Penny. Calipari. The 901. All for St. Jude.
When Memphis shows up, it does so with heart. The Hoops for St. Jude Tip-Off Classic brings together community, culture, and care. As Memphis and Arkansas face off at the FedExForum, the spotlight shines not only on the court, but on everything that makes this city powerful: its diversity, its generosity, and its deep commitment to giving back. This video dives deeper into why this moment matters. Experience how Penny Hardaway and John Calipari highlight the magic and momentum of Memphis beyond the game.
“Diversity is our superpower. It’s something we have naturally. Memphis is a very giving city…one of the most philanthropic communities in the country.”
Why Penny and Cal Are Here
Coach Penny Hardaway and Coach John Calipari are part of something bigger.
“What he did for the city…come on!”
Both coaches have deep ties to Memphis. Their shared love for the city is what brings them back. Penny Hardaway coaches the University of Memphis men’s basketball team and was raised in the Binghampton neighborhood in Memphis. John Calipari also has deep roots in Memphis, coaching Memphis’ men’s basketball team from 2000 to 2009 and leading the team to the Final Four.
Where They Stopped by
🌳 Tom Lee Park
Recently reimagined, Tom Lee Park is a gathering space where the community comes together. It represents what this city stands for: accessibility, beauty, and honoring those who stood for justice.
🏫 Grizzlies Prep
As the only school in the nation with an NBA partnership, Grizzlies Prep is shaping young men into future leaders.
“This school is second to none.”
🏢 Crosstown Concourse
If there’s one place in Memphis that shows what’s possible when creativity meets community, it’s Crosstown Concourse. What once was a 1.5 million-square-foot abandoned Sears building is now a thriving vertical village.
Inside you’ll find:
- Crosstown Arts – giving local artists the stage they deserve
- Crosstown High – a project-based public charter school
- Church Health – holistic care for those who need it most
- Memphis Listening Lab – an audio lover’s dream
- EgglestonWorks – precision speakers handcrafted in Memphis
- Global Café and Bao Toan – sharing global flavors from refugee and immigrant chefs
- WXYR – independent community radio that amplifies authentic Memphis voices
Crosstown is what happens when Memphis builds, believes, and brings everyone along.
🎶 Stax Records
You can’t talk about Memphis without talking about soul, and you can’t talk about soul without Stax.
“You can't find someone from that era who didn't know about Stax and the impact it had on Memphis and the US.”
- Stax Music Academy (celebrating its 25th anniversary)
- Soulsville Foundation
- Soulsville Charter School
Alumni like Kameron Whalum (tours with Bruno Mars), Solomon Smith (Billie Eilish’s tour), and Kirby (board member, songwriter for Beyoncé) are proof that Memphis talent goes global.
Shoutout to legends like Deanie Parker and David Porter, whose work brought Memphis soul to the world. Even Justin Timberlake has paid homage, collaborating with Levi’s to renovate the Stax songwriting room.
🎨 Memphis Art Museum (Coming 2026)
Art speaks volumes, and in Memphis, it tells the stories of resilience, heritage, and vision. The Memphis Art Museum is a new symbol of how creativity and community go hand-in-hand. Right on the Mississippi Riverfront.
💙 Want to Know More About the 901?
Stay plugged into the spirit of Memphis through these resources:
