In addition to ESPN The Magazine, another publication USA Today recently named Memphis the “most underrated sports city in America”, and the Memphis Grizzlies’ success are a huge reason why.
Now, the organization finished No. 4 overall among the 122 teams in the four major North American professional sports leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL) in ESPN The Magazine’s 2014 Ultimate Standings. This marks the third consecutive season the Grizzlies have earned a top-5 ranking in the Ultimate Standings, including a No. 1 overall finish last season.
The Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs are the only two professional sports teams in the four major North American professional sports leagues to rank in the top 5 in the Ultimate Standings in each of the past three years. This also marks three straight years in that the Grizzlies have made it to the top 5, and four straight years in top 10.
The Grizzlies have reached new heights in recent seasons, setting franchise records with four consecutive playoff appearances and back-to-back 50-win campaigns, including a club-best 56 wins and a trip to the Western Conference Finals during the 2012-13 season. The Grizzlies are renowned nationally and internationally for their commitment to excellence and loyalty in the Memphis community, being honored as the best overall North American professional sports franchise in ESPN The Magazine’s 2013 Ultimate Standings and winning the prestigious Beyond Sport Team of the Year Award in 2012.
The ESPN The Magazine’s Ultimate Standings’ ranking measures how much the organization gives back to fans for the time, money and emotion invested in its product. The poll combines fan opinions across a comprehensive range of issues, covering 25 sets of criteria across eight major categories – Affordability, Bang for the Buck, Coaching, Fan Relations, Ownership, Players, Stadium Experience, and Title Track – and combining all teams’ scores across all categories into a weighted average.
With the poll tabulated from over 101,000 responses, Memphis topped all teams in Affordability and ranked second overall in Stadium Experience, both improvements over last year’s rankings. The team also ranked sixth overall in both Players and Bang for the Buck categories.
“Affordability” measures the price of tickets, parking and concessions. "We are proud to offer our fans a great experience at an affordable and reasonable price. We make every effort to give our fans the best bang for their buck when they choose to come to a game at FedExForum and our team has continuously delivered a great product on the floor for our fans to enjoy”, said Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service Dennis O’Connor
“Stadium Experience” assesses the quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as the friendliness of the environment. “It is our team’s mission to give Grizzlies fans a uniquely Memphis, world-class entertainment experience each time they visit FedExForum. It is an honor to hear an industry leader like ESPN say we are achieving that goal”, said Director of Promotions and Marketing Jason Potter.
The Grizzlies players and organization embody their “Grit and Grind” motto on the court, in the front office, in the community and through the effort they show to make coming to a Grizzlies game at FedExForum truly a one-of-a-kind experience for every fan. After all, the Grizzlies would be nothing without the support of the city of Memphis and its fans. The Grizzlies continue to build a reputation of respect and organizational stability not only throughout the NBA, but spanning across all major North American sports.
The Grit and Grind of the NBA season is almost upon us Grizz Nation! The players, coaching staff and front office are all working hard towards yet another successful season at FedExForum.