Three Injured At Grizzlies Game, Section Of Stands Collapses

**duncan228** · 04-12-2008

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

Three injured at Grizzlies game
Section of FedEx Forum stands collapses before tipoff

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Three people were injured Saturday night before a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies when a small section of the stands at FedExForum collapsed.

One man was taken away on a stretcher and two others were treated at the scene, arena officials said.

The incident happened about an hour before the 8 p.m. EDT tip-off as some of the Grizzlies were leaving the floor after the pregame shootaround. Fans were standing at the rail of the section leaning over seeking autographs from the players. The section collapsed to the aisle where the players leave the court, sending a handful of people falling about 3-5 feet to the concrete floor.

Steve Zito, senior vice president of arena operations, said officials will study the accident and talk to witnesses about what happened. He said there have been no similar incidents this season at games or other events, and crews check the stands before the building opens.

"This has surprised us," Zito said. "We're going to find out what happened and make sure it never happens again."

The section was roped off and the season ticket holders who normally sit there were relocated.