Pyramid Remodel Commences

The vacant Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tenn., is on track to become a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store after years of efforts by the city to transform the shuttered venue.

Construction recently kicked off on the building, which closed as an arena in February 2007. Bleachers and seating have already been removed, according to the city’s Commercial Appeal, and seismic reinforcement work is under way.

The Bass Pro will reportedly include a hotel, swamp, indoor marina, bowling alley, zip line, shooting range and arena for demonstrations and workshops.

Memphis officials hope the store, which sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, will serve as an anchor for the city’s convention center district, the Appeal said.

The Pyramid opened in 1991 and cost $65 million but never lived up to financial expectations. The building struggled after the nearby FedExForum debuted in 2004, taking former tenant the Memphis Grizzlies with it.