Basketball Hall of Fame
 
Hoop Hall Experience and The Basketball Hall of Fame Unveil Nationwide Tour



The Hoop Hall Experience

Sept. 11, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, MA (September 7, 2007) - The Hoop Hall Experience, LLC and The Basketball Hall of Fame announced today "HHX - The Hoop Hall Experience," an 18-month, 30-city tour that will bring the history and mystique of the game of basketball to fans across the United States. Hall of Famer and Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins is the official spokesperson for the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly, interactive experience, which tips off in Knoxville, TN, on November 2.

"We are honored to partner with the Basketball Hall of Fame on this groundbreaking tour," said Tony Cherot, President and COO of HHX. "It is exciting to be able to offer families across the country an opportunity to experience the Hall of Fame in their hometowns, to learn more about the sport of basketball and to enjoy an interactive experience. HHX has something for everyone. Whether you are a memorabilia buff, casual fan, or player yourself, we know that this experience will leave a lasting impression."

As spokesman for HHX, Wilkins will visit each city during the tour to interact with fans and share his passion for the game. After its inaugural stop in Knoxville, HHX will make appearances around the country in cities including Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, Detroit, Providence, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Denver, San Francisco, and others through December 2008.

"I am pleased to be the spokesperson for The Hoop Hall Experience Tour," said Wilkins, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. "My enshrinement experience was one of the true highlights of my career, and I think that everyone who visits HHX will be able to feel the excitement the Hall of Fame has to offer."

This is the first "road trip" for the Hall of Fame, which will offer fans the exceptional opportunity to not only view basketball history in their backyard but also step inside the world of their heroes via numerous interactive activities. Seven zones filled with graphics, electronic media, music, photos and artifacts take visitors on a multimedia tour throughout the history of the game - from its peach basket beginnings to the modern game. Visitors can walk through a forest of the "giants" of the game - players such as Bill Russell, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal and Kevin Garnett, explore the evolution of basketball, or experience for themselves what it felt like to be in the arena during some of the most spectacular games in history. HHX also allows fans to laugh at some of the lighter moments of the sport, offering an "Oops" booth, highlights of some of basketball's infamous bloopers.

Fans of all ages will also be able to hone their broadcast skills by entering into one of the broadcast booths and participating in the "You Call the Game" exhibit, or test their basketball knowledge with a trivia challenge. An enclosed theater will show a film entitled "Big Game," a narrated journey of basketball's greatest moments. Fans will also have the unique opportunity to learn the philosophies of the game from 12 of the greatest coaches of basketball through a multi-media exhibit, including John Wooden, Bill Sharman, Pat Summit and Lenny Wilkens.

For those who want to hit the hardwood themselves and break a sweat, a full court "street playground" will be the focal point of Zone Six. The court has the feel of a neighborhood but all the amenities of a world-class facility. Fans of all ages can work on fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and rebounding. There are even bleachers for cheering sections. HHX's Center Court will be an ideal location for group or corporate events and community outreach - an inimitable flair in the midst of the aura of legends.

To relive history, artifacts will be on display to illustrate the exceedingly special moments of the game. Wilkins' own game-worn Atlanta Hawks jersey will be on display, so fans can see up close the gear the high-flying forward wore in the prime of his career. Other rare items include Wilt Chamberlain's custom built race car; Michael Jordan's NBA All Star MVP basketball; a replica of the original peach basket used in early games; a copy of the original 13 rules of basketball drafted by Dr. James Naismith; the net from the 1964 NCAA Championship game; and jerseys, sneakers and basketballs from stars such as Bill Russell, Pete Maravich, Nancy Lieberman, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton and many more.

"We are excited to provide basketball fans around the country the opportunity to experience a unique extension of the Hall of Fame in their hometown" stated John L. Doleva, Hall of Fame President & CEO. "HHX is an amazing tribute to the great game of basketball, and its state-of-the-art interactive elements are sure to provide world-class fun while highlighting the many greats who have helped build the game. While the Basketball Hall of Fame will always be in Springfield, MA, the birthplace of the game, we anticipate HHX will deliver a truly Hall of Fame experience to many fans who have not yet had the opportunity to visit us in Springfield."

To commemorate the special experience of having the Hall of Fame travel their hometowns, fans will be able to visit the Circle of Steel, a retail store where they will be able to purchase unique souvenirs. Average ticket prices are $16.99 for children and $21.99 for adults (plus applicable service and ticketing fees), with special group pricing also available. For more information on ticket pricing in your hometown, or on the tour, please visit www.hoophallexperience.com.

Basketball Hall of Fame
Basketball Hall of Fame