A Growl Towel is the colloquial name used to refer to the rally towels given to fans prior to National Basketball Association (NBA) playoff games involving the Memphis Grizzlies. Typically yellow in color, the growl towel has become a very important part of the fan experience at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
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Origin
The original growl towels were given out from 2004-2006, when the Grizzlies made three straight playoffs under the leadership of Pau Gasol. However, the Grizzlies were swept by their opponents in all three appearances, so only six different towels were made. The Grizzlies failed to make the playoffs for the next four seasons, so the concept of the growl towel was shelved.
2013 Playoffs
Starting with the 2013 Playoffs, the growl towels started to feature different captions in each game, in addition to the traditional "Believe Memphis" towel.