At Sports Floors, Inc., we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality flooring and services as possible – but we’re equally committed to doing our part for the Memphis community. When we were tasked with installing the athletic floors for the Memphis Sports & Events Center (MSEC), we were honored to participate in a project with such a grand scale. Today, we’re highlighting the steps we took to complete the project and the impact the MSEC has had on the greater good of the community – we are so proud to have done our part for it!
The Project
The commission in charge of putting together the Memphis Sports & Events Center approached us with a sizeable goal – installing no less than 68,000 square feet of wood flooring in just three months’ time. Although projects of this magnitude typically require a month or two of additional time to complete, when a project has to get done, we get to it.
In order to finish the full floor in time to meet the goals set by the MSEC, our team had to ensure the concrete was dry and level, install the high-performance subfloors and maple flooring, and apply the finish to these courts with enough time for them to cure.
The Mission
With the logistical goals laid out, the Sports Floors, Inc. team began work on September 6, 2022. With only three months ahead of us, we worked quickly. After ensuring the conditions were optimal for installation, we used the following elements according to the specifications set by the MSEC and completed installation on time on December 16, 2022.
MFMA Maple Flooring
As always, our team works with only the highest quality materials as graded by the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association. Maple has long been the gold standard for athletic flooring for its high shock resistance, resilience in the face of wear and tear, and general aesthetics. Built to last, our maple wood floors are safer for athletes and, with proper maintenance, can last up to 75 years.
3rd Grade Wood
All maple wood floors are ranked in three aesthetic categories: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade maple. While each grade of wood performs with the exact same level of quality and safety, these distinctions are marked by the look of the wood and the degree of grain that is visible in each board.
The MSEC chose 3rd-grade maple flooring, which reveals more natural wood variations in both lighter and darker shades side by side. These natural streaks add character to the look of the court and make for a visually interesting space.
Rezill Panel Subfloor
This low-profile anchored resilient floor system is rooted to the concrete slab beneath it, making it a permanent fixture in the arena. This floor type met the height requirements according to the MSEC guidelines. MSEC chose the Rezill panel subfloor for its athlete-friendly properties like joint protection and low fatigue.
Design
Because the MSEC is a multi-purpose event space for sports ranging from volleyball to basketball, they chose to limit the gamelines to those activities and let the 3rd-grade flooring character enhance the design. Although most clients prefer to include logos and other designs in the floor installation process, this decision made sense, keeping in mind the purpose of the facility, allowing all teams and players to participate without any affiliation.
The Impact
Located in the Liberty Bowl Sports Center, the Memphis Sports & Events Center has since made a huge impact on the city and our community. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to Memphis’s commitment to athletic excellence and provides top-notch accommodations for both local and traveling teams and events.
The MSEC is a versatile venue, boasting indoor basketball and volleyball hard courts. Its adaptability extends to other sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, futsal, and more, and its strategic location near entertainment, retail, dining, and hospitality options make it an attractive destination for traveling tournaments and events.
These are just the beginnings of a legacy that Sports Floors, Inc. is proud to be a part of:
Economic Boost
Since its opening in December, the 227,000-square-foot MSEC has seen significant traffic, registering over 630,000 visitors. It is projected to reach 1 million visitors by the end of 2023, according to the Memphis Business Journal. The Journal goes on to say that the center has already hosted several major events, contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2023 alone, events at the MSEC resulted in nearly 45,000 requested hotel nights and a total economic impact of $39.8 million.
Community & National Recognition
The MSEC has not only been a boon for the local economy but has also garnered national attention. The Nike EYBL event, for instance, attracted top basketball prospects and was attended by NBA legends and stars. The center’s ability to draw such high-profile events and personalities underscores its significance in the sports and events landscape, says the Commercial Appeal.
The MSEC is still evolving. Plans are underway to introduce a ninja course, an Esports studio, and a weightlifting/training area within the facility. This continuous development indicates the center’s ambition to remain at the forefront of sports and events facilities, keeping Sports Floors, Inc. courts in use for many years to come.
Sports Floors, Inc.: Keeping Memphis Moving
It has always been our goal to provide the highest quality facilities we can, but this comes from a deep-rooted love of sports and athleticism. It has been an honor to partner with the MSEC for this project, and we look forward to many more years of community events and healthy lifestyle promotions to come.
Are you ready to install a new athletic court like MSEC’s? Contact Sports Floors, Inc. to find out how we can help today!