)
The newly elected council, meanwhile, is expected to be measurably more progressive-minded on various issues as a result of the election than was its predecessor.
A city task force already launched — GVIP (Group Violence Intervention Program), which involves an active interchange of sorts between governmental players and gang members (“intervenors,” as they are designated) in an effort to curb violence on the streets. It will be picking up steam as the year begins.
And follow-up readings will still be required in 2024 on an initiative sponsored by outgoing Councilman Martavius Jones and passed by the council conferring lifelong healthcare benefits on council members elected since 2015, upon their having completed two terms.
(News of that move prompted an astounded Facebook post from former Councilman Shea Flinn, who served back when first responders’ benefits had to be cut and a controversial pension for city employees with 12 years’ or more service was rescinded. Said Flinn: “Do I have this correct? Because I don’t want to be gassing up a flamethrower for nothing!”)
The Shelby County Commission, having worked in tandem with Mayor Lee Harris in the past year to secure serious funding for a new Regional One Health hospital, continues to be ambitious, hoping to acquire subpoena power from the state for the county’s recently created Civilian Law Enforcement Review Committee and to proceed with the construction of a long-contemplated Mental Health, Safety, and Justice Center.
The commission is also seeking guidance from the DA’s office on the long-festering matter of removing County Clerk Wanda Halbert from office.
At the state level, almost all attention during the early legislative session will be fixed on Republican Governor Bill Lee’s decision to push for statewide application of the school-voucher program that barely squeaked through the General Assembly in 2019 as a “pilot” program for Shelby and Davidson counties. (Hamilton County was later added.) The program was finally allowed by the state Supreme Court after being nixed at lower levels on constitutional grounds. Democrats are universally opposed to its expansion, as, for the record, are the school boards in Shelby County’s seven school districts. Prospects for passage may depend on how many GOP legislators (a seriously divided group in 2019) are inclined this time to let the governor have his way.
Also on tap will be a series of bills aimed at stiffening crime/control procedures, some of which may also try to roll back recent changes in Shelby County’s bail/bond practices.
Oh, and there will be both a presidential primary vote and an election for General Sessions Court clerk in March. — Jackson Baker
Music
No sooner does yuletide appear than it’s gone again in a wink, as we turn to face a new notch on life’s yardstick. Yet even before 2024 dawns, Memphis has great music brewing on this year’s penultimate day, December 30th, from the solo seasoned jug band repertoire of David Evans (Lamplighter Lounge) to the revved-up R&B-surf-crime jazz-rock of Impala (Bar DKDC) to Louder Than Bombs’ take on The Smiths (B-Side).
Ironically, DJ Devin Steele’s Kickback show at the Hi-Tone is keeping live music on the menu with a six-piece band alongside the wheels of Steele. Down on Beale Street, bass giant Leroy “Flic” Hodges and band will be at B.B. King’s, and the Blues City Café will feature solid blues from Earl “The Pearl” Banks and Blind Mississippi Morris.
Susan Marshall (Photo: Jamie Harmon)
While New Year’s Eve seems particularly DJ-heavy this December 31st, there are still some places to ring in the new year with a live band. Perhaps the most remarkable will be when three of the city’s most moving women in music — Susan Marshall, Cyrena Wages, and Marcella Simien ringing in midnight — converge at the freshly re-energized Mollie Fontaine Lounge. A more up-close, swinging time will be found at the Beauty Shop’s meal extravaganza set to the music of Joyce Cobb. Orion Hill’s Mardi Gras Masquerade will feature Cooper Union (with Brennan Villines and Alexis Grace), and Blind Mississippi Morris will hold court again at Blues City as a gigantic disco ball rises up a 50-foot tower outside on Beale. For that Midtown live vibe, Lafayette’s Music Room’s elaborate festivities will feature the band Aquanet.
For many Memphians, the new year will begin with a look backward as a smorgasbord of bands — from Nancy Apple to Michael Graber to Oakwalker and beyond — gather at B-Side to honor the late Townes van Zandt on January 1st. The revival of the 1970 musical Company, opening at the Orpheum the next day, also honors an earlier era’s muse, but its five Tony Awards suggest that even today it “strikes like a lightning bolt” (Variety). And the historical appreciations continue: On January 14th, Crosstown Arts’ MLK Freedom Celebration will feature the Mahogany Chamber Music Series, curated by Dr. Artina McCain and spotlighting Black and other underrepresented composers and performers; and on January 20th GPAC will host jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Jumaane Smith’s Louis! Louis! Louis!, blending his own compositions with those of Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, and Louis Jordan — three giants of the last century.
Who knows, maybe reflecting on all this past greatness will teach 2024 a thing or two? — Alex Greene
Coming Attractions in 2024
2023’s dual WGA and SAG strikes disrupted production, so 2024 should be an unpredictable year at the multiplex. Studios are currently engaged in a high-stakes game of chicken with the release calendar, so don’t take any of these dates as gospel. In January, an all-star apostle team led by LaKeith Stanfield and David Oyelowo tries to horn in on the messiah game in The Book of Clarence.
February has the endlessly promoted spy caper Argylle, a Charlie Kaufman-penned animated film Orion and the Dark, the intriguing-looking Lisa Frankenstein, and Bob Marley: One Love left over from 2023, as well as Ethan Coen’s lesbian road comedy Drive-Away Dolls.
