GREATEST: Memphis Grizzlies to Unveil Ja Morant Stadium — A Monument to Their Electrifying Star and the City He Loves
MEMPHIS, TN — July 26, 2025
In a historic announcement that has sent shockwaves of excitement through the city and the entire basketball world, the Memphis Grizzlies have revealed plans to honor their dynamic superstar, Ja Morant, in the most spectacular way possible — with the unveiling of Ja Morant Stadium, a next-generation sports and entertainment complex that promises to redefine the fan experience in Memphis and cement Morant’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever play in the Bluff City.
The new stadium, set to break ground this fall on a 50-acre site along the Mississippi River, will be a gleaming testament to Morant’s impact both on and off the court. When completed in 2028, it will be one of the NBA’s most advanced arenas, boasting seating for 22,500 fans, immersive fan zones, cutting-edge technology, and community spaces that extend far beyond basketball.
The news broke during an emotional ceremony at FedExForum, the Grizzlies’ current home, where Morant, his family, teammates, coaches, and thousands of fans gathered for what they thought would be a routine team town hall. Instead, they were surprised with a cinematic video montage tracing Morant’s journey from Dalzell, South Carolina, to Memphis — his highlight-reel dunks, clutch shots, and, more importantly, his unwavering commitment to the city that embraced him.
As the final clip faded and the words “WELCOME TO JA MORANT STADIUM” appeared on the massive jumbotron, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers. Tears filled Morant’s eyes as he looked up at the banner unfurling from the rafters, etched with the phrase: “This House Runs on Ja.”
Team owner Robert P. Chandler III, who took the stage moments later, explained that the idea for the new stadium was born out of more than just Morant’s jaw-dropping athleticism.
“Ja has done what few athletes ever do,” Chandler said, his voice booming through the arena. “He didn’t just put Memphis basketball on the map — he put Memphis itself back in the conversation as a city of champions, a city of hope, a city of community. This stadium isn’t just about honoring him. It’s about honoring every kid who dares to dream big because Ja showed them it’s possible.”
The $1.4 billion project will be funded through a public-private partnership involving the Grizzlies organization, local investors, and significant contributions from Morant himself, who pledged $30 million of his personal fortune toward the community spaces within the new facility.
“I never wanted this to be just my name on a building,” Morant said, taking the microphone amid chants of “M-V-P!” from the packed house. “This is about giving Memphis a place to gather, to celebrate, to lift each other up. We’re building more than a stadium — we’re building a home for the whole city.”
A Stadium Built for the Future
Plans for Ja Morant Stadium reveal a breathtaking fusion of design and innovation. The architectural renderings show a sleek glass exterior that glows Grizzlies blue at night, towering LED screens wrapping the façade, and a dramatic rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of downtown Memphis and the riverfront.
Inside, the court will feature an advanced 360-degree jumbotron — the largest in the league — and revolutionary seat-to-screen technology, giving every fan an interactive experience with real-time stats, player mic-ups, and augmented reality replays right from their seats.
The fan experience won’t stop at the buzzer. The stadium will house restaurants curated by beloved Memphis chefs, live music stages celebrating the city’s rich blues and soul heritage, a youth basketball training academy, and community classrooms where local students can attend STEM workshops and mentorship programs.
One of the most talked-about features is the Ja Zone, a dedicated kids’ court and fan park where young fans can play, shoot hoops, and learn skills on a court modeled exactly after the main floor where Morant works his magic.
“Ja insisted that kids come first in this design,” said lead architect Dana Brooks of Brooks & Hayes Design. “He told us, ‘If it’s my name, it has to mean kids have a place here.’ So we built that into every decision.”
A Legacy Bigger Than Basketball
For many Memphians, this announcement is not just about sports — it’s a symbol of the bond between the city and its adopted superstar. Since joining the Grizzlies in 2019, Morant has become more than an electrifying highlight reel. He’s been a mentor to local youth, an advocate for social justice, and a visible presence in neighborhoods from South Memphis to Orange Mound.
Last year, his $8.4 million Morant House for homeless youth made national headlines, showing that his dedication goes far beyond the court. Community leaders see the stadium as an extension of that same heart.
“This isn’t just concrete and seats,” said Memphis Mayor Laila Fields, who called the project ‘the heartbeat of a new Memphis.’ “It’s proof that when you invest in people — and when people like Ja invest back — a city can rise together.”
A Night to Remember
The ceremony concluded with a surprise performance by Memphis native and global superstar Justin Timberlake, who serenaded the roaring crowd with a reworked version of “Can’t Stop the Feeling” — this time, dedicated to the Grizzlies and their hero in the #12 jersey.
As confetti rained down and fans chanted Morant’s name, the superstar guard stood center court, flanked by his parents and young daughter, Kaari. He held her tiny hand and pointed to the mock-up of the new stadium displayed on the big screen.
“One day,” he told her with a grin the whole arena could see, “this place will be yours too.”
Outside FedExForum, fans flooded Beale Street late into the night, celebrating the news with impromptu parades, fireworks, and chants of “Go Grizz, Go Ja!” City murals featuring Morant’s iconic poster dunks were instantly updated with fresh graffiti reading “Home of Ja Morant Stadium.”
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to begin in November, with the Grizzlies planning to play their first game in Ja Morant Stadium by the start of the 2028–29 NBA season. Until then, Morant made one final promise to the sea of fans who stayed late to hear him speak.
“I’m gonna keep giving y’all everything I got every time I hit that court,” he said. “And when we open those doors in a few years, I want that first banner we hang to say ‘Champions.’ Memphis deserves it. Y’all believed in me — now let’s go all the way together.”
In the heart of the Bluff City, a new temple to basketball — and community — is about to rise. And etched into its foundation will be the name of a player whose greatest ass
ists have always happened far beyond the box score.
