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The North American Bridge Championships (NABC) offers an excellent chance to dive into the world of bridge and explore the best of a new city.

More advanced players can play in premier events awarding platinum masterpoints; those looking for gold points will have plenty of opportunities, too. Newer players, and even absolute beginners, can learn and hone new skills in a dedicated space just for them.

Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or all 10 days, it’s a wonderful time full of meeting fellow bridge players from all over and playing the world’s best card game.

All bridge play at the Renasant Convention Center. Parking is $13 per day at the Convention Center.

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ACBL Bridge Museum Tours

Special Treat at the Spring NABC: Join us for a quick trip to Horn Lake, the Headquarters of the ACBL, where you can tour our amazing museum and library!

You must reserve ahead of time, and spaces are limited.

Hotel & Transportation

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Memphis Shuttle Schedule

*Morning shuttles will pick up outside of each hotel and drop off at the Renasant Convention Center

*Evening shuttles will pick up outside of the Renasant Convention Center Main Street entrance and drop off at each hotel

Hotels:
Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
Courtyard Memphis Downtown
Springhill Suites Memphis Downtown
Hu. Hotel

Wednesday, March 12:

Morning Shuttle Rotation
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Evening Shuttle Rotation
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Thursday, March 13 – Sunday, March 23:

Morning Shuttle Rotation
8:00 am – 9:30 am

Afternoon Shuttle Rotation
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Evening Shuttle Rotation
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Blue Suede Brigade

The Blue Suede Brigade is a hospitality and safety team in Downtown Memphis that provides assistance, directions, and a welcoming presence, and for your tournament, they can escort players back to their hotel or restaurant. ​i.e. from the Renasant Convention Center to your hotel; from a restaurant downtown back to your hotel, etc.

Blue Suede Brigade Hours of Service
BSB Hotline 901.281.9146

Sunday 9:00 am 10:00 pm
Monday - Wednesday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday - Saturday 7:00 am 12:00 am (Midnight)

Overnight Vehicle Patrol
Friday, Saturday and Sunday NIGHTS
11:00 pm 7:00 am ***please note the overnight shift cannot provide transportation***

**Please call the BSB Hotline for a complimentary walking escort

Host Hotels

Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
250 N Main St
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-7300

$169+tax per night
$32 per day parking

Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
300 N 2nd St
Memphis, TN 38105
(901) 525-1800

$169+tax per night
$22 per day parking

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Memphis
75 Jefferson Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 522-2200

$169+tax per night
$32 per day parking

Springhill Suites by Marriott Memphis Downtown
5 West Court Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 522-2100

$169+tax per night
$32 per day parking

Hu Hotel
79 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 333-1200

$169+tax per night
$22 per day parking

Housing Update: Reservations are now closed for Memphis through our housing bureau, ConferenceDirect. If you need to modify or cancel an existing reservation, please reach out to the hotel directly.

Important Reminder: Cancellations will be charged a $150 fee per reservation. In addition, cancellations must be made at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to your arrival date to avoid a hotel cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax.

Schedules & Fees

Each NABC has a wide variety of events each day, whether you’re just starting out, looking for gold points or aiming for an NABC title. The Full Schedule shows each event broken down by date and time and is color coded to help you find games to suit your interest.

Purchasing with Entry Express
Any player may purchase entries through Entry Express. To receive any discounts (if you qualify), you MUST use Entry Express. Entry Express FAQs

All players must have an ACBL member number to participate in any event (ACBL member numbers are valid for life, even if your membership is inactive). Not a member? Join now!

For New Players

Just getting started? Try the friendly bridge experience of the Intermediate/Newcomer Area at the NABC! This welcoming area features many chances to learn more (often for free) and practice with players at your skill level. Stop by the Intermediate/Newcomer Desk for more information.

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Soak up some bridge knowledge, sharpen your skills and take your game to new heights as you learn from world-class teachers and players. Most days at 9:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. before the morning and afternoon games.

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Learn Bridge in A Day?