March is stacked with Denis Villeneuve’s return to Arrakis, Dune: Part Two; Jack Black voicing Kung Fu Panda 4; Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire; and Focus Features’ satire The American Society of Magical Negroes.
Monsters will collide in Godzilla x Kong.
April starts with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Alex Garland’s social sci-fi epic Civil War.
May features Ryan Gosling as The Fall Guy and Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in Back to Black. On April 24th, we have a three-flick pile-up with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Garfield Movie (animated, thank God), and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. ALL HAIL IMPERATOR FURIOSA!
Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
June brings us Inside Out 2, which adds Maya Hawke as Anxiety to the Pixar classic’s cast of emotions. There’s another Bad Boys film on the schedule that nobody has bothered to title yet. Meanwhile, Kevin Costner goes too hard with punctuation with Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter One. (Chapter Two drops in August.)
In July, there’s the horror of Despicable Me 4 and Twisters, a sequel to the ’90s tornado thriller that lacked the guts to call itself Twister$. Ryan Reynolds returns as the Merc with a Mouth in Deadpool 3, the first Marvel offering of the year.
In August, Eli Roth adapts the hit game Borderlands, which, if you think about it, could actually work. James McAvoy stars in the Blumhouse screamer Speak No Evil. Don’t Breathe director Fede Álvarez directs Priscilla’s Cailee Spaeny in Alien: Romulus.
September is looking spare, but Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder are getting the band back together for Beetlejuice 2, so that could be fun.
October looks a tad more promising with Joker: Folie à Deux, a psychosexual (emphasis on the “psycho”) thriller with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. There’s also the cheerful Smile 2, evil clown porn Terrifier 3, and a Blumhouse production of Wolf Man.
November sees a remake of The Amateur, Barry Levinson’s mob thriller Alto Knights, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 with Denzel Washington, and Wicked: Part One, led by Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo.
Then, the year goes out strong with Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, an anime Tolkien adaptation from Kenji Kamiyama.
This time next year, we’ll be gushing over Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King, Robert Eggers’ boundary-pushing Nosferatu remake, and an ultra-secret Jordan Peele joint. — Chris McCoy
Memphis Sports
Here’s a one-item wish list for Memphis sports in 2024: Ja Morant videos that are exclusively basketball highlights. The city’s preeminent athlete stole headlines this year with off-the-court drama that ultimately cost him the first 25 games of the Grizzlies’ 2023-24 season. Morant’s absence was more than the roster could take, particularly with center Steven Adams sidelined for the season with a knee injury. More than 10 games under .500 in mid-December, the Grizzlies must hope the star’s return can simply get them back to break-even basketball. If that happens — and with the rim-rattling displays that have made Ja a superstar — the new year will have brought new life to the Bluff City’s flagship sports franchise.
And how about a first regular-season American Athletic Conference championship for Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers? The AAC is a watered-down version of the league we knew a year ago (no more Houston, no more Cincinnati), with Florida Atlantic now the Tigers’ primary obstacle for a league crown. A controversial loss to FAU in the opening round of the NCAA tournament last March created an instant rivalry, one that will take the floor at FedExForum on February 25th. David Jones is an early candidate for AAC Player of the Year and sidekick Jahvon Quinerly gives Hardaway the best collection of new-blood talent since “transfer portal” became a thing.
Seth Henigan (Photo: Wes Hale)
With Seth Henigan returning to quarterback the Tigers for a fourth season, Memphis football should also compete for an AAC title and an 11th consecutive bowl campaign. AutoZone Park will hum with Redbirds baseball and 901 FC soccer throughout the warm-weather months, and the PGA Tour will make Memphis home when the FedEx St. Jude Championship tees off on August 15th.
But let’s hope 2024, somehow, becomes the Year of Ja in this town. The heart of Memphis sports echoes the sound of a basketball dribble. And one player speeds that heartbeat like no other. — Frank Murtaugh
Oscar Jimenez will suit up for 901 FC next season. (Photo: Courtesy USL/Louisville City FC)
Meanwhile, 901 FC can look forward to welcoming some unfamiliar opponents to the confines of AutoZone Park next season. A restructured United Soccer League means Memphis will bid adieu to the Eastern Conference and kick off its 2024 season as part of the Western Conference. That means that 22 of 901 FC’s 34-match schedule will be against Western Conference opponents, starting with a March 9th home season opener against Las Vegas Lights FC. There’s a new COO in Jay Mims, while we can expect plenty of new players to suit up before Stephen Glass leads the team out for its first game.
One thing that soccer fans will not be looking forward to, however, is a new stadium, with plans for a soccer-specific Liberty Park arena scuppered after $350 million in state dollars earmarked for sporting renovations did not include any provisions for 901 FC. — Samuel X. Cicci
There’s plenty of summer and animal fun to be had at the Memphis Zoo. (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Zoo)
It sure feels like summer! The hot, humid days have moved in with full force, but that doesn’t scare us. Yet as we all sit inside next to our struggling AC units, it’s easy to forget all the cool things going on in Memphis. The city attracted more than 11 million visitors last year, and for good reason: Memphis is a place people want to see. So get outside and re-familiarize yourself with all the great places and people that make Bluff City unique. Whether it’s restaurants, museums, or a night out on the town, there are plenty of reasons why here at home remains a great option for remaining summer plans.
