New $45m complex at Graceland

MEMPHIS, Tennessee: Nearly four decades after Elvis sang his last tune, his legacy got a $45 million (R58.8m) boost with the opening on Thursday of a major new attraction at his Graceland estate – an entertainment complex that Priscilla Presley says gives “the full gamut” of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

About 200 people streamed into “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” after the late singer’s wife cut a ribbon and allowed fans to see the complex for the first time.

Resembling an outdoor mall, the 18 580m2 campus sits across the street from Graceland, Presley’s long-time hometurned museum.

The complex features a comprehensive Presley exhibit, with clothing he wore on stage, guitars he played, a showcase of the cars he owned and used, a sound stage, a theatre, two restaurants and shops.

“You’re getting the full gamut of who Elvis Presley was,” Priscilla Presley said during an interview after the grand opening.

“You’re getting to see and participate a bit in his life and what he enjoyed and what he loved to collect.”

It’s part of a $140m expansion, which includes a 450room hotel, which opened last year. The complex replaces the ageing buildings that have housed Presley-related exhibits for years.

Graceland has been updating its tourist experience. Visitors now use iPads for selfguided tours of the house.

The new guest house at Graceland, with modern amenities like glass-encased showers with wall-mounted body sprays and Keurig coffee makers in rooms, has replaced the crumbling Heartbreak Hotel, which is scheduled for demolition.

Adults pay $57.50 (R750) for a standard tour of the house and access to the complex. Visitors can also choose to tour just the house for a lower price.

Gladys’ Diner – named after the singer’s mother – has the feel of a 1950s eatery, complete with pictures of Presley, aqua-coloured chairs and stations where patrons can order hot dogs, burgers and ice cream.

Several shops line the complex. A second restaurant, a barbecue joint called Vernon’s Smokehouse – named after Presley’s father – will also open.

So will an exhibition focused on Sam Phillips, the Sun Records producer and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer who recorded Presley for the first time.

The complex is still being finished. Priscilla Presley said there’s a warehouse full of artefacts, ready for display.

During the interview, Priscilla Presley declined to comment about a court battle in Los Angeles between Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter she had with Elvis, and Lisa Marie’s estranged husband. – AP