Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a new destination retal experience located in downtown Memphis, is now open to the public. Located inside a massive transformed sports arena, this new, immersive retail experience 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 glass-floored cantilevering observation deck at the top of the 32-story steel Pyramid. 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.
Standing 32 stories tall along the banks of the Mississippi River, the Pyramid first opened as a sports and entertainment venue 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.
“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.”
A fish tale in the making, 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. According to the tale, 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. Fast forward, and after four years of design and construction, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid celebrated its grand opening in April 2015.
Inside the expansive 535,000-square-foot space are a giant cypress swamp environment with ponds, towering 100-foot cypress trees, an 84,000-gallon alligator habitat, and underwater ecosystems including aquariums 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, says the retailer. 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 restaurant is also located at the Pyramid’s apex, offering visitors a chance to dine while overlooking Memphis. This full service 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, meanwhile, is a 103-room wilderness hotel inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid; the first hotel inside any Bass Pro Shops location. Among the cabins and suites are special treehouse suites and cabins featuring interior and exterior views. Most rooms offer a private screened-in porch with rocking chairs. The hotel also offers a boardroom, conference rooms and a patio space for business meetings and celebrations.
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 Center allows visitors to learn more about the 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 an interactive 4D simulation experience, learn to identify different waterfowl species, chat with experts, and check out the craftsmanship of the largest collection of waterfowl decoys along with taxidermy, calls and sporting art.
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.
