Memphis Pyramid, World's Tenth-Largest, Transformed into Massive Bass Pro Shops Destination

Memphis, Tennessee – The Memphis Pyramid, a striking 321-foot tall structure on the banks of the Mississippi River, has been transformed into a sprawling Bass Pro Shops megastore, a unique commercial and entertainment destination. Reopened in 2015, the former sports arena is recognized among the world's largest pyramids, a fact highlighted by social media user Lauren Self. Self stated in a recent tweet, > "This great nation is home to the 10th largest pyramid in the world which happens to also be a Bass Pro Shops megastore including a hotel, bowling alley, archery range with an observation deck adjacent to its apex, and Ducks Unlimited operates a waterfowl hunting and wetlands conservation inside."

Originally built in 1991 as the Great American Pyramid, a multi-purpose arena, the structure stood largely vacant for years before its ambitious conversion. At 321 feet in height and with 591-foot base sides, it is indeed considered by various measures to be the tenth-tallest pyramid globally, paying homage to Memphis, Egypt, and its ancient structures. The transformation into a 535,000-square-foot retail and leisure complex was the result of a 55-year lease agreement between Bass Pro Shops and the City of Memphis.

Beyond its vast retail space, the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid offers an immersive experience. It houses the Big Cypress Lodge, a 103-room wilderness-themed hotel where many rooms offer views of an indoor cypress swamp complete with 100-foot-tall trees and live alligators. Visitors can also enjoy Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill, an underwater-themed bowling alley, and practice their aim at an indoor archery range.

A prominent feature is the country's tallest freestanding elevator, which transports guests 28 stories to The Lookout at the Pyramid. This apex restaurant and bar provides panoramic views of Memphis and the Mississippi River from its glass-floored observation deck. Furthermore, the facility integrates the Ducks Unlimited National Waterfowling Heritage Center, an interactive museum dedicated to wetlands conservation and the history of waterfowling, underscoring a commitment to outdoor education alongside commerce.