Ditch & Tim Radio: Jee Vahn Knight on Baron Von Opperbean & the River of Time
November 20, 2025
Memphis Morning News: Ditch & Tim Radio Show
Ditch & Tim welcomed BVO CEO Jee Vahn Knight for a live radio conversation exploring Baron Von Opperbean & the River of Time and its impact on Memphis. The interview introduces the project as the Mid-South’s largest immersive playground, blending story, art, physical exploration, and play for all ages.
Knight discusses the scale of the experience, how it differs from escape rooms or traditional attractions, and what’s ahead as BVO moves toward its first public opening on Mud Island.
Below: Watch/listen to the episode, then scroll for the full transcript.
Listen or Read below
Radio Interview Transcript
Program: Ditch & Tim
Guest: Jee Vahn Knight, CEO – Baron Von Opperbean & the River of Time
Date: November 20, 2025
Read the full conversation below…lightly edited for clarity and flow.
Host (Tim):
Joining us now on the program, the CEO of that project, Jee Vahn Knight. It’s great to have you in. It’s nice to finally meet you. How are you doing?
Jee Vahn Knight:
Thank you so much, Tim. I’m happy to be here.
Host:
All right, give us the elevator speech. Refresh our memories again about Baron Von Opperbean. It’s going to be a unique experience — you’ve seen it, you’re helping cast the vision. What is it?
Jee Vahn Knight:
BVO is going to be the largest immersive playground in the Mid-South. It’s bringing a large-scale creative attraction here to Memphis, Tennessee.
It builds on the legacy of the River Museum — the infrastructure, the boats that are already there — and transforms it into an immersive environment. “Immersive” is a funny word, but you really get lost in it.
You can play, you can game, you can look at art, you can get lost in the story. You can bring your entire family — kids to kids at heart.
Host:
I’ve noticed similar things popping up across the country, and they have raving fans because they appeal to everyone.
Jee Vahn Knight:
Exactly. It can be a kid, it can be somebody older. There’s something to look at, something to touch. It’s for the senses.
It’s not just something to do — it’s an event. You bring yourself into it, and you’re different every day depending on your mood, how active you want to be.
Our lives are predictable. This is a place where you experience the unexpected, and that has tremendous value for people who don’t want passive consumption of creativity.
Host:
And this isn’t an escape room, right?
Jee Vahn Knight:
It’s much bigger than an escape room. I love escape rooms — you’re trapped, solving a single puzzle.
This is different. It’s like stepping into an entirely new world and universe. The question becomes: who are you in that space?
Host:
When will this be completed? Is there more fundraising involved?
Jee Vahn Knight:
We’re about 50% through our first capital raise of one million dollars, and we’ve picked up momentum.
We’re tracking toward early 2026 to open Platform 33, our first 8,000 square feet. Platform 35 would expand us closer to 20,000 square feet by the end of next year, followed by a larger raise to open the two riverboats.
Host:
We’ve got under a minute. How can people get involved?
Jee Vahn Knight:
We’re hiring. We need artists from the community. We need corporate and nonprofit partners — this is a community-driven project.
And spoiler alert just for you, Tim: we’ll be dropping pre-sale tickets for the opening month in the next month or so.
Host:
Sweet. Jee Vahn Knight, CEO of the Baron Von Opperbean project. It sounds like it’s rolling along. Please come back and keep us updated.
Jee Vahn Knight:
Absolutely. Thank you so much.