Hang Time at the Basketball Hall Of Fame

Take a trip to Springfield, MA for a fun afternoon at the Basketball Hall Of Fame!

This past weekend we hopped in the car and paid a visit to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is one place that should be on your New England bucket list. The halls are lined with basketball greats, and there are a bunch of interactive activities the entire family will enjoy.

C’mon, who wouldn’t want to shoot hoops at the Basketball Hall Of Fame?

Of course, growing up in New England I am a huge Boston Celtics fan. The Celtics have always been a great organization and produced several NBA hall of famers — my favorite of course is Larry Bird.

Seeing the Celtics players showcased was the primary reason I wanted to visit. But, we loved seeing all of our childhood NBA idols throughout the exhibits and learning about the greats that came before them.

When I was 10 or 11 years old I remember going to a card show in Mass. We ended up meeting two of the Celtic’s all time bests, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. Larry Bird was there, but we didn’t get the chance to see him. Rick Fox was also there and were able to snag autographs from all three. It was one of those days I’ll remember forever, and likely the day that kicked my love for the game into high gear.

Enough about me, let’s see what you can expect on your visit to the Hall Of Fame!

Visiting The Basketball Hall Of Fame

I’m not going to give away all the fun details here, but you’ll get the gist of what you’re walking into at the Hall Of Fame. So what should you expect? I know I was surprised right when we walked through the door. You’re greeted by pillars of great basketball player memorabilia. I mean the greatest of the great. Before even getting your tickets, you get to see basketballs, jerseys, and other memorabilia from your favorite NBA players. We’re talking Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Dikembe Mutombo, and more!

Once you’ve had the chance to explore the pillars of greatness, grab your tickets and get your photo taken on the green screen before heading up the elevator to the top floor of the hall of fame.

The two upper levels are large halls running along the outside of the dome, overlooking the basketball court below.

Level 3 – The Honors Ring

Along the top floor hall you’ll find pictures, biographies, and artifacts from more than 300 of the greatest individuals and teams to play the game. Look up to see the ceiling lined with photographs of players, coaches, refs, and other great NBA personalities. Walk to the right as you exit the elevator and explore the history of basketball.

Level 2 – Hall Of Fame Galleries

The second floor is where you’ll discover five different galleries. The Game, Players, Media, Coaches and Teams. This is also where you’ll find fun, interactive exhibits. If you’re bringing the kids,or you’re a big kid at heart like us – this is one place you’ll spend a few extra minutes…or an hour. Playing virtual ball, crashing the boards, or trying to palm an official size NBA ball — there’s something fun for everyone on this floor.

Follow the second floor hall through the interactive games of the players gallery, along to the Media area where you’ll learn all about the greatest moments in basketball history through the words of announcers. You’ll even get to call a play from one of the best moments in NBA history!

Sit in the skybox suite, give a sports update from behind the anchor desk, and walk through the locker rooms lined with artifacts from the best players and coaches from your favorite teams. Make sure you look for the “open” signs on some of the locker doors!

Level 1 – Center Court

Your time to shine has come. Have you got what it takes to sink a three pointer at the Hall Of Fame? Go for it! Head down to the main level and grab a ball. You can’t leave the basketball hall of fame without saying you played on Center Court. This is one of those “when in Rome” moments…

This full size basketball court is calling your name — you can hear the crowds cheering from the bleachers. Look up and take it all in. All those basketball greats looking down on you from The Honors Ring – no pressure though, no pressure! 🏀

Take to the court and fire away! Shoot free throws, three pointers, and show off your best head-fake before making your way to the gift shop to pick up a few souvenirs to take home.

Note: There are currently renovations happening on the second level. A birdie told me they’re installing high tech interactive exhibits. We’ll just have to wait and see what they have in store for us!

Visit Today