Free Art and Museums
A staycation saves money, right? Save even more with these free attractions.
• The Dixon Gallery & Gardens is free through the end of 2024 with 2,000 objects in its collection and a glorious spread of botanic brilliance.
• The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is free Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and also for family-oriented Community Day events.
• The National Civil Rights Museum is free for Tennessee residents with state-issued ID Mondays from 3 p.m. until closing.
• The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is free for kids 6 and under. Shelby County residents with ID get in free on Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. And it’s free for everyone from 1 to 5 p.m. on Family Day, the second Saturday of each month.
The Memphis Zoo (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Zoo)
• The Memphis Zoo is free for wee ones under 2 years old. Tennessee residents get in free on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to close.
• Access to the Metal Museum grounds, including its sculpture garden and gift shop, is always free.
• Walking and driving tours of Elmwood Cemetery are free, and it’s pretty quiet as well.
As always, you should check with the venues first before you go. And as you visit these places, you might be tempted to buy a membership. Go ahead. Find the level that works for you and enjoy it year-round. — Jon W. Sparks
Hit the Town
A night at home curled up under a blanket to watch a movie or read a book is probably my ideal night. In fact, I’d say it’s so ideal that I do that practically every night, but, apparently, it’s good to shake things up a little every now and then. So this homebody did just that and dragged herself out of bed for a night out on the town. Sure, it was for a writing assignment, but I got out of the bed and that’s a start.
With a friend in tow, the night started at Bardog Tavern for dinner and drinks. I ordered something with rum that our server recommended — couldn’t really tell you what else was in it because I heard the word “rum” and that was enough for me. Turns out the name of the drink is James’ Cock, and I sucked it down like a Coca-Cola, so do with that what you will.
After that we headed to Blind Bear, a speakeasy I’d never heard about before, mostly because I rarely leave the house after 7 p.m. Then it was time for the Flying Saucer and, like, Beale and stuff. (I had a bit to drink at this point.) I think we headed to Paula & Raiford’s Disco after, waited in line for about 10 minutes, and then gave up and ordered a Lyft. But, yeah, it was nice to shake things up a bit for a bit of a “staycation,” but the best part was being able to fall asleep in my own bed. — Abigail Morici
Be a Tourist For a Day
More than 11 million people came to Memphis on vacation — on vacation! — last year. That’s roughly the population of Belgium. Why?! The crime! The heat! The potholes!
Daily Memphians might miss the mystique of the city’s cultural treasure trove that draws all those tourists each year. The Pyramid’s funny. Barbecue is routine. Beale is for tourists. Don’t get us started on Graceland.
But if you’re staycating this year, try (at least) vacating your house or your neighborhood. Go find out what makes Memphis a destination. Go reconnect with that everyday magic. Do it all while staying within your staycation budget, too.
Here’s a brief list of classic (and free!) tourist spots to hit for your Memphis staycation:
• Graceland — Brag that you’ve never been? Go. See what you think. Free walk-up admission to the Meditation Garden daily.
• Beale Street — Go for the people-watching. Stay for the music and a Big Ass Beer. Are your feet 10 feet off?
• Big River Crossing — A one-of-a-kind walk with Insta-worthy views of the river and the city. Free daily.
• Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid — Fish pond, gator pit, and massive aquarium? Check. The place is a tourist magnet for a reason. Free daily. — Toby Sells
Be a Homebody
Staycate means staycate. No need to go figuring out car trips to some semi-distant place or to rush out to some favorite or fetchingly rumored juke joint in the evenings just because you’ve got some spare time.
Stay home. Sleep late. Alternatively, get up early in the morning when it’s still cool enough and take long walks on your property or in your neighborhood.
Give yourself at least one good substantial grocery visit. Then put it to use. Cook something new, for yourself or guests. And back in that fridge somewhere is an item you bought backaways with some purpose in mind you haven’t got to yet. Do it now before the food goes bad.
Fix up that spare room you’ve been using as a warehouse space. Change those worn-out bulbs. Take care of those overlooked potted plants. They’re thirstier than you are!
Homebody starter kit (Photo: Jackson Baker)
You bought those books. Now read them. Ditto with those magazines that are lying around. Forget about social media for a while. If you’ve got to turn on the computer, then use it to catch up on news you missed.
Look at yourself in the mirror and take inventory. I don’t need to tell you that you’ll see something that needs changing. Change it. Or at least start the process.
For a little while, everything is in your hands. Enjoy the fact. — Jackson Baker
The Memphis International Restaurant Tour
Eating out at a great restaurant is my favorite thing to do on a vacation.
Eating out at a great restaurant is also my favorite thing to do on a staycation.
You can experience other countries by staying home and visiting Memphis restaurants that specialize in various types of food from across the globe. Sort of “Around the World in 901 Days.” Maybe choose cuisine from a particular country each day of your staycation. Some places serve lunch, which usually is cheaper. And if you don’t know what to order at these places, ask your servers what they’d recommend. Here are some restaurant ideas:
Taking a trip around town to try exotic food is less expensive than airfare to exotic places. Not to mention lodging. You can go home to your own bed. And you don’t have to worry about passports. — Michael Donahue
A Night at the Shell
There are a lot of places to see live music in Memphis: the Beale Street club packed with tourists, the Orpheum Theatre’s Gilded Age grandeur, the Green Room’s intimate sounds. But the best place in Memphis for a night of music is the Overton Park Shell.
