Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton stands as a shrine to excellence in professional football. Since opening in 1963, the Hall has grown in both size and stature, becoming one of America's premier sports museums and a must-visit destination for football fans.

Why It's Special

Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame isn't just a museum—it's a pilgrimage site for football enthusiasts. As the birthplace of professional football, Canton proudly houses this impressive tribute to the sport's greatest legends. The iconic building with its football-shaped architecture makes an impression before you even step inside.

Exhibits and Galleries

The Hall of Fame features multiple galleries spread across 118,000 square feet:

• The Hall of Fame Gallery: The hallowed space containing the bronze busts of all enshrined Hall of Famers, displayed in a dramatic circular room with soft lighting that creates an almost reverent atmosphere
• A Game for Life: A multi-sensory immersive theater experience featuring holographic representations of Hall of Fame legends including Joe Namath, George Halas, and Vince Lombardi
• Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery: Interactive displays showcasing the history of the NFL's championship game, featuring all Super Bowl rings and the Vince Lombardi Trophy
• The Hunt/Casterline Pro Football Hall of Fame Card Collection: One of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of football cards
• Pro Football Today Gallery: Highlighting current NFL stars and recent record-breakers
• Madden NFL 21 Virtual Reality Experience: Test your quarterback skills in this immersive gaming environment

Hall of Fame Enshrinement

Each August, Canton becomes the epicenter of the football world during Enshrinement Week, when new Hall of Fame members are inducted during a special ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The celebration includes:

• The Hall of Fame Game, which marks the unofficial start of the NFL preseason
• The Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner
• The Enshrinement Ceremony
• The Concert for Legends
• The Grand Parade through downtown Canton

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Adjacent to the museum is Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a state-of-the-art 23,000-seat venue that hosts various sporting events, concerts, and other special events throughout the year. The stadium is part of the larger Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, a multi-use sports and entertainment complex that continues to expand.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

For fewer crowds, consider visiting on weekday mornings or during the off-season (September-May). Summer months, especially during Enshrinement Week in August, bring the largest crowds.

How Much Time to Allow

Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully experience all the Hall has to offer. True football enthusiasts might want to plan for a full day visit.

Special Experiences

• Behind the Scenes Tour: Get access to areas typically closed to the public
• VIP Tour with Hall of Famer: Schedule a once-in-a-lifetime tour guided by an actual Hall of Fame member (limited availability)
• Touch Football Experience: Available on select days on the Field of Dreams outside the Hall

Why Canton?

Canton was selected as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame because the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League, was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920. The Canton Bulldogs, led by legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, were also one of the early successful teams in professional football, winning consecutive NFL championships in 1922 and 1923.

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, consider visiting these related attractions:

• Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
• Hall of Fame Village (featuring retail, dining, and entertainment options)
• National First Ladies' Library (10-minute drive)
• McKinley Presidential Library & Museum (10-minute drive)
• Downtown Canton Arts District (15-minute drive)

Getting There

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is conveniently located just off Interstate 77 at Exit 108 (Fulton Road) in Canton, with ample free parking available on site. For those without a car, the SARTA public transit system offers bus service to the Hall of Fame, and rideshare services are readily available throughout Canton.