The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio, the place where the National Football League was born.
The hall aims to honor the heroes of the game, preserve its history, promote its values and celebrate excellence everywhere.
While the hall of fame is an American Alliance of Museums-accredited museum, it presents more than pigskin history.
“A visit to the hall is not just a trip down memory lane,” said Pete Fierle, chief of staff and vice president of communications. “We call the hall The Most Inspiring Place on Earth.”
Exhibits show how the game’s values — commitment, integrity, courage, respect and excellence — go beyond football.
A newly opened theater presents A Game for Life. This multi-sensory immersive theater features holographic representations of NFL legends Joe Namath, George Halas and Vince Lombardi.
“They talk about how the game of football also teaches lessons about life,” Fierle said.
Perhaps the most emotional stop during a tour is the Hall of Fame Gallery housing the bronze busts of each member of the hall of fame.
Self-guided and docent-led tours are available for groups. The driver and escort are comped.
Credit: ©Pro Football Hall of Fame
Average tour time is 3½ hours. Motorcoach parking is available, and passengers can be dropped off and picked up at the front entrance.
The Hall of Fame Café is open for lunch, with private rooms available for catered meals.
Now under construction on the hall of fame campus is Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village. The nearly $800 million mixed-use development is billed as the first-ever sports and entertainment smart city. Completion is scheduled to coincide with the NFL’s 100th season in 2019 and the centennial celebration on Sept. 17, 2020.
For more information on the Pro Football Hall of Fame call 330-456-8207 or go to profootballhof.com.
