Pyramid In Deep Space

The building that was once expected to be the keystone of Memphis – The Pyramid – has been non-operational for more than two years, which makes its one, dedicated SMG employee something out of “Silent Running.”

Like Bruce Dern’s character in the science fiction movie, alone in a vast spaceship, John Moore keeps a watchful eye over the empty 19,500-capacity building. Moore has been with the building since it opened in 1991 and is now its one official employee, according to the Commercial Appeal. He still keeps a computer in the central plant and visits the building every day.

This is not to say The Pyramid is without worth. It was recently used as a practice facility for the Memphis Fire Department, which held drills for firefighters. Despite that, the Pyramid’s fate is still uncertain and it is filled with  old stat books, desktop computers, and cables that no longer lead to televisions according to the Appeal.

Shelby County, former half-owners of the building, ceded their 50 percent stake to the city of Memphis in April. The county saw it as a cost-cutting measure. Meanwhile, the city argues it will simplify negotiations to convert the arena into a Bass Pro Shop.

John Vergos, former city councilman, has suggested the Pyramid could be the answer to the city’s need for more convention space.

The Pyramid, one of the largest structures of that shape in the world, cost $65 million but never lived up to financial expectations. The building struggled after the nearby FedExForum debuted in 2004, taking former Pyramid tenant the Memphis Grizzlies with it.