Greater Memphis Area - Suburbs, North Mississippi, East Arkansas

[TheKernel91]

1 hour ago, MDC26 said:

A new state law proposed in Mississippi would allow casinos to be built on dry land, instead of restricting them to over water, in flood prone areas.  This would allow casinos to be built closer to the highway or the state line in Tunica County.  Also said existing casinos would be given dibs for 3-5 years, if they wanted to move to a new location, before new casinos could move in.  https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/proposal-would-move-tunica-county-casinos-flood-areas-boost-local-economy/VKSSJQEE5ZFJZATE5ETONVIARQ/

If this passes, it is tough to predict what will happen.  If an existing casino wants to move, the value of the current facility/property plummets, because why would someone want to buy an old casino in a flood zone, when casinos could now be located in new, better located areas.  But, if they allow new ones to come in that are built closer to the state line, it would probably be the death knell for all but maybe Gold Strike and the Horseshoe.  

That's nice. Tunica casinos are even more desperate now that Southland's new casino is completed and looks like the premier gambling place.

My guess is those casinos are probably paid off by now. Those that are left probably wouldn't mind moving closer to recapture more traffic.  If they consider, hopefully they could create a real district with them closer together, like a strip.

[MDC26]

22 minutes ago, TheKernel91 said:

That's nice. Tunica casinos are even more desperate now that Southland's new casino is completed and looks like the premier gambling place.

My guess is those casinos are probably paid off by now. Those that are left probably wouldn't mind moving closer to recapture more traffic.  If they consider, hopefully they could create a real district with them closer together, like a strip.

Will be interesting to see what happens.  No clue what's needed to get approved in Desoto county.  If Desoto county won't approve a casino, a new one would just likely go to Hwy 61, or I-69.  If they do approve it, does it go in Southaven next to the Landers City, or do we get the Margaritaville Casino & Resort at Horn Lake?

[TheKernel91]

7 hours ago, MDC26 said:

Will be interesting to see what happens.  No clue what's needed to get approved in Desoto county.  If Desoto county won't approve a casino, a new one would just likely go to Hwy 61, or I-69.  If they do approve it, does it go in Southaven next to the Landers City, or do we get the Margaritaville Casino & Resort at Horn Lake?

See I'm wondering would they be interested in contending. Because Tunica could possibly be losing alot of jobs because more than likely they casinos want to be close to Memphis as possible.

[smeagolsfree]

A casino on the Mississippi across from Memphis would be a boon for Memphis and something that would give the State of TN food for thought to think about legalized gambling for the rest of the state. You have to go to Franklin KY, Evansville IN, or Cherokee NC from Nashville in order to gamble.

There are buses to take you there, but I am unsure how much they are utilized. All we need is one or two on the Cumberland and we are set. 

On 11/21/2022 at 8:51 AM, VSRJ said:

No response from you-know-who. The silence is deafening.  

My eyes are open and watching.

[BnaBreaker]

On 12/18/2022 at 8:45 AM, smeagolsfree said:

A casino on the Mississippi across from Memphis would be a boon for Memphis and something that would give the State of TN food for thought to think about legalized gambling for the rest of the state. You have to go to Franklin KY, Evansville IN, or Cherokee NC from Nashville in order to gamble.

There are buses to take you there, but I am unsure how much they are utilized. All we need is one or two on the Cumberland and we are set. 

My eyes are open and watching.

Agreed.  It is astonishing to me that a state like Tennessee, which has so many budgetary shortcomings, would shun a known moneymaker like casino gambling.  Take the power back from the border states!  It would be so easy!  Put those evansville casinos in Clarksville!

[James Owen]

On 12/18/2022 at 7:45 AM, smeagolsfree said:

A casino on the Mississippi across from Memphis would be a boon for Memphis and something that would give the State of TN food for thought to think about legalized gambling for the rest of the state. You have to go to Franklin KY, Evansville IN, or Cherokee NC from Nashville in order to gamble.

There are buses to take you there, but I am unsure how much they are utilized. All we need is one or two on the Cumberland and we are set.

On 12/25/2022 at 5:01 AM, BnaBreaker said:

Agreed.  It is astonishing to me that a state like Tennessee, which has so many budgetary shortcomings, would shun a known moneymaker like casino gambling.  Take the power back from the border states!  It would be so easy!  Put those evansville casinos in Clarksville!

