A New Hall of Fame?

Well, maybe not new. Just different.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees approved in concept a plan to develop the current museum campus into a "Hall of Fame Village." This plan may include a world-class hotel and conference center, an Academy of Excellence that would service the corporate world, a Center of Athletic Performance and Safety, youth football fields, retail, thematic restaurants, and a mixed use residence for Hall of Famers and NFL legends.

I'm not sure why the corporate world is in need of any more services but I'm sure that they expect it.

After having visited in 2013 for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, it's difficult to imagine the campus developed into this Village. I'm a little torn. I love the quaint size of the museum. I love that it's in Canton. Outside of Induction weekends, I don't think that the Hall of Fame gets near the number of visitors that the Board of Trustees would like. Attendance would spike considerably if I lived close enough to visit as much as I'd like. In it's current state, the Hall couldn't handle the numbers that the Board prefers. For one, the cafeteria is tiny. If this plan happens, and it sounds like it will, people will come.

The most interesting part of this Hall of Fame expansion is the residence for Hall of Famers and NFL legends. It sounds like this will be a place for former players with special needs. This is a fantastic idea. The NFL is finally doing a better job in providing for the seriously ailing players that built this game. There's no reason for players like Bulldog Turner and Mike Webster to live their final days, even years, like they did. I hope that this plan is just as I imagine it to be.

The first phase of this plan is expected to cost from $240 million to $250 million, according to Hall of Fame President David Baker. About $35 million has been raised so far, with more money expected to come from sources including corporate and private donations as well as developers. Ah, so that's why the corporate world gets special services. The state of Ohio has pledged $10 million to renovate Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium. The Hall has identified sources for about three-quarters of the money for the first phase, and each of the initiatives within the overall project could have their own funding sources. The hope is that as many of the renovations as possible will be competed in time for the NFL's 100th Anniversary in 2019.