Built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration project designed to help workers during the Great Depression, it is one of a handful of band shells from that era still standing.
PreauXX at the Shell (Photo: Chris McCoy)
I was recently reminded of how lucky we are to have a place like the Shell when I saw PreauXX play there on July 1st. It was one of the super hot days we’ve been having this year, so I was expecting to be uncomfortable, at least until well after the sun had set. But the towering trees of Overton Park provided enough shade that a steady breeze made it quite pleasant, especially after a couple of days spent indoors hiding from the heat. We found a spot near the front of the stage and set up our camp chairs next to a young mom corralling her toddler.
My wife LJ stayed with the chairs as I checked out the food trucks, which were parked next to the new, greatly improved bar facilities.
We were chowing down on some barbecue tacos when PreauXX hit the stage, backed by his friends from the Unapologetic crew. The young mother was joined by her partner, and, after ignoring the music in favor of rolling on the lawn, the toddler threw his energy into dancing. (Really, it was more of a body-wide twitch, but he was trying his best.) When AWFM joined in for “Slide,” folks were streaming down the hill to do the title dance. This stage has hosted everyone from Elvis to Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, but for this night, PreauXX was the king. — Chris McCoy
Drag Shows at the Atomic Rose
Thanks to the phenomenon known as RuPaul’s Drag Race, we’re able to appreciate the art of drag without leaving our homes. And while watching hours of Snatch Game makes for the perfect staycation activity, so does supporting your local drag performers and artists.
Voted as the number-one best drag bar in the South by Time Out, Atomic Rose is the top destination for your staycation entertainment fix. The club recently went viral, at the height of Tennessee’s anti-drag controversy, when local drag queen and activist Bella DuBalle informed the audience of the severity of the bill and what it meant for the drag community. But the clip that circulated around TikTok only gave viewers a tidbit of the magic the nightclub possesses.
Drag at the Atomic Rose (Photo: Drew Parker)
DuBalle is known as Slade Kyle outside of drag and says one of the things that makes the club so special is that it is a true melting pot, inclusive in multiple ways encompassing all genders, races, and sexuality. This diversity is showcased in one of their most iconic events known as the “War Of The Roses,” which Kyle describes as an eight-week drag competition, featuring a large and diverse pool of performers.
And if you happen to swing by after War season, the club also offers Friday and Saturday shows, as well as a drag brunch on Sunday. Friday and Saturday shows start at 10:30 p.m., and Sunday brunch service starts at 11 a.m., with the show starting at 12:30 p.m. — Kailynn Johnson
SPORTS!
We can never get enough Grizz action at the FedExForum. But they’re out of season (unless you’ve made the pilgrimage to the Las Vegas Summer League to watch Kenny Lofton Jr. hoop). Luckily, there’s another pleasant Downtown destination to get your fix of ’ball. AutoZone Park is home to the Redbirds and 901 FC, but it’s sometimes apparent that Memphians take the stadium for granted, evidenced by the quite noticeable number of empty seats during baseball and soccer games. It’s still hot outside, but an afternoon or night out at the ballpark is an excellent way to shake up a routine and try out a new experience in town.
Even if you’re not into sports all that much, there are plenty of additional perks that come tacked on to a game. A personal favorite of mine is an all-you-can-eat series at Redbirds games, which, for just a few extra bucks, gets you a pass into a roped-off section that provides drinks, snacks, hot dogs, and an endless supply of the featured entrée (anything from brisket, to nachos, to my personal favorite: hot wings).
901 FC’s Bluff City Mafia (Photo: Memphis 901 FC)
Other enticements include specialty nights for $1 hot dogs or $2 beers. And when those nights line up, oh man. Kicking back with a few brews in what can either be a pleasant or a raucous atmosphere, depending on the matchup, is a reliable recipe for a fun night out. And if there’s a fireworks show afterward, well, all the better. Don’t sleep on it, Memphians! — Samuel X. Cicci
Tend Your Garden
If you time your work hours right and stay hydrated, summer gardening can be a breeze — and yield delicious rewards. Why else would the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture host its Summer Celebration of ag workshops and activities in Jackson only last week? The summer means heat to some, but for others it’s known as peak growing season. While that might sound dangerously like work, once your garden is up and running, tending it can be the perfect break from both screen time and chair time.
Early mornings can be sublime even in July, especially with an eyeful of blooms and fruits of the vine. It’s also a good time to water those roots before the blazing sun can bake the water droplets off the leaves. And yet, assuming you’ve done your homework and have a little mulched, irrigated, squirrel-protected paradise outside your door, there’s still more awaiting the horticultural staycationer: a world of garden clubs and nonprofits to liven up the typically solitary pursuit of the perfect bloom.
