Downtown business prepare for busy weekend, NYE events | News

Memphis, TN – 2024 is a few days away and businesses in Downtown Memphis are putting their final touches on celebration plans.

There’s several events taking place leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Saturday, the Memphis Tigers Men’s Basketball team take on Austin Peay at the FedEx Forum.

Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum.

Those attending the Grizzlies game are sure to spill out onto Beale Street to begin ushering in the New Year.

Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, owners of ESCO restaurant downtown, told FOX13 they are embracing the chaotic weekend.

“We anticipate this weekend is going to be absolutely crazy,” said the Rowands.

ESCO has only been open for a few weeks, but the Rowands are ready for the next big event. The restaurant owners hosted a parade to welcome Ja Morant back to the court. They’re planning a big celebration for New Year’s Eve.

“We plan on having our violinist come back. We’re going to have her back for our brunch on New Year’s Eve,” said the Rowands. “Later on that evening, it’s going to be red carpet, glitz and glam, outside photo booths. Champagne toast. We’re going all out with New Year’s.”

To prepare for all of the weekend events and New Year’s Eve, the Rowands told FOX13 they are making sure they have extra staff on hand and that everyone knows the weekend plan.

“You want to have a good idea of just what you’re expecting as well. Then, whatever we think of, we get even more than that just to make sure that you never run out, we never have to tell people we’re out of something,” said the Rowands.

Memphis Police also plan to have extra officers along Beale Street and Downtown. MPD urges everyone to have a plan in place. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver.

MPD told FOX13 to make sure event-goers park in well-lit areas, take valuables out of cars, and double check that doors are locked. You can expect to see officers walking around downtown, on horses, and in their patrol cars.

The Rowands told FOX13 they are also adding more security to ensure their customers are safe.

“We are staffing up extra for this weekend just to make sure. Then, naturally, because of the location where we are, there’s always a huge police presence, there’s always barricades and the streets are blocked off,” said the Rowands.

FOX13 has compiled a list of events happening across the Mid-South this weekend.

You can check that list out here.