MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bass Pro Shops at the
Pyramid, a new national destination experience located in downtown Memphis, is
now open to the public. Located inside a massive transformed sports arena, this
new, immersive retail experience offers something for everyone from the serious
outdoor enthusiast to families looking to have fun. In addition to a vast
assortment of outdoor gear, the Pyramid includes a wilderness hotel called Big
Cypress Lodge, nearly 600,000 gallons of water features, a cypress swamp with
100-foot-tall trees, the interactive Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling
Heritage Center, and The Lookout, a breathtaking glass-floored cantilevering
observation deck at the top of the 32-story steel Pyramid.
"With an array of retail, educational and fun attractions for guests of
all ages, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is much more than a store; it's one of
the most dynamic, captivating retail adventures in the world," said Bass
Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. "The Pyramid is a truly must-see
destination for outdoor lovers and families from across the country."
The ambitious project represents the single largest investment in size and
scope that Bass Pro Shops has ever made outside of its national headquarters in
Springfield, Missouri, and includes a number of amenities and attractions
including Big Cypress Lodge, the first hotel located inside a Bass Pro Shops
store.
Standing 32 stories tall along the banks of the Mississippi River, the Pyramid
is an icon of the Memphis skyline. First envisioned as a sports and
entertainment venue, the complex opened in 1991 and hosted professional sports
and concerts until it closed in 2004. After years of uncertainty about the
Pyramid's future, the City of Memphis invited Bass Pro Shops to establish an
innovative retail destination that could revitalize the building.
A fish tale in the making, Johnny Morris contemplated the project while fishing
in the shadow of the Pyramid with longtime friend, world-famous fisherman and
local Memphian Bill Dance, as well as Bass Pro Shops' first fishing manager,
the late Jack Emmitt. Johnny Morris said if they caught a 30-pound or heavier
catfish that day he would commit to the Pyramid transformation. As the legend
goes, they caught a 34-pound catfish and the rest is history. Today, a tribute
to the story and the legacy of world-renowned fisherman Bill Dance can be found
in the grand entrance of the Pyramid.
Known for his innovative vision and attention to the smallest detail, Johnny
Morris and his team embarked on a bold, new vision to transform the Pyramid
into a national destination for families, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
After four years of design and construction, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
celebrated its grand opening in April 2015.
Johnny Morris, often referred to as the "Walt Disney of retail," was
awarded for a second time by the National Retail Federation Foundation in 2014,
recognized by his peers in the "Giver" category for retailers who use
their power, presence and resources to spark positive change for customers and
communities. In 2008, his visionary spirit earned him the NRF Foundation's
"Innovator of the Year" award.
"Throughout the entire process it has been inspiring to work alongside
Johnny Morris," said Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton. "Johnny is kinda like the Walt Disney of retail as far as creating
exciting customer experiences. It's been fun to work with Johnny and the
remarkable Bass Pro Shops team to make sure that every detail, from the
signature décor of the Big Cypress Lodge to the alligator pond, will create as
unique experience that will launch the Pyramid as a national tourist
destination."
More Than a Store
Inside the expansive 535,000-square-foot space are many experiences and
features that offer something for everyone. Once visitors step inside, they are
immersed in a giant cypress swamp environment with ponds, towering 100-foot
cypress trees, an 84,000-gallon alligator habitat, and underwater ecosystems
including aquariums teeming with more than 1,800 fish from largemouth bass to
blue catfish to lake sturgeon and alligator gar.
Visitors can bowl in the ocean amid underwater scenery at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl
and Grill, a nautical-themed restaurant and bar with a saltwater aquarium and a
13-lane ocean-themed bowling alley. Casual family dining is available and a
sunken ship-themed bar area offers visitors the experience of feeling like they
are underwater exploring the skeletal remains of a ship. Those who want to
practice their aim can also visit the live pistol and archery ranges onsite.