There was a time when Memphis had pitched an idea of opening a casino inside The Pyramid in the 90s - even going as far as wanting to re-anoint the land as Native American territory in order to get around state laws - but those efforts were essentially dead on arrival because of same said laws.

[PillowTalk4]

State leaders in Tennessee took forever to allow the lottery.  Tennessee was losing so much money to border states that already had lotteries.  Especially when the lottery grew to a high number.  You would think the State would have learned from that lesson and would get ahead of the growing number of states allowing casino gambling.  I could see both Memphis and Nashville having casino gambling that would draw even more tourists than they already do.  At the very least tourist will spend more money.    I suspect Chattanooga would also benefit from a casino.

I live between DC and Baltimore which places me between two major casinos.  While I don't really get into the gambling scene, I do like the other components that come with the casino venues.  Both MGM National Harbor (Oxen Hill, MD just south of DC) and Live! Casino & Hotel (Hanover, MD just west  of BWI Airport) are about 35-45 miles apart depending on the route, have multiple restaurants and entertainment venues that also make them destination places for locals and tourists.   When I've gone to events at MGM in particular I'm always amazed at the masses of people in the casino in addition to the restaurants, bars, clubs and event theaters.  I can only imagine what the crowds would be like at casino venues in Memphis and Nashville.  The revenue generated could be used for infrastructure or school funding, etc..

Edited January 6, 2023 by PillowTalk4

[BnaBreaker]

8 hours ago, PillowTalk4 said:

State leaders in Tennessee took forever to allow the lottery.  Tennessee was losing so much money to border states that already had lotteries.  Especially when the lottery grew to a high number.  You would think the State would have learned from that lesson and would get ahead of the growing number of states allowing casino gambling.  I could see both Memphis and Nashville having casino gambling that would draw even more tourists than they already do.  At the very least tourist will spend more money.    I suspect Chattanooga would also benefit from a casino.

I live between DC and Baltimore which places me between two major casinos.  While I don't really get into the gambling scene, I do like the other components that come with the casino venues.  Both MGM National Harbor (Oxen Hill, MD just south of DC and Live! Casino Hotel (Hanover, MD just west  BWI Airport) are about 35-45 miles apart depending on the route, have multiple restaurants and entertainment venues that also make them destination places for locals and tourists.   When I've gone to events at MGM in particular I'm always amazed at the masses of people in the casino in addition to the restaurants, bars, clubs and event theaters.  I can only imagine what the crowds would be like at casino venues in Memphis and Nashville.  The revenue generated could be used for infrastructure or school funding, etc..

Knowing Tennessee's legislature, I'm sure they'd probably attempt to justify the decision to ban casino gambling by making some sort of outdated morality argument about casinos 'inviting the wrong element' or something.  It really doesn't make any sense at all letting these other states capitalize off of us like they do.  Just imagine if all of those Tunica casinos had instead set up shop somewhere in Memphis proper.  

[TheKernel91]

16 hours ago, BnaBreaker said:

Knowing Tennessee's legislature, I'm sure they'd probably attempt to justify the decision to ban casino gambling by making some sort of outdated morality argument about casinos 'inviting the wrong element' or something.  It really doesn't make any sense at all letting these other states capitalize off of us like they do.  Just imagine if all of those Tunica casinos had instead set up shop somewhere in Memphis proper.  

I think about that alot. Especially knowing those investors wanted to be in Memphis first. In the early 90s it was not alot of places you could gamble outside of Vegas and Atlantic City as there is now. That would have shifted Memphis economy and trajectory. Would have been Vegas like. Especially with the Pyramid just opening at that point.

Edited January 6, 2023 by TheKernel91

[MDC26]

43 minutes ago, TheKernel91 said:

I think about that alot. Especially knowing those investors wanted to be in Memphis first. In the early 90s it was not alot of places you could gamble outside of Vegas and Atlantic City as there is now. That would have shifted Memphis economy and trajectory. Would have been Vegas like. Especially with the Pyramid just opening at that point.

I don't know.  If the Harrah's casino never opened up in New Orleans, next to the French Quarter, I bet things would have been exactly the same.  I'm sure the casinos have a significant economic impact in Biloxi and Shreveport, but, more like they help keep things afloat.  They didn't result in a Vegas like explosion of growth.  Some people try to avoid casinos all together, and sometimes they attract unwanted attention too.  Vegas is on a level that is out of this world, that will not be paralleled by anywhere.  

