Renovation Update - The Fourth Quarter

THE FINAL QUARTER

Last August, the Basketball Hall of Fame opened Phase 2 of its $19 million renovation. The 3,500 square foot Hall of Honor Gallery, and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Exhibit “Together”.

The Hall of Honor, which serves as a reverential tribute to more than 400 Basketball Hall of Famers, is the culminating point of the museum’s visitor experience. It is an intimate and interactive experience for fans. Positioned on glass etchings along one side of the gallery are the individual names of each Hall of Famer, while on the opposite side; a 60-foot video wall featuring 40 synchronized video monitors give visitors a stunning showcase for the senses. Four stand-alone 55-inch digital touch screens engage guests to learn more - offering them a complete history of each Hall of Famer through videos, photos and written biographies.

Together provides a history of the Association, exploring the impacts it has had on the game and players since its inception in the 1950’s. Starting with a welcome video by Chris Paul (current NBPA President) fans are immediately engaged and drawn in. They are met with multiple videos and eye-catching images that teach them the story and evolution of the NBPA. Guests walk away with a new understanding and appreciation of the contributions made by the NBPA:

Bigger than Basketball – The role NBA Players have in raising awareness of social justice issues.

My Brothers Keeper – The Maurice Stokes/Jack Twyman Story and the sense of brotherhood embraced by today’s NBA Players.

Express Yourself – As NBA players continue to redefine the game, they also serve as culture influencers.

Stronger Together – The history of negotiations between NBA Players and the League.

Tomorrow’s NBPA – The Association’s commitment to ensuring a healthy future for NBA players and for the game of basketball.

Immediately following the 2019 Enshrinement Weekend, contractors began their next transformation project - this time focusing efforts on the Mezzanine. In January, Phase 3, now known as High Above Center Court opened. It is an awe inspiring experience which is the first stop on a visitor’s journey through the museum. Tactile exhibits such as Imprint on the Game, Wingspan and Measure Up dot the perimeter while touch screen stations test the fans knowledge with trivia and games like pairing players like Tina Charles and Ben Simmons to photos taken in their younger days. But the true showstoppers of this space are the twelve-foot tall banners that are paired with display cases featuring artifacts which teach the history of the game.

The Dunk in the Dub Icons of Fashion Breaking the Glass Ceiling High Flyers Foreign Affairs Buzzer Beaters

In February, work began on revitalizing the Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams. A complete court resurfacing and the addition of a 14 foot by 24 foot LED screen are just two of the many new improvements that are transforming the heart of our museum.

Last but definitely not least, guests will be amazed by the complete redesign of our second floor. Fans will enjoy an entirely new layout that will lead them through several new galleries including:

The 1891 Gallery Presented by the MassMutual Foundation – Explores basketball during Naismith’s lifetime, covering almost 50 years of the game to 1936.

Catching Fire – Highlights the evolution of basketball through the game’s watershed moments, its legendary figures, and unforgettable stories.

Opportunity – Tells the history of groups who used basketball to overcome challenges. In-depth stories of integration by the Jewish and African American communities as well as Title IX and the establishment of Wheelchair Basketball.

Players – Furthering the topics touched on by the NBPA Exhibit, this gallery will teach guests about today’s players and the development of their individual games.

The James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery – A tribute to fans; this gallery will showcase the SuperFans of the sport – sharing their passion as told through their memorabilia collections, personal videos and images.

Coaches – The Naismith Coaches Circle is the centerpiece of this gallery which is the partner exhibit to our sculptures in the courtyard. This digital component expands on the Coach’s engravings - providing fans the opportunity to hear in their own words about what inspired them in their careers and lives. Funny anecdotes and poignant thoughts on the game and their role in it.

Experiencing the Game – Two interactive exhibits grace this gallery: the Kobe Bryant Experience Presented by Panini and a TV studio replica that lets fans test their color commentary and game calling skills against some of the most well known basketball announcers.

Celebration - The Celebration Gallery considers the journey all players make in pursuit of the championship hardware and looks at the time-honored traditions of cutting down the nets, popping the cork, and raising the banner to the rafters.

We are excited for what the summer of 2020 will bring to the Hall and the fans of the sport. This multiyear and multi-million dollar initiative could not have been done without the support of our donors, the valuable insights of Hall of Famers, the fans and our partner organizations.

Moving forward this new museum has provided us the ability to offer additional Major Gift and Legacy Giving opportunities as well as recognition within each of the galleries. If you would like further information on how you too can support the Hall of Fame, please contact the Hall’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Scott Zuffelato, at scottz@hoophall.com or call 413-231-5506.

CELEBRATION

E X P E R I E N C I N G T H E G A M E

THEATER

COACHES 1891 C A T C H I N G F I R E THEATER

O P P O R T U N I T Y

SUPERFAN PLAYERS