One month after Lil Baby concert shooting, FedExForum has a new security provider
FedExForum is changing its security provider ahead of the start of the NBA preseason, the Memphis Grizzlies confirmed to The Commercial Appeal on Thursday.
Best Crowd Management is replacing Andy Frain Services by providing event security at FedExForum for basketball games, concerts, shows and other events at the arena.
The move comes almost one month after a Sept. 7 shooting occurred at FedExForum during a Lil Baby concert. The Grizzlies declined to comment when asked if the organization's decision to hire a new security company was related to last month's gun-related incident.
Best Crowd Management is part of GardaWorld Security Services, one of the largest privately held integrated security companies in the world. Other clients and partners include the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans.
"We are delighted to announce the inclusion of Memphis and the FedExForum in our roster of markets and venues where we bring our extensive knowledge in crowd management and security services to support some of the nation's most significant and renowned events," Jeff Spoerndle, vice president of Best, said in a statement. "Our dedicated team plays a crucial role in guaranteeing seamless event operations, ensuring that attendees have a memorable experience that will be cherished for years to come."
Kevin Young, 22, was arrested last week and charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon and felony weapons charges in conjunction with the Lil Baby concert shooting.
Less than two weeks after that incident, FedExForum postponed Moneybagg Yo's scheduled Sept. 30 Memphis concert. According to the Memphis native, the decision was not his to postpone his performance.
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"I did not cancel s***," Moneybagg Yo posted on Facebook. "FedExForum canceled the show ! I Spent 300k in production and had MAJOR special guests popping out to help me put on for my city! S*** broke my heart frfr that was the one show I was looking for to I love coming home."
On Sept. 27, the FedExForum announced a new clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that can be brought into FedExForum.
The Grizzlies are scheduled to play their first preseason game at FedExForum at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 against the Indiana Pacers. FedExForum has not subsequently postponed or canceled any events other than the Moneybagg Yo concert.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: One month after Lil Baby concert shooting, FedExForum has new security
