Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival at Hall of Fame in Canton, held for ten days each July and August, features 15 events, including the induction ceremonies for the new class of Hall of Famers and the annual Hall of Fame football game, the traditional start to the NFL season. The 2008 dates are July 25 to August 4.

History: The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival is as old as the museum itself. The festival began simply in 1962 with a parade, the induction ceremony, and the HOF game. The festival has continued to grow and today includes 15 events and draws over 700,000 spectators.

Events: The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival includes numerous events. The 2008 schedule is:

July 25

• 4pm - Jackson - Belden Food Fest
• 530pm - Balloon Classic Invitational

July 26

• 6am - Balloon Classic Invitational
• 4pm - Jackson - Belden Food Fest & Fireworks
• 530pm - Balloon Classic Invitational

July 27

• 6am - Balloon Classic Invitational
• 8am - Five-mile and Two-mile races
• 230pm - Community Parade

July 30

• 11am - National Ribs Burnoff

July 31

• 10am - First Play 2008
• 11am - National Ribs Burnoff

August 1

• 11am - National Ribs Burnoff
• Noon - Fashion Show Luncheon
• 515pm - Enshrinees Dinner Cocktail Party
• 630pm - Enshrinees Dinner

August 2

• 8am - Timken Grand Parade
• 6pm - Enshrinement
• 6pm - Concert and Fireworks

August 3

• 1230pm - Enshrinees Gameday Roundtable
• 8pm - AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game

August 4

• 630pm - Drum Corps International Competition

Class of 2008: The 2008 Class of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees includes Fred Dean, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Emmitt Thomas, Andre Tippet, and Gary Zimmerman.

In order To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a player must receive support from at least 80 percent of the 39-member selection committee and have been retired at least five years.

The Hall of Fame Game: The 2008 Hall of Fame Game is August 3 at the HOF's Fawcett Stadium at 8pm. Teams will be announced shortly.

Tickets: Tickets to the enshrinement ceremony start at $27 and may be purchased online at the Festival's Web site. The Hall of Fame game tickets are not yet on sale. Check the Hall of Fame Web site for updates.

Volunteering for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival: It takes over 4200 volunteers each year to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame a success. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the festival's Web site.

Hotels near the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Hotels near the Pro Football Hall of Fame include the elegant McKinley Grand Hotel (check rates), located right across the street from the site. Other area hotels include the Canton Residence Inn (check rates) and the Fairfield Inn (check rates).

Contact Information: Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival
2121 George Halas Dr. NW
Canton, OH
330 456-7253
800 533-4302

^{(updated 2-07-08)}