Edited January 6, 2023 by MDC26

[TheKernel91]

2 hours ago, MDC26 said:

I don't know.  If the Harrah's casino never opened up in New Orleans, next to the French Quarter, I bet things would have been exactly the same.  I'm sure the casinos have a significant economic impact in Biloxi and Shreveport, but, more like they help keep things afloat.  They didn't result in a Vegas like explosion of growth.  Some people try to avoid casinos all together, and sometimes they attract unwanted attention too.  Vegas is on a level that is out of this world, that will not be paralleled by anywhere.  

True. I forgot New Orleans have their Casinos too.  An higher tourist destination and Entertainment district similar to us would be the best example.

The difference for me in this is, at one point Tunica was the 3rd largest gambling district in the US. I believe it's 4th now only if you count Reno, NV.  That for city like Memphis in the 90s wouldve been huge. Mainly the success was because of the location in the country compared to the others that drove people from everywhere.

To think that 9 large Casinos was built 30 mins south of Memphis in the middle of nowhere. I know this is hypothetical, but if law makers did give it a greenlight. Memphis probably would have done something Tunica didn't do, and that's have the infrastructure to allow them to be built in closer, walkable distance. Big city amenities as well to compliment it.

It's all hypothetical, just imagining all of money spent down there to make it happen for Tunica probably would have translated different here. Branding and the secondary industries that would have unfolded.

Edited January 6, 2023 by TheKernel91

[MDC26]

3 hours ago, TheKernel91 said:

True. I forgot New Orleans have their Casinos too.  An higher tourist destination and Entertainment district similar to us would be the best example.

The difference for me in this is, at one point Tunica was the 3rd largest gambling district in the US. I believe it's 4th now only if you count Reno, NV.  That for city like Memphis in the 90s wouldve been huge. Mainly the success was because of the location in the country compared to the others that drove people from everywhere.

To think that 9 large Casinos was built 30 mins south of Memphis in the middle of nowhere. I know this is hypothetical, but if law makers did give it a greenlight. Memphis probably would have done something Tunica didn't do, and that's have the infrastructure to allow them to be built in closer, walkable distance. Big city amenities as well to compliment it.

It's all hypothetical, just imagining all of money spent down there to make it happen for Tunica probably would have translated different here. Branding and the secondary industries that would have unfolded.

Yeah, it is interesting to think what would have happened. I doubt 9 would have been built in Memphis. They probably would have approved something like 8 casinos for the entire state - two each for Memphis and Nashville, and one for Chattanooga, Knoxville, Tri Cities, and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. 

Then, where would they have been built in Memphis? Probably off I-40 by Wolfchase. 

[The Guardian of Memphis]

17 hours ago, MDC26 said:

Yeah, it is interesting to think what would have happened. I doubt 9 would have been built in Memphis. They probably would have approved something like 8 casinos for the entire state - two each for Memphis and Nashville, and one for Chattanooga, Knoxville, Tri Cities, and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. 

Then, where would they have been built in Memphis? Probably off I-40 by Wolfchase. 

I'm pretty sure the first one would've been in the Pyramid, in my opinion.

[TheKernel91]

19 hours ago, MDC26 said:

Yeah, it is interesting to think what would have happened. I doubt 9 would have been built in Memphis. They probably would have approved something like 8 casinos for the entire state - two each for Memphis and Nashville, and one for Chattanooga, Knoxville, Tri Cities, and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. 

Then, where would they have been built in Memphis? Probably off I-40 by Wolfchase. 

You're right, the state probably wouldn't allow just all of that concentrate just in Memphis. Downtown Memphis would definitely see atleast one. Somewhere in the outskirts would have happenen probably by the Nashville exit near Syncamore View. Or near the airport around Brooks Rd when the strip clubs was active. 

Edited January 7, 2023 by TheKernel91

[MDC26]

On 1/7/2023 at 12:38 PM, The Guardian of Memphis said:

I'm pretty sure the first one would've been in the Pyramid, in my opinion.

Just depends upon the timing of when the hypothetical law change would have occurred.  

[The Guardian of Memphis]

DeSoto County officials rejoice after Gov. Reeves proposes $124.7M for I-55 - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian

Home - Driving DeSoto

Finally. This was proposed at least 10-15 yrs. ago. It is much needed, especially Phase 1.

