Vol. 104 No. 13

Editor: Beth Haag
[email protected]

Sports Columnist Geoff Calkins—February 1

Geoff Calkins is the lead sports columnist with The Daily
Memphian and the host of The Geoff Calkins Show (9 a.m. – 11 a.m. ) on ESPN 92.9. Calkins has been writing about Memphis sports — and Memphis people — for more than two decades. He has been named best sports columnist in the country by the Associated Press Sports Editors five times.

Field Trip to Memphis Sports & Events Center—January 25

Past President Mary Claire Borys introduced Antonio Perez, the General Manager of Memphis Sports & Events Center (MSEC). MSEC was constructed by the City of Memphis; the last construction the city completed was FedEx Forum. In November of 2017, the idea of a sports complex in Liberty Park originated because of the lack of locations to host sports tournaments in the city.

They could either be held at the convention center or multiple gyms around the city. In November of 2018, the idea was settled upon, and the state approved of the facility’s construction. When Covid hit, the city paused on the construction.

Construction began in June of 2021 and MSEC opened in December of 2022. This $62 million facility needed a partnership with professionals to operate it, and Eastern Sports Management (ESM) was the obvious choice. ESM runs ten other sports facilities throughout the country. It was able to advise on design and construction. ESM used its own start-up money of $4.5 million for sports equipment, etc. ESM leases the facility for $1 per year from the city with no operating budget from the city. Antonio Perez informed the club that this facility is open to locals when not being used for sports tourism. The locals can participate in camps, leagues, and training sessions on weekdays; the weekends are filled with basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheer, and pickle ball tournaments along with indoor track events. The facility houses 16 basketball courts or 32 volleyball courts. Its mechanical equipment, VIP suites and Esports Arena make it attractive to many. It will eventually house a rock-climbing area. Basketball talent from Memphis, who do not have means to travel, can be exposed to college coaches who can now come to MSEC to recruit.

At this meeting, Steve Ehrhart gave the invocation, and Past President Bob Dawkins led in song. The club was given a tour of the facility by Mary Claire and Antonio.

February 4
John Colton

February 6
Doug Cupples

February 12
Bill Boyd

February 13
John Freeman

February 15
Karen Campbell

February 18
Chris Triplett

February 19
Kevin Woods

February 28
Joseph Koury

February 1
Luncheon
Noon
The University Club
1346 Central Avenue

February 8
Dr. Reginald Coopwood
CEO of Regional One

February 15
Brett Batterson
Orpheum Memphis

February 22
Autumn Chastain
CEO
Thistle & Bee

March 1
Karen Eskin
Professional Planner