Where is the hall of fame. Pro Football Hall of Fame: A Journey Through NFL History in Canton, Ohio

Where is the Pro Football Hall of Fame located. How has the Hall of Fame evolved since its inception. Why was Canton chosen as the site for the Hall of Fame. What expansions has the Hall of Fame undergone over the years. Who were the key figures in the Hall of Fame’s early development.

The Birth of a Football Legacy: Establishing the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, a shrine to the gridiron greats who have shaped America’s most popular sport, opened its doors on September 7, 1963. This iconic institution, nestled in Canton, Ohio, has become a mecca for football enthusiasts and a testament to the rich history of professional football.

But why Canton? The choice of location was not arbitrary. Three primary factors contributed to Canton’s selection:

• The American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League, was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920.
• The Canton Bulldogs were an early powerhouse in professional football, even before the NFL’s formation. They became the first two-time NFL champions in 1922 and 1923.
• Canton’s citizens launched a determined and well-organized campaign in the early 1960s to secure the Hall of Fame for their city.

The legendary Jim Thorpe, considered the first big-name athlete to play professional football, began his pro career with the Canton Bulldogs in 1915, further cementing the city’s place in football lore.

From Concept to Reality: The Hall of Fame’s Early Days

The idea of a Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton was first introduced to the public by the Canton Repository on December 6, 1959. The newspaper’s headline boldly proclaimed: “PRO FOOTBALL NEEDS A HALL OF FAME AND LOGICAL SITE IS HERE.” This call to action quickly galvanized local civic groups.

By January 25, 1961, William E. Umstattd of the Timken Company formally presented Canton’s bid to the National Football League. Three months later, Canton received official site approval, setting the wheels in motion for the creation of this football shrine.

A series of crucial steps followed:

1. The city donated wooded parkland for the site.
2. A civic fund-raising campaign secured $378,026 in pledges by February 8, 1962.
3. Ground was broken for the original construction on August 11, 1962.
4. The Hall of Fame opened to the public on September 7, 1963.

Expansion and Growth: The Hall of Fame’s Evolution

Since its inception, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has undergone several significant expansions, transforming it from a modest museum into an internationally recognized institution and travel destination. How has the Hall of Fame grown over the years?

• 1963: Original two-building complex with 19,000 square feet of interior space
• 1971: First expansion, increasing to 34,000 square feet
• 1978: Second expansion, growing to 51,000 square feet
• 1995: Third expansion, reaching approximately 83,000 square feet
• 2013: “Future 50” Expansion & Renovation Project, expanding to 118,000 square feet

The most recent “Future 50” project, completed in 2013, was the largest expansion and renovation in the Hall’s history. This two-year, $27 million endeavor included a major renovation of 38,000 square feet of museum space, ensuring that the Hall of Fame continues to meet the expectations of modern visitors while honoring the game’s rich history.

A Prime Location: Accessing Football’s Holy Ground

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s location in Canton, Ohio, makes it easily accessible to football fans from across the country. Situated in the northwest corner of the city, just off Interstate Highway 77, the Hall of Fame is well-connected to major transportation routes.

How can visitors reach the Hall of Fame?

• It’s approximately 40 minutes south of the Ohio Turnpike (I-80)
• About one hour north of Interstate 70
• Directly connected to both major routes via I-77
• Located on U.S. Highways 30 and 62

For those traveling from major cities, Canton is conveniently situated:

• 50 miles south of Cleveland
• 100 miles west of Pittsburgh
• 120 miles northeast of Columbus
• Approximately 225 miles from Detroit, Cincinnati, and Buffalo

Leadership and Vision: The Hall of Fame’s Guiding Hands

The success and growth of the Pro Football Hall of Fame can be attributed to the visionary leadership of its directors and presidents. Who were the key figures in shaping the Hall’s development?

• Dick McCann: The first director, appointed on April 4, 1962. He served until his death in November 1967.
• Dick Gallagher: Appointed in April 1968, he served until his retirement on December 31, 1975.
• Pete Elliott: Became the third director in February 1979 and served until October 31, 1996.
• John Bankert: Initially appointed as the fourth director on November 1, 1996, he was later named President in 2003 and served until his retirement on December 31, 2005.
• Steve Perry: Succeeded Bankert as President, continuing the legacy of strong leadership.

Each of these leaders brought their unique experiences and perspectives to the role, helping to shape the Hall of Fame into the institution it is today.

Beyond the Walls: The Hall of Fame’s Impact on Canton

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has become more than just a museum; it’s a cornerstone of Canton’s identity and economy. How has the Hall of Fame influenced the city of Canton?

The Hall of Fame has put Canton on the map as a destination for football fans across the country. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy through tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, particularly during major events like the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Moreover, the Hall of Fame has become a source of pride for Canton residents, reinforcing the city’s connection to the early days of professional football. It serves as a reminder of Canton’s significant role in shaping America’s most popular sport.

