Deborah Clubb reports in the Memphis Commercial Appeal that city and county politicians have agreed on a site for the new $250 million arena to be build for the new basketball team.  City Mayor Willie Herenton had supported a location between Linden and Beale streets, while Shelby County Mayor Jim Rout had supported a location on nearby Union Street.  After a two month delay, it is expected the Linden site will be announced at a press conference Wednesday.

Although the Union site may have been a better location, it's main disadvantage was that a number of businesses would have to be relocated or bought out.  In addition, three 8-foot to 15-foot-high tunnels of the city's stormwater drainage system run beneath the Union site, which would have added significant expense.

In a related story, one of Jim Rout's nominee's for the construction oversite committee was rejected.  Charles Dennis is president of a builders' association currently suing the city.  Also, renovations to the Pyramid are moving forward.  They include $1.63M for home team locker room facilities for the Grizzlies and $1 million for a "super suite" club area.