Views From The Suite

Spurs – 103  Vs Sounds – 83 

I’ve experienced Grizzlies games from most areas of the Fed Ex Forum.  Before Thursday night my favorite area was Plaza Level behind the scorers table.  After Thursday night I will most likely return to that same area.  But on Thursday I was able to experience the Spurs Vs Grizzlies game from an executive court-side suite.  I knew this would be different than what I was used to, but I really didn’t know what to expect.

I was like a kid on his first day at a new school.  I had never been in a suite before and I didn’t know where I was going.  The Grizzlies and Spurs were set to tip off at 8:30 and I thought I was late for a 7 p.m. tip  off.  So, now I’m extra early and have plenty of time to find my seat in the suite.  As I wander into the arena I see Marc Gasol and JayMychal Green on the court warming up and the Jumbotron indicates that there are just over 80 minutes until game time.  I stand in the nearly empty arena for a few more minutes looking around trying to figure out which way to go.  After watching Zach Randolph, Russ Smith,Matt Barnes, Mike Conley and a few other players rotate on and off the court for the pre game shoot around I figured it was time to get to my seat.  The only problem is that I still haven’t figured out where to go.

Just as I finally admitted to myself that I was lost, I see a guy in a suit that looks like he works here.  I approach the gentleman and realize that he indeed does work here, and simply said “excuse me sir” I’m lost and presented him with my ticket.  He examines the ticket and says, “You’re actually not that far from there.  My name is Kyle, follow me to your suite.” Impressive! I was expecting to be instructed to “go that way, look for a sign, and make a left.”

For the next few minutes, Ticket Sales Account Executive Kyle Krebs served as Grindhouse tour guide.  I followed him back up the stairs through a door that required an access card to open.  I assumed that this door has been here for a while although I had never seen it.  We entered a hall way with a completely different ambiance.  It felt cozy and private.  Before entering the suite Kyle briefly prepared me for what I was about to experience.  “Expect a premium vantage point with a court side view in a luxury atmosphere that is second to none.”  Upon entering the suite, that expectation was instantly met and exceeded.  “Catered food and beverage will be available to you in the suite” says Krebs as he lists the many amenities provided with the suite experience.  “You also get to watch the game in soft leather chairs with extended leg room that you don’t have when you sit out there.”  Although he has never eaten it, Kyle Krebs recommends the Dessert Cart.  “It is one of the most recommended items from Grizz Fans.” I found out $5 too late that suite tickets usually include a parking spot in the garage.

By the time we make it into the suite there is still about 20 minutes until game time.  While waiting for the game to start you can either continue to watch final game time preparations on the court or watch the Packers Vs Lions on the 50″ TV that is mounted on the wall.  The refrigerator was stocked with water, beer, soda and wine. Snacks including pop corn , potato chips and trail mix also com complimentary with the suite.

As I sit in my seat and watch as the starters are introduced I am truly in amazement at this awesome, wonderful, and spectacular view.  It’s not so  high up that you can’t see and its not to close where you have to stand up to see over the excited fan in front of you.  It’s PERFECT.  Everything about it was perfect.  Perfect distance, perfect elevation, and an attendant to get anything else I needed.

The only thing that would have made this suite experience any sweeter would have been for the Grizzlies to have gotten a “W” against the Spurs.  The Grizzlies next opportunity to get a win at the Grindhouse is Sunday when the Phoenix Suns come to town.  Hopefully, we can send the Suns back home singing the Memphis City Grizzly Bear Blues.

For information about tickets and suite rentals contact Kyle Krebs at 901-205-1478  or KKrebs@Grizzlies.com.

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