You’ll nail the basics of bridge in this interactive class that has both instruction and coached play. If you’re just starting, returning to the game or wanting to test the waters before taking formal lessons, this course is for you. Leave the class and take on a newcomer game!

Saturday, March 15
Time:
 1- 6 p.m.
Fee: $25 USD pre-registered or $30 at the door – includes textbook
Location: Renasant Convention Center – Rooms 102-103

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Preempts in a Day

Preempts in A Day gives players a thorough grounding in these useful bids. Come join us and explore the ins and outs preempts!

Sunday, March 16
Time:
 1- 5 p.m.
Fee: $25 USD pre-registered or $30 at the door – includes textbook
Location: Renasant Convention Center – Rooms 102-103

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Free Lessons

Both lessons will be followed by a free 12-board game for newer players (0-20 masterpoints). Pre-registration not required.

Saturday, March 15
Time:
 8am -9:45am
Teacher: Jerry Helms
Topic: Introduction to Notrump Defense
Location: Renasant Convention Center – Rooms 102-103

Sunday, March 16
Time:
 8am -9:45am
Teacher: Patty Tucker
Topic: Help Suit Game Tries
Location: Renasant Convention Center – Rooms 102-103

Other Games

Level up your experience at the Spring NABC with some bonus events! Experience two unique evening activities filled with a variety of entertaining games for bridge players and their companions.

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Beyond Bridge

Picture yourself challenging Bob Hamman and Joe Grue at backgammon, John Hurd and David Grainger at Catan, Eddie Wold at cribbage, or George Jacobs at pretty much any game—or grabbing the mic for some karaoke! No masterpoints, no directors (except as players), just snacks, a cash bar, friends, and fun. Whether you're gaming, singing, or just enjoying the chaos, it's a night to remember!

Sunday, March 16
Time:
 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton — Nashville Room

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 Bridge Mania

Join us for bridge-themed games like Jeopardy, hosted by James Holzhauer, and Family Feud, hosted by the Grossacks!  Light food, a cash bar, and prizes for winners—handed out by ACBL Executive Director, Bronia Jenkins. Whether you're playing, watching, or just enjoying the fun, it’s a night you won’t want to miss!

Wednesday, March 19
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton — Nashville Room

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Receptions & Seminars

Beyond the games at the NABCs, members can enjoy educational programs. Below is a listing of the seminars being offered in Memphis. Please check the NABC Daily Bulletin for the exact location of each session.

Best Practices Teacher Workshop

This workshop covers proven techniques designed to enhance the effectiveness of teachers in their classrooms. The focus is on how, rather than what, to teach. Participants may opt to demonstrate their Best Practices proficiency on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning to earn certification as an ACBL Best Practices teacher. For more information visit acbl.org/bpteacher.

Friday-Sunday, March 14-16
Time: 1-5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday
Fee: $125 USD, Assessment Fee (optional) $25 USD
Location: Renasant Convention Center — Room 104

Reception for Club Officials and Teachers

The ACBL hosts this reception to say thank you to the club officials and teachers who recruit and retain our members. We invite club managers, teachers and club directors to attend. A light meal and adult beverages will be served. Event is free, but registration is required. Deadline to register is February 21. Walkup admittance is not guaranteed.

Friday, March 14
Time:
 6:30 – 8pm
Location: Sheraton — Heritage Ballroom
Registration: Closed

Learn Bridge in A Day? Instructor Accreditation

This program instructs teachers in methods of administering and presenting LBIAD.

Saturday, March 15
Time: 12:30-8:30 p.m. You will serve as a table helper during the LBIAD class from 1 to 6 p.m. A light meal will be provided 6-6:30 p.m.
Fee:$75
Register: Email Patty Tucker at patty@whirlwindbridge.com

Teacher Breakfast Meeting

See presentations from ABTA Master Teachers of award-winning teaching materials and learn how the ACBL and ACBL Educational Foundation can help you. The first 20 teachers who register receive complimentary copies of the materials, and non-ABTA members receive a free one-year membership in the ABTA. Deadline to register is February 21. Walkup admittance is not guaranteed.

