Aug. 14, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. --- On Saturday, September 8th, basketball fans will have the opportunity to be part of the Enshrinement weekend festivities as Hall of Fame legends, the newly enshrined members of the Class of 2007 and special guests come together during the Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration. Tickets starting at just $35 will allow fans to see the greats of the game up-close, enjoy forums, autograph sessions, a book signing and hear about the experiences from the NCAA Champions of the 1966 Texas Western Team.

The day tips off at 9:30 am with a parade of Hall of Famers and newly elected class members arriving at the Hall of Fame in vintage Rolls Royce cars before stepping onto a red carpet to join the celebration. The Induction Ceremony begins at 10 am with performances by the Air National Guard Band, Brass Tacks and national recording artist Ashley Gearing followed by the entrance of returning Hall of Famers. The newly elected class members, Phil Jackson, who led the Lakers and Bulls to a record nine NBA titles, the 1966 NCAA Champions from Texas Western, University of North Carolina Coach Roy Williams, four time WNBA Championship coach Van Chancellor and international coaches Pedro Ferrandiz and Mirko Novosel will take the stage to receive their Class Ring, remark on the occasion and answer questions. Susan Rudolph will join the class in honor of her husband; 2007 class member, referee Marvin "Mendy" Rudolph, who passed away in 1979.

Following the celebration fans will enjoy autograph sessions, a forum featuring members of the 1966 Texas Western team and the Second Annual Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Auction featuring hundreds of unique sports memorabilia items.

Beginning at 11 am, some members of the new class will sign autographs followed by a Forum at 12 pm featuring a panel discussion with members of the 1966 Texas Western Championship Team hosted by NBA TV's Eddie Doucette. At 1 pm, Texas Western Champion, David Lattin will hold a book signing on the Hall of Fame concourse for his book Slam Dunk to Glory.

At 12 pm, it's the Second Annual Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Auction presented by Grey Flannel Auctions. Induction Celebration ticket holders as well as Basketball Hall of Fame ticket holders can sign up to bid on rare and authentic sports memorabilia. Those in attendance at the auction gala will have the chance to bid live on close to 400 historic sports items in basketball, baseball, football, hockey and Americana. Collector's items from the game of basketball include a game used All-Star jersey worn by Julius "Dr. J" Erving, a '47-48 Minneapolis Lakers George Mikan game-used home jersey, a game-used jersey worn by Michael Jordan in the 1993 All-Star game and a 1959 Bill Russell game-used All-Star jersey, to name a few. Anyone interested in signing up prior to September 8th or bidding in advance by internet can go to www.greyflannelauctions.com.

Tickets to the Induction Celebration on Saturday, September 8th may be purchased by calling 1-877-4-HOOPLA or 413-231-5511. All events will take place at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and include FREE parking on a first come-first served basis.

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level - professional, collegiate, international, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.