25 years ago: 1988

The City Council Tuesday night approved an amendment in the charter of the Public Building Authority, giving it the power to begin construction of a 39-story pyramid arena on the Memphis riverfront. The vote means work on the pyramid could begin next month. At one point during the council’s 2½hour debate, it appeared there weren’t enough votes to approve the amendment. But after recess, city Mayor Dick Hackett and county Mayor Bill Morris made an unusual joint appearance and assured the council the pyramid would be covered with stainless steel panels favored by the council. The amendment then was approved by a vote of 8-4.