Monday, March 17
Time:
 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Sheraton — Nashville Room
Register: Closed

2025 Goodwill Reception

The Aileen Osofsky ACBL Goodwill Committee’s Annual Goodwill Reception is a special evening to celebrate and honor the outstanding contributions of our ACBL Goodwill Members. By invitation only, RSVP required. Walkup admittance is not guaranteed.

Monday, March 17
Time:
7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Location: Sheraton — Heritage Ballroom

About the City & Food

Memphis is a city rich in history, culture and music. As the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and urban energy. Visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy world-famous cuisine and experience live music that captures the soul of the city.

For a detailed list of attractions, visit memphistravel.com.

Restaurant Directory

While in Memphis, enjoy the many excellent dining options, from world-famous barbecue joints and  traditional soul food establishments to local artisan coffee shops and popular burger spots. Throughout Downtown and the Overton Square neighborhood (just a short drive away), you’ll find menus offering everything from delis to fine dining.

To help navigate this delicious landscape, we’ve created a searchable directory that allows you to filter restaurants based on price, cuisine and distance, providing all the essential information needed to plan your visit.

A plate of delicious barbecued ribs with french fries and salad.

Explore exciting restaurants in Memphis with this Google Map. Discover top dining experiences and earn masterpoints along the way!

Bonus: If you’re indulging Downtown, you can take advantage of the Blue Suede Brigade escorts, who will safely accompany you back to your Downtown hotel. See the section beneath shuttle details on this page for details.

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Food Trucks

Get ready to enjoy a variety of delicious eats as food trucks roll into Memphis this March! Whether you're stopping by Court Square Park for Food Truck Thursdays or visiting the Main Street Mall on additional days, you'll find a fantastic selection of local favorites serving up everything from BBQ to tacos and more. Food and drink cannot be taken into the convention center.

Food Trucks Everyday Except Thursdays
Location:
Main Street mall (Directly outside of the Main Street Entrance at the Renasant Convention Center) (255 N Main St.)
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Food Truck Thursdays ONLY
Location: Court Square Park (62 N Main St.)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Graceland

Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is a must-do in Memphis. The mansion and exhibits showcase his life, career and legacy with his preserved mansion, collection of concert wear and more.

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National Civil Rights Museum

Housed in the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Right Museum provides a powerful, immersive journey through the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

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Sun Studio

Often referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Sun Studio is a legendary recording studio where artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits.

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ACBL Bridge Museum Tours

Special Treat at the Spring NABC: Join us for a quick trip to Horn Lake, the Headquarters of the ACBL, where you can tour our amazing museum and library! Each tour begins with a pickup at 10 a.m. at the Renasant Convention Center and concludes at noon. You are guaranteed to return to the Renasant Convention Center by 1 p.m. Paul Linxwiler, Executive Editor of the Bridge Bulletin, will be your tour guide.

Sun., March 16   Wed., March 19  ♠  Sat., March 22

You must reserve ahead of time, and spaces are limited. Transportation is provided; lunch is not.

Walk-in Times

The Bridge Museum will be open for walk-ins at 9:00 am and close at 3:00 pm on the following days:

Mon., March 17 Tues., March 18 ♠ Thurs., March 20

 

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Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies teamed up with the NABC and ACBL to offer exclusive savings on tickets for all participants and guest that will be in town during the tournament. This allows you to experience exciting NBA match ups during your time in Memphis!

March 12 vs Utah Jazz March 14 vs Cleveland Cavs  ♠ March 15 vs Miami Heat

Questions? Call Nick Vallot at 901-205-1455 or email nvallot@grizzlies.com

contacts

Contacts

Tournament Committee

POSITION NAME & EMAIL
Tournament Chair Bruce Wachsman Envelope Link
Finance & Fundraising Alan Greer Envelope Link
Registration Desk & Prizes Beth Simpson Envelope Link
Volunteers Vicki Empting Envelope Link
Partnership Nancy Rosenberg Envelope Link
Publicity Jackie Stewart Envelope Link


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