Getting There
Memphis International Airport (MEM) sits approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown, putting FedExForum and the broader sports district within a 15-to-20-minute drive. Rideshare via Uber or Lyft averages around $29 and is the most practical option for sports travelers, running 24/7 from the airport. Taxis are also available at a fixed rate of roughly $30 plus a $3 airport surcharge. Shared shuttle services such as Cooper Express Shuttle and Shuttles2go offer a budget-friendly alternative to downtown hotels; confirm current pricing and availability directly with operators before booking.
Getting Around
Memphis is a car-friendly city and most locals drive, making a rental car useful if you plan to reach Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Midtown Memphis, which is several miles from downtown. MATA (Memphis Area Transit Authority) operates buses and trolley replica buses downtown, with the Main Street Line running until 10 PM Monday through Saturday and useful for moving between FedExForum and Beale Street; as of late 2025, MATA is operating a Zero Fare Pilot Program, so riders should check matatransit.com for current fare information before their visit. Note that the classic vintage steel-wheeled trolleys remain suspended pending recertification, with rubber-wheeled trolley replica buses currently serving all Main Street stops. Uber and Lyft are widely available and reliable for game-day travel between neighborhoods, making rideshare a practical car-free strategy for fans staying downtown.
Where to Stay
Downtown Memphis is the best base for sports travelers, putting you within walking distance of FedExForum and the Beale Street entertainment district for pregame and postgame. The South Main Arts District and Peabody Place area offer a mix of boutique hotels and well-known chains, with mid-range hotels typically running $120-$200 per night and options rising to $300-plus on big game weekends. Visiting fans should book early for Memphis Tigers home games in the fall, as demand from families and alumni can push rates up across the metro. Budget-conscious travelers can find solid options along the airport corridor for $80-$110, but factor in rideshare costs if you go that route.
Sports Fan Notes
Memphis punches above its weight as a sports city: the Grizzlies have built one of the NBA's most passionate and homegrown fan bases, and games at FedExForum are loud, affordable by league standards, and genuinely worth the trip. The Tigers football program at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium draws a strong tailgate culture and competes in the American Athletic Conference, giving fall visitors a college football option to pair with the NBA preseason or early regular season. Memphis fans take local pride seriously, so expect spirited but welcoming crowds, especially for Grizzlies games against marquee Western Conference opponents. The city's concentration of venues, nightlife on Beale Street, and proximity of the stadium and arena make it easy to stack a multi-game sports weekend without much logistics headache.
Venues in Memphis
Elma Roane Fieldhouse
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from MEM to downtown Memphis?
The fastest and most practical option is rideshare (Uber or Lyft), which averages about $29 and takes roughly 19 minutes. Taxis run a fixed rate of approximately $30 plus a $3 airport surcharge. For budget travelers, MATA Route 28 connects the airport to the William Hudson Transit Center downtown for about $2, but runs only every 2 hours and stops service in the early evening, so plan accordingly.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Memphis for a sports trip?
Downtown Memphis is the clear choice. It puts you within walking distance of FedExForum for Grizzlies games and keeps you right in the middle of the Beale Street pregame scene. The Peabody Place and South Main areas both offer solid hotel inventory, easy rideshare access, and walkable dining and bars that cater to gameday crowds.
Which sports teams play in Memphis?
Memphis is home to the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) at FedExForum downtown and the Memphis Tigers football team (NCAAF, American Athletic Conference) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium near the University of Memphis campus. A fall visit can realistically include a Tigers football game on Saturday and a Grizzlies game on the same weekend, making Memphis an efficient multi-sport destination.
Is Memphis a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Memphis is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Dallas, Texas (AT&T Stadium in Arlington), which is approximately a 6-hour drive west of Memphis.
Sports cities near Memphis
Close enough to pair with a Memphis trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.