Take a break from the screen and tend your garden. (Photo: Alex Greene)
You don’t have to be a master of the pursuit to join the Memphis Area Master Gardeners, and it can be a great way to learn from expert volunteers who offer classes, working closely with the local UT extension service. There are also long-established neighborhood garden clubs, like the Cooper-Young Garden Club with their annual garden walk, and even community gardens if you prefer your plant-tending to be more sociable. Check out memphiscitybeautiful.org for a registry of every community garden in the city. — Alex Greene
Rodrigo da Costa is Memphis' latest acquisition. (Credit: 901 FC/USL Championship)
Aaron Molloy warned them, to be fair. His first-half left-footed pile driver had thundered off the crossbar after some nifty footwork, but the Irishman was in no mood to show such mercy again. So when Molloy collected a layoff just outside the box in the 2nd half, it was no surprise that his shot found its way into the bottom corner to give Memphis a 2-1 victory over Tulsa. The 901 FC captain is leading by example, and the rest of his teammates are following suit. And that’s a good thing, since the last couple days have seen a sizable shake-up at the top of the pitch.
Early-season foibles aside, 901 FC have been humming along nicely under coach Stephen Glass. They haven’t quite yet achieved the stoutness of Ben Pirmann’s peak last season, with goalkeeper Bill Hamid having to make several crucial stops last Friday. But everything’s moving in the right direction, as evidenced by the team’s current seven-match unbeaten streak in the USL. A big part of that is the dynamic midfield duo of Molloy and Jeremy Kelly, who are helping Memphis control possession (an average of 55 percent-per-match so far this season) and frequently pop up in goal-scoring sequences. The two bossed Tulsa’s midfield last weekend, leading all players on the field with 63 and 60 completed passes, respectively.
And most crucially, Molloy scored the winner with his first goal of the season, while it was Kelly’s deflected shot that led to 18-year-old Nighte Pickering opening the scoring for Memphis. Pickering eased into action after he signed last season before breaking out with a debut bicycle kick goal, but his importance to the team is growing. In seven appearances, he has two goals and two assists, and already looks like he belongs among the rest of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinalists.
Memphis has gone goalscorer-by-committee, with plenty of players contributing to the attack. Luiz Fernando leads the way with four goals and two assists in nine appearances (evidence of his own growing influence on the team), while three players are sitting on two goals scored. That’s just as well, since last season’s top scorer Phillip Goodrum has been ice cold in league play since he accused Memphis of blocking his exit over the summer. But that’s immaterial now, as 901 FC announced Monday that Goodrum would be headed to Tulsa, in exchange for Rodrigo da Costa and an undisclosed transfer fee.
It’s a bit grating to see another high-caliber striker depart, but it just hadn’t been clicking for Goodrum in Memphis this season. But newcomer da Costa should provide yet another high-quality option for an attack that already boasts Laurent Kissiedou, Bruno Lapa, and Dylan Borczak, among others. The Brazilian debuted in USL in 2019, and since then has notched 36 goals and 25 assists. This season, he’s got three goals and one assists in nine appearances, and in terms of chances created, his 30 is second only to … that’s right, Molloy. da Costa can function as both a midfielder and an attacker, giving Glass another option to unleash as part of a fluid attack.
Memphis doesn’t play again until Saturday, June 3rd against Miami FC. That should give da Costa plenty of time to bed in and help Memphis move up from its 6th position in the Eastern Conference Standings.
Jeremy Kelly should be a key player for 901 FC again this season. (Credit: USL Championship)
Memphis 901 FC approached the new season with a sense of excitement, and a heightened set of expectations, after last season’s run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Former head Coach Ben Pirmann had departed to the Charleston Battery, but Scotsman Stephen Glass arrived to lead a team which had kept much of its talented core intact. But nothing comes easy in the USL, and an opening day 3-1 loss to visiting Loudoun United reinforced that point.
The caveat here is that this was by no means a bad overall performance. For the first time in 901 FC history, there was continuity among the squad, showcased foremost in the midfield, with critical players Jeremy Kelly (pitching in with 8 goals and 10 assists last season) and Aaron Molloy (also 8 goals and 10 assists) lining up alongside each other in midfield. Memphis had more shots (15-9) and held more possession (53 percent), but Loudon came out on top in several key moments during the game. Indeed, the visitors signaled their potential danger early when Kalil ElMedkhar’s fourth minute diving header squirmed past Memphis keeper Drew Romig, but the offside flag kept the score at 0-0.
The warning was not heeded, however, as Memphis found themselves down 2-0 within the first 12 minutes. The first Loudoun goal, admittedly, was an astounding sequence of one-touch passing that carved the defense open before Tommy Williamson slotted his shot past Romig for 1-0. Just three minutes later, 901 FC defender Graham Smith turned the ball over with an errant pass just outside his own box, and Zach Ryan’s deflected finish left Memphis down two goals.
That’s a pretty big hole to climb out of, but Memphis gave it a go, and summer signing Bruno Lapa was the catalyst for the fightback. The forward stole the ball on the halfway line before driving forward solo, eventually playing a perfect pass in for Laurent Kissiedou, who settled before firing past Hugo Faroux at the near post to reduce the deficit.
But the match turned following a bizarre kerfuffle in the 2nd half. Loudon midfielder Houssou Landry started what looked like a series of patronizing pats on Kissiedou’s head after a coming together. The 901 FC midfielder took exception and swung his arm back while walking away, and hit Landry on what looked like his collarbone. Landry, however, went down clutching his face, and after deliberation, he received a yellow card for simulation. The referee also deemed that Kissiedou’s action constituted “violent conduct,” and sent him off with a straight red card, leaving Memphis to play with 10 men for the rest of the contest.
