History of the Hall of Fame

The National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame represents the highest level of achievement for players and coaches, a shrine for amateur football. Of the nearly 5 million players and coaches who have participated in college football in the last 143 years, just over a thousand have been inducted into the Hall.

The Hall of Fame relocated from Kings Mills, OH and opened its doors in South Bend in August 1995. Located off the busy east-west I-80/I-90 corridor, the museum that honors the history and tradition of college football has been witness to history as well. The Hall is toured each season by numerous traveling college football teams and the first team to tour the museum was the Northwestern Wildcats, who the day after their visit, opened the '95 season by upsetting the 9th ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Thus began a magical season for the Wildcats who won the Big Ten and played in their first Rose Bowl since 1948. Among the players visiting the Hall that day was linebacker Pat Fitzgerald. The All-America returned to South Bend in 2009 as a newly elected Hall of Fame member.

Through exhibits, programs and events, the College Football Hall of Fame lends its visitors a vivid look into the rich tradition, pageantry and excitement of the game. The 58,000 square-foot facility is regarded as one of the most exciting and interactive museums in the world. Upon entering the Hall, a downward spiraling 100-yard ramp leads to the core of exhibits and the heart of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Stadium Theater. The Stadium Theater's powerful presentation educates the audience on the history and origin of the game by cleverly weaving pictures and video from the past and present, meshing images together to recreate the thrill of a college football Saturday from tailgating parties to the post-game embraces of game-day rivals.

Decorated with priceless artifacts, the Hall of Champions combines impressive multimedia capabilities with football memorabilia honoring the accomplishments of each inductee while chronicling special moments in the history of the game. From the football mastermind to the professional tailgater, all visitors have a place in the Strategy Theater and Pigskin Pageantry. Kids and adults can test their basic physical skills in the Training Room and Practice Field.

The Hall of Fame's Press Box and Gridiron Plaza create the perfect setting for any occasion. The Press Box is ideal for receptions, parties, luncheons and business meetings of up to 300 guests. The Gridiron Plaza, the Hall's 45-yard, newly renovated Sprinturf football field, has hosted alumni receptions of up to
1,500 people.

In addition to the museum itself, the KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series and the annual Enshrinement Festival bring some of college football's greatest names to the Hall and rank among the top events in the sports hall of fame industry.

One of the most anticipated programs of the year, the luncheon series has entertained audiences over the past 15 years with dozens of superstar players, legendary coaches and famous celebrities. Past KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheons guests include Peyton and Eli Manning, Jerome Bettis, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Tony Romo and Mike Ditka among many others.

The College Football Hall of Fame's signature event is its annual Enshrinement Festival. The 2012 Enshrinement Festival will take place on July 20-21 and features Deion Sanders, Eddie George and Coach Lloyd Carr among many others.

Fans have a variety of opportunities to meet and mingle with the Enshrinees during this spectacular two-day event. From FanFest to the Celebrity Golf Scramble, Youth Football Clinic and Enshrinement Dinner and Show, the Enshrinement Festival offers unparalleled access to some of the greatest names in the history of college football.

Click to see larger image