For a small fee, visitors can ride the tallest freestanding elevator in America
28-stories to The Lookout, which is located at the top of the Pyramid. The
Lookout features glass-floored observation decks offering 360-degree views 300
feet above Memphis and the Mississippi River. The Lookout at the Pyramid, a
signature dining experience, is also located at the Pyramid's apex, offering
visitors a chance to wine and dine while overlooking Memphis. This full service
fine dining restaurant and bar specializes in southern-inspired comfort dishes
and includes a stunning 10,000-gallon catfish aquarium in the restaurant's
center.
The Pyramid also offers direct access to the Mississippi River for local,
regional and national fishing tournaments.
Big Cypress Lodge
Big Cypress Lodge, a 103-room wilderness hotel inside Bass Pro Shops at the
Pyramid, is the first hotel inside any Bass Pro Shops location. The
rustic-elegant and well-appointed guest cabins and suites capture the spirit of
the great outdoors including special treehouse suites
and cabins featuring interior and exterior views. Most rooms offer a private
screened-in porch with rocking chairs that offer a commanding view of the
sprawling cypress swamp below.
The hotel also offers a boardroom, conference rooms and a patio space for
business meetings and celebrations. Premium amenities include a full-service
spa and fitness center. Guests receive access to everything the Pyramid has to
offer, including elevator rides to The Lookout. With easy access to downtown
Memphis, Big Cypress Lodge is the ultimate way to experience everything Bass
Pro Shops at the Pyramid has to offer. Guests can book a stay at 1-800-BC-Lodge
and www.big-cypress.com.
The experience was inspired by another Johnny Morris hotel, Big Cedar Lodge, a
stunning wilderness resort in the Ozarks outside of Branson, Missouri. The
resort is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in America.
Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center
Another signature experience inside the Pyramid is the new Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage Center, an interactive wetlands
education museum showcasing the history of waterfowling
and wetlands conservation. Created in partnership with Memphis-based Ducks
Unlimited, the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, the
Center allows visitors to learn more about the incredible wildlife found along
the Mississippi Flyway and the importance of conserving wetlands. Guests can
enter a duck blind and try their hand at duck hunting in a fun, interactive 4D
simulation experience, learn to identify different waterfowl species, chat with
experts, and marvel at the craftsmanship of the largest collection of waterfowl
decoys along with taxidermy, calls and sporting art.
One-of-a-Kind Retail Experience
Located along the Mississippi River and famous Mississippi Flyway, Bass Pro
Shops at the Pyramid offers the largest assortment of waterfowl and related
hunting equipment ever assembled and a wide selection of other high-quality
outdoor gear. Guests can explore the vast retail complex featuring several
outdoor specialty shops such as the Beretta Fine Gun Center, which offers
premium grade firearms and other shooting-related accessories, custom fittings,
and outdoor apparel for men and women. Guests can also choose from a full range
of big and small water boats from Tracker Marine with selections from Tracker,
Nitro, Tahoe, Sun Tracker, Mako and Ascend on a
floating showcase inside the cypress swamp. This waterfowler's
paradise also includes a center for engraving, tuning and customizing duck
calls.
Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to
7 p.m. Admission to the store is free. Select attractions require a fee.
Elevator access to The Lookout, the observation deck located at the top of the
Pyramid, is $10 (kids can ride for $5 until 4 p.m.). Guests can also purchase
an annual membership for $100. Admission is included for Big Cypress Lodge
guests.
The ambitious project created more than 1,600 jobs in Memphis, including more
than 450 contract personnel during peak construction and 600 Bass Pro Shops
associates staffing the retail store, restaurants, hotels and attractions.
Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is located at 1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis,
Tennessee, inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid. Follow Bass Pro Shops at the
Pyramid on Facebook and Twitter and using #BassProPyramid.
VISUAL NOTE:
High resolution images of Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid are available for
download at: https://private.filesanywhere.com/PCIPR/fs/v.aspx?v=8970668d5aa27575af69
B-roll footage is available on request.
Photo and video credit: © Bass Pro Shops
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About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 92 retail stores
and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more
than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which
feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear
while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The
company's Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com),
a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 37 years, manufactures and sells
a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro
Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com),
voted number six by Travel + Leisure Magazine as World's Best Hotels for
Families. For more information, visit www.basspro.com.
To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops
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