But 901 FC continued on unperturbed and did their best to attack Loudoun’s goal. Star striker Phillip Goodrum had a couple of decent looks saved, while Jeremy Kelly, Carson Vom Steeg, and Dylan Borczak all had decent chances to level the score. But while pushing for an equalizer, Memphis players were caught upfield in stoppage time and conceded a garbage time third to Ryan. A disappointing way to start the season, especially after spotting the opposition two goals within the first quarter hour, but on the overall balance of play, there’s no need to worry. This is still a very talented squad that can generate high quality chances, and most of these players are familiar with each other.
But looking ahead, there are a few wrinkles to examine. Coach Glass decided to experiment with Rashawn Dally at left back for opening day, and … it didn’t work. Dally, after all, is a forward, not a defender. He brings a lot of good qualities to the table, but that position is just not his game. Loudoun could be selective about their pressing, choosing to funnel the play over to Dally while they defended, and could usually count on him to cough up a turnover with which to spring their own attack.
Up top, it was always going to be interesting to see how Goodrum fared. Not too long ago, the striker sounded off with a pretty withering comment at a press conference:
“I had opportunities to go into Major League Soccer and go into Europe this offseason, and the club held me back from that. So I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t devastated to be back here. But look, I signed a two year contract, and so I’m here one more year. So play it out and see how it goes and hopefully we can go set a record and win some championships this year.”
That’s not what you want to hear from your record goalscorer heading into week one. And, of course, that’s only one half of the story, but it doesn’t help having an unsettled player. The striker wasn’t his usual sharpshooting self on Saturday, but still got into decent positions. It might be soon, or it might be a little longer, before he’s back in the right headspace. But in my mind, Goodrum has banked some credit after his stellar last season (22 goals!). He’s a pro, after all, and pros get on with it even if things aren’t going their way. (On a side note, the kit man probably needs to double check his work, as evidenced by the noticeably misspelled “Goodum” on the back of Phil’s jersey on Saturday.)
Up next weekend is a home match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, March 18th at 4 p.m.
There will be a fresh face on the sidelines at AutoZone Park next soccer season. On Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC announced that it had agreed to terms with former Atlanta United manager Stephen Glass to become the team’s new head coach.
“It’s a true testament to our club’s reputation, our passionate and growing fanbase, and our dedicated front office that we were able to attract the depth of world-class coaches who are excited for the future of Memphis 901 FC,” said 901 FC principal owner Peter Freund. “From the very start of our search process, Stephen was always our targeted first choice and I am thrilled to welcome him to the 901 FC family.”
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙜, 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠, 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙥.
We're excited to announce Stephen Glass as the club's new head coach.
Glass originally joined MLS side Atlanta United in 2018 as the academy coach, before being promoted to head coach of the USL’s Atlanta United 2 in 2019. He then presided over Atlanta United’s First Team as interim head coach during the summer of 2020, before returning to coach the USL side. Most recently, he coached Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premier League.
As a player, Glass played for Scotland at the international level. At club level, he played at Aberdeen FC for five seasons before moving to Newcastle United in the English Premier League. He also had stints at Watford, Hibernian, and the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks.
“We, as a club, couldn’t be more excited for what Stephen will bring to 901 FC. His knowledge of the American soccer landscape as well as his international managerial experience will allow us to continue to build on our recent success,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “It has been satisfying to not only land our top target but to know how eager Stephen is to get to work.”
The announcement follows the departure of USL 2022 Coach of the Year, Ben Pirmann, who had been in charge of the team since 2020, and just last season led 901 FC to its best ever run, which ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The club last week announced that Pirmann had accepted an offer to become head coach of USL rival Charleston Battery.
Losing Pirmann is a big blow for 901 FC, but the organization hopes to build on a stellar 2022 season by retaining multiple key players. Glass has previously coached several of them, including last season’s top goalscorer, Phillip Goodrum, and midfielder Laurent Kissiedou.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to Memphis and look forward to building on the success that was enjoyed last year,” Glass said. “There is a great group of players returning who I am sure are hungry to give the fans many more nights like those enjoyed last season. I look forward to seeing everyone at AutoZone Park in 2023.”
Jeremy Kelly helped 901 FC keep another clean sheet. (Photo: USL Championship)
Last Saturday’s game was a chance for Memphis to lay down a marker ahead of its home playoff match this weekend. And by the time Dylan Borczak thundered in the final goal of Memphis’ 3-0 win against FC Tulsa, 901 FC made sure that all comers would be on high alert walking into AutoZone Park over the next few weeks. The positive, ruthless, front-foot performance was the perfect tone to set before Memphis embarks on its playoff run.
On paper, Memphis looked like the odds-on favorite to win this match, such is their impressive away form this season. In reality, it was a straightforward victory for 901 FC. The teams enjoyed even possession, but Memphis shot straight out of the blocks, pinging the ball around with intent and creating chance after chance while Tulsa labored to get any sort of rhythm. We saw plenty of the hallmarks of head coach Ben Pirmann’s side this season, chief among them Phillip Goodrum’s blazing hot goal-scoring form.
