The 2017 inductions might just be in the books, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame is already touting the development taking shape for the future.
Outside of the enshrinement of this year’s class, the festivities featured another significant event, the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. As noted here in advance of last Thursday’s contest between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium has already received numerous upgrades, and plans are in place to further enhance the facility for the annual Hall of Fame Game and other events.
The vision for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s future does not stop there, however. Plans continue to take shape for the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, a development that will surround the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The project is set to introduce several 10 main components, ranging from a youth football and sports complex and a performance center, to a mixed-use Hall of Fame promenade, hotel, and a player care center.
As this project takes shape over the next few years, Hall of Fame president & CEO David Baker is hoping that it will be a sought-after destination for major events, perhaps even including a celebration of the NFL’s centennial in 2020 and an NFL draft. More from The AP:
As for the Hall of Fame Experience, well, that is the closest to the Disney model that the village will get: an indoor amusement park themed around football.
“Fans will be able to experience everything, from what it feels like to be suited up for a game to having their own competitions,” Baker explains.
Somehow, it also will have a football-themed water park inside.
By the time the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village is completed with its 10 components, Baker is hopeful the centennial celebration of pro football in America on Sept. 17, 2020, also will call Canton home.
“After all,” he points out, “Canton is where it all started.”
Development of the Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village is expected to take place in several phases, with the performance center and player care center among the amenities that is expected to open in 2020.
Rendering courtesy Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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