 

Edited February 19, 2023 by The Guardian of Memphis

[TheKernel91]

Mixed-use developments are going to change how we see our suburban areas. Really amazed by what's been proposed in the last few years and have been developed so far in the burbs. Especially in Desoto Co.

First.

Arlington planners approve up to $700 Million for mixed use project near i40

https://dailymemphian.com/subscriber/section/suburbs/article/34367/arlington-planning-commission-approves-hawthorne-mixed-use-project

 

Two Mixed-use developments have been approved right near Silo Square in Southaven. Silo square which already have rooftop restaurants  nearby, hotel in works, retail and residential lofts above in those buildings, and many more things in thr works. Desoto will have mixed use developments all over. Olive Branch have about 3 in the works now, as well as Hernando.

So one is called "The Sip" and the other is called Crossover. I have this screenshot I made off Google maps where these two are bordering each other. The red where The Sip will be and the yellow will be where the Crossover will be

 

The Sip renderings

"Top of the ‘Sip, which is south of Goodman Road on the west side of Snowden Lane, will feature nearly 100,000 square feet of commercial and office space. Other features include pedestrian trails, a small outdoor stage for entertainment and a potential site for a new upscale hotel."

Crossover renderings 

The Crossover development, located at the intersection of Getwell Road and May Boulevard, features residential rooftop patios and a recreational green space. (Courtesy AERC)

 

[The Guardian of Memphis]

Great location. All the fast food restaurants galore, Snowden Grove, bowling, baseball parks, plus the restaurants included in the development. Seems like it would be a cool place to live without the need for a car. 

[VSRJ]

Looks like a nice, much-needed upgrade:

Landers Center expansion receives $38.5M bond approval from DeSoto County Board of Supervisors

https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/04/07/landers-center-expansion-bond-approval.html

Quote

 

A major expansion and renovation project in DeSoto County that includes the construction of a convention center, a hotel, and restaurant took a another step forward.

The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors approved on March 20 a $38.5 million bond to help build a 100,000-square-foot convention center at the Landers Center, according to Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite. The project is a joint venture with the DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Musselwhite said DeSoto County CVB is set to fund around $20 million for the development. The DeSoto County CVB also collects the revenue from the county's 2% tourism tax, which is expected to pay the debt service for the bond.

 

 

[The Guardian of Memphis]

2 hours ago, VSRJ said:

Looks like a nice, much-needed upgrade:

Landers Center expansion receives $38.5M bond approval from DeSoto County Board of Supervisors

https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2023/04/07/landers-center-expansion-bond-approval.html

 

Convention center…wow. Interested in what conventions will be had there.  Good nonetheless!

[MDC26]

33 minutes ago, The Guardian of Memphis said:

Convention center…wow. Interested in what conventions will be had there.  Good nonetheless!

They've said they've had to turn lots of things away because they didn't have the room

[MDC26]

Details emerging about newly named “Ducks Unlimited Park”.

https://dailymemphian.com/section/neighborhoods/article/35497/memphis-ducks-unlimited-park-tackles-wetland-restoration

Will consist of 1500 acres, more trails, welcome pavilion, outdoor classroom, restrooms, off leash retriever training dog park. Should be a really big asset right next to downtown. 
 

[VSRJ]

The former Malco theater in Bartlett being converted into an indoor pickleball complex was not on my 2023 bingo card.

Bluff City Pickleball coming to former Malco theater in Bartlett

https://dailymemphian.com/section/business/article/36983/memphis-business-bluff-city-pickleball-bartlett-malco-cinema

Quote

The theater’s 10 auditoriums will be converted into eight pickleball courts, one smaller practice court, and an exercise studio for stretching and warming up. A clubhouse will go in on the mezzanine, which was previously used for the movie projectors, and new air conditioning and a new roof will be installed.

[MDC26]

33 minutes ago, VSRJ said:

The former Malco theater in Bartlett being converted into an indoor pickleball complex was not on my 2023 bingo card.

Bluff City Pickleball coming to former Malco theater in Bartlett

https://dailymemphian.com/section/business/article/36983/memphis-business-bluff-city-pickleball-bartlett-malco-cinema

Just curious, what IS on your 2023 Bingo card?

[VSRJ]

33 minutes ago, MDC26 said:

Just curious, what IS on your 2023 Bingo card?

A lot of free spaces.