The forward made 901 FC history in the ninth minute, converting Leston Paul’s delivery with a diving header past Tulsa goalkeeper Dallas Odle to score his 21st goal of the season. That took him one clear of Kyle Murphy’s record of 20 goals, set last season. That’s a stellar haul for any forward, and unfortunately Goodrum just missed out on being this year’s golden boot winner. Orange County SC’s Milan Iloski, over in the Western Conference, took home the award with 22 goals.
Goodrum unfortunately had to be subbed out before halftime, and hopefully he’ll be firing on all cylinders and fully fit for the Eastern Conference round of 16. But that was the only low mark for the game. Luiz Fernando continued his habit of twisting, turning, and confounding opposition defenders, this time to tangible effect when he drew a penalty from his marker, which midfielder Aaron Molloy duly dispatched. A note about Molloy: He’s been on the bench only once for 901 FC this season. Out of 34 total matches, it’s 33 games, and 33 starts for the Irishman. That speaks to his influence in the middle of the park, and it’s been a great personal season for him with eight goals and 11 assists to his name.
Laurent Kissiedou floated through the final third time and again, untouchable as always, while captain Leston Paul held everything together in the center of the park and even grabbed an assist for Goodrum’s opener. At the back, it was great to see John Berner get another appearance in goal after a long series of injuries. The backline ahead of him once again stood firm to keep a clean sheet.
Memphis closes the regular season having locked up the second seed in the Eastern Conference after a 21-8-5 record, setting a club record for wins, points (68), and goals scored (67). Much of that was built on rock-solid away form and Memphis’ ability to build on confident first-half performances. (Memphis kept opponents scoreless in the first half in 22 of their 34 matches.)
With a best-ever season under their belt and having proven they can beat anyone, the players should feel confident that they can go all the way this season. And the second seed means that Memphis will enjoy home field advantage at AutoZone Park in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The win against Tulsa was the perfect warm-up, but the business end of the season starts now. This Saturday, 901 FC welcome their first playoff opponent, Detroit City FC, at 8 p.m. The Bluff City Mafia will be out there doing their part, but it’s up to the rest of the fans to fill out the stadium and create a rocking atmosphere. After all, big things may lie in wait down the line.
An aerial rendering of the planned 901 FC stadium at Liberty Park. (Credit: 901 FC/Odell Sports & Entertainment Studio)
Soccer fans will soon be saying adios to AutoZone Park, and hello to a brand new stadium dedicated completely to soccer.
On Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC and the City of Memphis announced plans to build a new, 10,000 capacity stadium within Liberty Park. Odell Sports & Entertainment Studio and LRK will partner to design the stadium, which will be built on the site of the Mid-South Coliseum.
The stadium will have 7,500 fixed seats, as well as suites, clubs, and large covered gathering spaces to accomodate large parties and special events. The new stadium will also be able to host other special events, including concerts and additional long-field sports. 901 FC’s new home is expected to be ready in time for the start of the 2025 USL Championship season.
“When we launched our football club in 2019, we had two dreams,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “The first was to compete at the highest level and win a USL Championship. Today, we are proud to be in the playoffs for our second consecutive season, this time as the second seed. The second goal was to build a proper soccer stadium with a world class pitch for our club that rivals that of Louisville or any of the great new venues being built in the United States and Europe for soccer. Today we move closer to that dream.”
Alongside the new stadium, 901 FC will develop two adjacent state of the art soccer fields, which will act as 901 FC’s training home along with potential academy, League 2, and a women’s professional teams.
An aerial rendering of the planned 901 FC stadium within Liberty Park. (Credit: 901 FC)
It is a huge statement of intent for 901 FC, which currently shares AutoZone Park with the MiLB Memphis Redbirds. Having its own dedicated stadium will allow the team to grow its brand and provide one of the best match-day environments in the USL.
901 FC kicks plays its first ever home playoff match at 7 p.m. this Saturday, October 22, against Detroit City FC in the quarterfinals. Memphis locked up the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference after finishing the regular season with a 3-0 away win against FC Tulsa last Saturday.
The new stadium is part of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s $684 million plan to renovate sports stadiums in Memphis, including the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park. Strickland plans to ask the state of Tennessee to invest $350 million towards the plan.
The fixture against Miami FC always looked like a fairly tricky one, due to 901 FC squad shortages and Hurricane Ian. Luckily, the cyclone had mostly gone around Miami, so the game went ahead. But instead of the confident, composed team that we’re used to, Saturday’s match was full of mistakes. And despite some heroics by goalkeeper Trey Muse, Memphis conceded from a late Miami strike to lose 1-0.
Normally, Memphis could feel bullish about their chances against any away team. Fresh off a win against conference-leading Louisville City last weekend in Kentucky, 901 FC walked into the Miami matchup boasting a ridiculous +14 goal difference for road games. But one problem: After some heated clashes at the end of last weekend’s match, a mixture of suspensions and injuries meant that three key players would miss the game — leading scorer Phillip Goodrum, Laurent Kissiedou (25 goals between those two), and defender Rece Buckmaster. Instead, Memphis head coach Ben Pirmann tabbed 17-year-old Nighte Pickering to lead the attack for Saturday’s match. On the other side of the field, familiar faces Kyle Murphy, Mark Segbers, and Pierre da Silva lined up for Miami.
This clash started with some choppy back-and-forth for the opening quarter hour, neither team threatening to take control of the game. Memphis sat back and looked to soak up pressure, but couldn’t quite put together the lightning-quick counters that they’ve been fine-tuning all season. Miami had the bulk of possession and had one decent chance that goalkeeper Trey Muse blocked on to the post.
