FedExForum Transformed for NCAA Tournament

The FedExForum is undergoing a major transformation to accommodate the NCAA tournament this week. FOX13 was the only news crew allowed inside for an exclusive behind the scenes look.

It was the third transformation in as many days. There was a Grizzlies game at the FedEx Forum Saturday, a Lil' Wayne concert Sunday, then late Sunday night staff started working on the metamorphosis for the NCAA tournament.

"We want the building and Memphis to shine," said the arena's Senior Vice President Steve Zito.

FedExForum staff are working around the clock to convert the home of the Grizzlies into one of four sites for the NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games.

"We have an incredible lineup of teams, North Carolina, Syracuse, Gonzaga, Oklahoma. It's the who's who," Zito said.

He said with the help of the NCAA, they've been planning and preparing for the tournament for three months.

"It'll be a generic NCAA building," he said. "You won't see Grizzlies and the only Tigers you'll see are on the court."

That's because the Tigers' logo is on the new court, which was shipped in from Ohio.

"It arrived yesterday around 7 a.m.," said Zito.

The court was laid down in big pieces; it took a crew five hours. When the games are over, it will be shipped right back to Ohio.

"Courtside there will be NCAA signage, on the backboards, padding and pretty much that's it," he said.

All other advertising in the Forum will be covered up, including ads on bottles and cans.

"Everything will be poured in a cup," he said. "You won't see names or brands."

The scoreboard was lowered so the Grizzlies' logo on the bottom can be replaced with an NCAA logo. New carpet is being laid around the court and seats are being reorganized.

"Some rows you see for Grizzlies and Tigers games will be pushed in and we'll expand the floor area for the bands, media and teams," he said.

Instead of Grizzlies shirts, the store inside the forum will be filled with NCAA paraphernalia. And the Grizzlies practice floor is now a high-tech media room.

Organizers realize, it's not just the NCAA name on the tournament, but Memphis'.

"We will be in the international spotlight and we know it and we're excited to show of what we got," he said. "When people walk out of this building and say 'Wow,' that's what we want this weekend."

Organizers say the Forum transformation will be complete by five o'clock Tuesday night.

The event is sold out and because around 18,000 people are expected, security is high. The Forum staff has been working with local and federal law enforcement agencies.