Bass Pro details ‘unique’ Pyramid project

The 32-story, stainless steel Pyramid Arena will be redeveloped with “unique components not seen in any of our other stores,” President Jim Hagale said in a Bass Pro news release.

Among the preliminary plans for the Memphis Pyramid Outdoor World site is a hotel, restaurant, aquarium, museum, marina on the banks of the Mississippi River, and a huge fishing lure that moves people to an observation deck at the Pyramid’s peak. Officials also envision NASCAR races and hunting videos shown on the arena’s giant scoreboard and an education/performance center that could be used for community events and concerts.

Memphis officials have estimated the redevelopment price tag at between $75 million and $100 million, which Bass Pro would cover. Bass Pro will receive no city or state redevelopment incentives, leaving federal dollars as the only outside funding source.

Under terms of a signed letter of intent, Bass Pro also would cover the Pyramid’s approximately $30 million debt service with rent payments of up to $1 million a year.

Bass Pro officials could not be reached this morning for comment.

The Memphis Pyramid plans parallel those in Buffalo, N.Y., where Bass Pro is working to convert the vacant Memorial Auditorium into an outdoor sporting goods store and hotel.

Bass Pro operates 33 stores in 21 states and Canada. According to www.basspro.com, eight to 10 more stores are scheduled to open this year, keeping up with an accelerated development phase that blends retail, entertainment, conservation and outdoor education.

The Memphis and Buffalo projects are tentatively scheduled for openings in 2008.

Click here to see a full rendering of Bass Pro's plans for the Pyramid.

Click here for the full story from March 6.