We have long known that people who build pyramids are tempting Fate. Not even the opulent Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas could escape the curse, with recent reports that its interior Egyptian-theme attractions have been tossed out in an economic triage -- possibly a case of too little, too late.

Now we read that America's largest pyramid, the 32-story Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee, is again failing to revive itself. Originally called the Great American Pyramid, it was conceived as a sports and concert arena, though the plan also included a Secrets of the Pyramids Expo, various halls of fame, and a 25 ft. tall Ramses statue (which we recall seeing in 1991, right before it opened). The Pyramid failed in 2004. It has sat empty since then, but a local developer wants to turn it into an indoor theme park and mall, Pyramid Adventure.

We think that's a great idea, but news out of Memphis is that the mayor is against it, and instead wants to turn the Pyramid into what would be the world's largest Bass Pro Shops store. Even that wouldn't be so bad -- if Bass Pro Shops installs a 30-story-tall leaping bass to fill the interior space -- but we've seen too many pyramid catastrophes to be hopeful. Still, the curse has to end some time, doesn't it? [10/02/2007]

February 10, 2012