MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sunday’s deadly shooting on Beale Street comes as Downtown Memphis prepares to host two rounds of the NCAA Tournament for men’s basketball starting Friday at FedEx Forum, just yards from that shooting.
With fanbases from eight different teams headed to the Bluff City, restaurants on Beale Street are stocking up on food, beer and more with at least 20,000 people expected to hit Downtown Memphis.
“It’s March Madness baby; it’s going down!” said Nate Illsley of BB King’s Blues Club.
Even after the shooting outside Jerry Lee Lewis' Café, restaurant employees remain confident in the city’s ability to keep them and visiting March Madness fans safe.
“That’s always a challenge, particularly when you get large crowds in a metropolitan area like Memphis,” said Gene Bastnagel, assistant manager for Beale Sweets. “Thankfully, MPD and the Blue Suede Brigade that help to staff Beale Street really do a great job of keeping our visitors safe.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said that extra precautions will include bike and mounted MPD officers, more screening stations along Beale Street and more members of the Blue Suede Brigade out on patrol.
MPD announced those same measures, saying they are doing everything possible to make it a memorable event.
“Situations like this, the police department is going to provide extra protection,” Illsley said. “It’s strictly business. They’re going to protect the people in town.”
Mayor Young also said downtown businesses will have expanded hours to keep city well-lit and vibrant.
Beale Street workers plan to do their part.
“Certainly, we’re going to be keeping an eye on things and doing our part to help keep things safe as well,” said Bastnagel.
“As long as they’re in here spending money, we’re going to stay open,” Illsley said with a laugh.
The Memphis Police Department will be holding a press conference Tuesday morning outlining more details of their downtown safety plan.