The Induction Process: Honoring Football’s Greatest

One of the most anticipated annual events at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the induction of new members. How are inductees chosen for this prestigious honor?

The selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rigorous and highly selective. A committee of media members meets annually to discuss and vote on candidates. To be eligible, a player or coach must have been retired for at least five years. Contributors, such as owners or executives, can be considered at any time.

The committee considers various factors, including:

• On-field performance
• Contribution to team success
• Leadership and sportsmanship
• Longevity and consistency
• Impact on the game

Each year, the induction ceremony draws thousands of fans to Canton, celebrating the newest members of this elite fraternity and further cementing the Hall of Fame’s status as the heart of professional football history.

The Enshrinement Festival: A Week-Long Celebration

The annual Enshrinement Festival has grown into a week-long celebration of football. What events are included in this festival?

• The Hall of Fame Game: The first preseason NFL game of the year, typically featuring teams with connections to that year’s inductees
• The Enshrinement Ceremony: The main event where new members are officially inducted into the Hall of Fame
• The Grand Parade: A community-wide celebration featuring floats, marching bands, and appearances by Hall of Famers
• Autograph sessions and fan experiences: Opportunities for fans to meet and interact with football legends
• Concert for Legends: A music concert featuring major artists, adding to the festive atmosphere

This annual celebration not only honors the newest Hall of Fame inductees but also brings together football fans from across the country, creating a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.

Preserving the Game: The Hall of Fame’s Role in Football History

Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, the Pro Football Hall of Fame serves a crucial function in preserving and promoting the history of professional football. How does the Hall of Fame contribute to the preservation of football history?

The Hall of Fame houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that tell the story of professional football from its earliest days to the present. This includes:

• Game-worn uniforms and equipment
• Historic footballs from record-breaking plays
• Original NFL documents and contracts
• Photographs and film footage from throughout the league’s history
• Interactive exhibits that bring the game’s history to life

The Hall of Fame’s research department also plays a crucial role in documenting and verifying historical information about the game, players, and teams. This work ensures that the rich history of professional football is accurately preserved for future generations.

Educational Initiatives: Inspiring the Next Generation

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is not just about preserving the past; it’s also about inspiring the future. What educational programs does the Hall of Fame offer?

The Hall of Fame has developed several educational initiatives aimed at students of all ages:

• School field trip programs that align with curriculum standards
• Distance learning programs that bring the Hall of Fame experience to classrooms across the country
• Youth football camps and clinics that teach the fundamentals of the game
• Leadership programs that use football as a means to teach important life skills

These programs extend the Hall of Fame’s impact beyond its physical walls, using the lessons and values of football to educate and inspire young people across the country.

Hall of Fame History | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame opened on Sept. 7, 1963

PHOTO GALLERY:

Hall of Fame through the years (click on image to view)

Since opening in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has grown in both size and stature.  The building was expanded in 1971, 1978 and 1995, and completed major exhibit gallery renovations in 2003, 2008, and 2009.  Together, these improvements have transformed the original 19,000 square-foot Hall of Fame museum into an exciting internationally recognized institution and travel destination.  Currently, the Hall of Fame is undergoing the largest expansion and renovation in its history. The “Future 50” Expansion & Renovation Project has expanded the museum to 118,000 square feet. The two-year, $27 million project was completed in the summer of 2013 after a major renovation to 38,000 square feet of museum space was finished.

Today, the Hall of Fame stands as a shining tribute to the men who have made professional football America’s most popular sport.

Location:

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio, in the northwest corner of the city, just off Interstate Highway 77. Highway exits for both northbound and southbound traffic are clearly marked on the freeway. Literally hundreds of other signs on lesser roads in the Canton and Stark County area guide the visitor directly to the Hall of Fame site. Canton is located approximately 40 minutes south of the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) and about one hour north of Interstate 70, another major east-west artery. I-77 connects directly to both of these major routes. Canton is also located on U.S. Highways 30 and 62.

Canton lies approximately 50 miles south of Cleveland, 100 miles west of Pittsburgh, 120 miles northeast of Columbus and around 225 miles from such centers as Detroit, Cincinnati, and Buffalo.

Why Canton for the Hall of Fame Site?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio, for three primary reasons; (1) the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League, was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920. (2) the Canton Bulldogs were an early-day pro football power, even before the days of the NFL. They were also the first two-time champion of the NFL in 1922 and 1923. The great Jim Thorpe, the first big-name athlete to play pro football, played his first pro football with the Bulldogs, starting in 1915. (3) Canton citizens early in the 1960’s launched a determined and well-organized campaign to earn the site designation for their city.

