Ballin' on Beale: Memphis Madness and Lil Penny Auction Excitement
Exciting things are happening for Memphis basketball this October. The Tigers are bringing their annual preseason fan showcase, Memphis Madness, to Beale Street for the first time ever. Renamed "Ballin' on Beale," the event will feature a lively festival at Handy Park on Thursday, Oct. 16, starting at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, vendors, live music, performances by the Mighty Sound of the South and spirit squads, and interactive competitions with both the men's and women's teams, including a coaches' game of T.I.G.E.R. and student-athlete shooting contests. Special appearances from St. Jude representatives, giveaways, T-shirt tosses, and a meet-and-greet with players and coaches are also on the agenda.
In addition to the upcoming festivities, a piece of Memphis basketball history is up for auction. The original "Lil Penny" puppet, famously featured in Nike's 1990s advertising campaign with Tigers legend Penny Hardaway, is currently being auctioned off by Heritage Auctions. Standing 27 inches tall in an Orlando Magic uniform and Penny 2 sneakers, the fully poseable puppet, voiced by comedian Chris Rock, is a nostalgic pop culture icon from the mid-'90s. Bidding for the puppet has already reached nearly $9,000 and is expected to exceed $30,000 by the auction's closing in late October. The Lil Penny puppet played a significant role in promoting Nike's Air Penny line and became a memorable figure with its humor and swagger.
As Memphis basketball fans gear up for the 2025–26 season, they have the opportunity to participate in the exciting events surrounding the team. From the Ballin' on Beale showcase to the auction of the original Lil Penny puppet, there is much to look forward to in the world of Memphis basketball this October.