Memphis didn’t really threaten until 25 minutes, with some good interplay around the box eventually seeing Leston Paul’s low cross batted away. From there, they slowly began to ease back into the game. But whenever they did regain possession, the attacking forays saw a more patient build-up than we’ve been used to seeing. Indeed, for most of the first half it remained a physical game, with defenses coming out on top. Miami almost snuck in behind, but a quick intervention cleared the danger, and that was about it for first-half action. Memphis did swing possession back in their favor at halftime (53 percent), but had only one shot (off target).
The second half started similar to the first, with Miami controlling the ball and Memphis sitting back, but the home team dialed up the pressure a bit to create a few chances. Muse made an errant pass to a Miami player just outside his box in the 50th, but clawed away the ensuing chip shot. And two minutes later, Miami created a 1v1 opportunity for Josh Pérez, but Muse saved yet again before stopping a headed chance just moments later.
After that, the ref started to lose control of the match, with tackles going in both ways that drew a couple of cards. Murphy should have been sent off for a wild tackle, while 901 FC midfielder Aaron Molloy cleared out both ball and man on a subsequent hard challenge. On a positive note, Pirmann subbed on new signing Dylan Borczak in the 60th minute. The player needed no time at all to adjust to the pace of the game, committing a foul within seconds of coming on.
The game sputtered on until the 91st minute, when Memphis’ luck finally ran out. A final Miami break saw a cut back fall to Adonijah Reid, who calmly placed the ball in the bottom corner to steal the win for Miami.
A bitter pill to swallow for Memphis, who just didn’t really show up to the races last weekend and tallied their first loss since August 31st. And with only one shot on target, it was always going to be tough to walk away with a positive result. A win also would have taken 901 FC above Louisville to clamp down the top spot in the Eastern standings, but not this day. No need to panic, though. In the end, it’s just one result, and locking up first in the conference is still possible. Either way, Memphis should have a preferable matchup in the first round of the playoffs.
Luiz Fernando is on a three-game scoring streak for Memphis. (Photo: USL/New York Red Bulls II)
Some losses sting more than others. Dropping points at home, against rivals Birmingham Legion FC, is something no fan wants to experience. And this match truly was a battle, a back-and-forth slugfest between these regional competitors who went blow for blow throughout the 90 minutes. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t the team’s day, and Memphis fell 4-2 at home against Birmingham.
This clash is always one that fans put on their calendar, the build-up to each contest seeing some light, and some not so light, ribbing between the fan bases online. For those regularly outside soccer circles, there’s a saying that “form goes out the window” during a “derby” (a match between local rivals), so previous results and logic need not apply when trying to predict the outcome. It’s hard to bet against Memphis this season, but lest we forget, Birmingham are also a top team in the Eastern Conference.
Before the match, the commentators speculated that this game could be a shoot-out, and that’s exactly what happened. Memphis got the fun started early, going ahead thanks to a name that should be familiar on the score sheet from the past couple of weeks. Midfielder Leston Paul played a ball into the box, and Phillip Goodrum’s dummy allowed Luiz Fernando to take a sweet first touch into space and slot home his left-footed shot to put Memphis up 1-0 in the 18th minute.
Unfortunately, some uncertainty began to creep into Memphis’ game. We started seeing uncharacteristic mistakes on the defensive side, with players perhaps a little tired after the midweek trip to Albuquerque. Birmingham tied up the game after Anderson Asiedu drew a sloppy foul in Memphis’ box, with former USMNT forward Juan Agudelo equalizing from the spot in the 28th minute. Just a couple minutes later, Patrick Seagrist had to intervene with a headed clearance off the line to prevent Memphis going behind. But 901 FC did eventually fall behind from a corner kick just before halftime, and shortly into the second half, Birmingham extended their lead to 3-1 when Marlon Santos pounced on Rece Buckmaster’s mistake at the back and shot past Trey Muse.
Memphis did pull a goal back in the 61st minute, when Goodrum’s shot ricocheted off Jeremy Kelly and into the back of the net. But while pushing forward for an equalizer, Memphis conceded again, Birmingham restoring their two-goal cushion and seeing out the game for a 4-2 win.
It’s a disappointing loss for sure, but no cause for panic. On the balance of play, Saturday’s match was pretty even. 901 FC held 59 percent possession, taking 15 shots (10 in the box) to Birmingham’s 17 (11 in the box), and forcing the Legion into almost three times as many defensive clearances. The key differences came in just a few instances when Memphis’ concentration levels dropped, with a small number of mistakes being punished by the Legion attack. It’s not the kind of thing we see from 901 FC every week, and it’s something that coach Ben Pirmann will be quick to stamp out.
Despite the loss, Memphis emerged from the weekend holding down second place in the Eastern Conference standings on 51 points. And that top spot is still within touching distance, with frontrunners Louisville City FC sitting on 55 points, albeit having played one less game.
The playoffs surely beckon, and as it stands, Memphis can go toe to toe with any opponent they match up against. Next up are Loudoun United FC at AutoZone Park on Wednesday, August 31st. Loudoun currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference standings and present a good opportunity for Memphis to get back to winning ways.