Pertinent Hall of Fame Historical Background:
The Pro Football Hall of Fame concept, as far as Canton was concerned, first was placed before the public by the Canton Repository on December 6, 1959. That newspaper challenged its readers with the headline: “PRO FOOTBALL NEEDS A HALL OF FAME AND LOGICAL SITE IS HERE.”

Canton civic groups quickly took up the challenge and, by January 25, 1961, William E. Umstattd of the Timken Company was in a position, as the selected representative of his city, to make a formal bid to the National Football League for acceptance of Canton as the site for a pro football hall of fame. Three months later, Canton was granted this official site approval.

Wooded parkland was donated from the city and a civic fund-raising campaign had, by February 8, 1962, acquired pledges totaling $378,026. Ground-breaking for the original construction was held on August 11, 1962, and on September 7, 1963, the building was first opened to the public.

The original two-building complex, containing 19,000 square feet of interior space, was almost doubled in size when a $620,000 expansion project was completed in May, 1971. The expanded three-building complex contained 34,000 square feet of interior space. A second expansion costing $1.2 million and adding a fourth building was complete in November, 1978, and increased the Hall’s size to 51,000 square feet. A third expansion project, a $9.2 million program that increased the Hall’s size to approximately 83,000 square feet, was completed in October, 1995.

Dick McCann, long-time general manager of the Washington Redskins, was named the Hall’s first director on April 4, 1962. Mr. McCann died in November, 1967, and in April 1968, Dick Gallagher, a long-time pro football coach, scout, and general manager, was named the new director. He served until his retirement on December 31, 1975. In February, 1979, Pete Elliott, an assistant coach of the St. Louis Cardinals who had had an extensive college playing and coaching career, was named the Hall’s third director. Elliott retired on October 31, 1996. John Bankert, a long-time vice-president of the Hall of Fame, became the museum’s fourth director on November 1, 1996 and was named President in 2003. He served in that role through his retirement on December 31, 2005.

Steve Perry became the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s fifth President/Executive Director on April 24, 2006 and served through his retirement in 2014. He has had an extensive career in management of large private sector and public sector organizations. Most recently, he served in the Federal government as the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in Washington, D. C. Perry was a former member of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors (1993-2001) and has been an active volunteer in numerous professional and community organizations.

David Baker was named President/Executive Director on January 6, 2014. Baker served as the Commissioner of the Arena Football League for 12 years from 1996 to 2008. The 6’9” Baker was a power forward and captain of the basketball team at the University of California at Irvine from 1971-75. He also played two seasons of professional basketball in Europe before returning to obtain a Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. As an attorney in California, Baker specialized in corporate mergers, acquisitions and real estate law. From 1984-88 he served as a City Councilman and Mayor of Irvine, California. For four years before taking his position at the Hall of Fame, he worked as a Partner in Union Village, LLC, the largest healthcare project in the United States creating thousands of jobs in Henderson, Nevada as the first Integrated Health Village in the world.

Baseball Hall of Fame | museum, Cooperstown, New York, United States

Table of Contents

• Introduction

Fast Facts

• Facts & Related Content

Read Next

• 10 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time

Quizzes

• Great Moments in Sports Quiz

• Baseball

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• Batter Up

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Hockey Hall of Fame Pribalt.info

NHL Hall of Fame

IIHF Hall of Fame

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Hockey Hall of Fame – this is the list outstanding hockey players, as well as various figures who have done something something significant for the development of hockey. Also, the Hall of Fame is a museum located in Toronto, Canada, where an exposition of the development of both North American and European hockey is presented.

NHL Hall of Fame

Hockey Hall of Fame (Hockey Hall of Fame) was officially founded in 1943 in Kingston, Canada, by the National Hockey League (National Hockey League) and the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association keya (Canadian Amateur Hockey Association) . It was originally called the “International Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum” and did not have a permanent facility.

In 1958, the NHL refused to support the International Hall of Fame and announced the construction of its own hall of fame in Toronto. Up until the 2000s, the hall was focused on NHL players, which is why it is often referred to simply as NHL Hockey Hall of Fame .

Nominees to the Hall of Fame are proposed by a special selection committee, which includes members of the Hall of Fame, journalists and functionaries – a total of 18 people, each of whom can nominate one candidate per year in each category. To date, there are three categories – these are players, functionaries and referees (since 1961) . To be inducted into the hall of fame, a candidate must receive at least 75% of the votes of (but not less than 10) committee members.

NHL Hall of Fame List

IIHF Hall of Fame

The second known is the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame (International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame) and it was founded only in 1997, to honor hockey players and functionaries who have made a significant contribution to the development of world hockey .

From 1992 to 1997, the museum exhibits were located in the hall of fame in Kingston, in 1996 the international federation decided to create its own hall in Zurich, Switzerland, and in 1998, an agreement was signed with the NHL to host IIHF Hall of Fame in Toronto, the exposition is located in a separate room in the “World Hockey” section.