The Memphis Grizzlies opened their first youth basketball camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at National Park College, welcoming 125 children and their families to a day of drills, pick‑up games and free handouts.
Community Enthusiasm Fuels Grizzlies' First Arkansas Camp
Organized by senior marketing manager Brandon Johnson, the camp was presented as a way to engage fans and teach basketball fundamentals to the region’s youngest players.
Participants received official Grizzlies gear and entered contests for prizes such as weekend stays in Memphis, tickets to local attractions and complimentary game tickets, creating excitement that extended beyond the court.
Among the families in attendance were Dylan Allen and his son Archer, who voiced a growing interest in basketball and expressed hope of one day playing for the Lakeside Rams, illustrating the camp’s role in nurturing local talent.
Rosetta Spence‑Pleasant arrived with her grandson Reese and niece Lauren, both of whom have become enthusiastic Grizzlies fans, underscoring the team’s expanding community presence.
Bryan Rice, Hot Springs’ sports recreation manager, noted that the event filled its 125‑person capacity within a week, a response he described as exceeding expectations and reflecting strong community support.
Local coach Tim Koller also attended, using the session to gather new drills and techniques for his own youth sports program, highlighting the camp’s broader benefits for the regional basketball ecosystem.
BLJ praised the turnout as “epic,” emphasizing that sustained community backing is essential for the Memphis Grizzlies’ future success and indicating that Hot Springs may become a regular stop on the team’s youth camp caravan.