Georgia Sports Hall of Fame facts for kids
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Front of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame at the International Cherry Blossom Festival
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| Established | 1999 |
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| Location | 301 Cherry Street Macon, Georgia |
| Type | Sports history |
The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is a huge museum in Macon, Georgia. It celebrates amazing athletes and coaches from Georgia. It's the biggest state sports hall of fame in the United States, covering about 43,000 square feet!
Contents
Exploring the Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame has over 14,000 square feet of cool exhibits. You can learn about different types of sports and famous athletes.
What You Can See
The museum is divided into several fun areas:
- Hall of Fame Inductees: Meet the sports heroes who have been honored here.
- High School Sports: See how Georgia's young athletes made their mark.
- College Sports: Discover the excitement of university-level sports.
- Olympic and Paralympic Sports: Learn about athletes who competed on the world stage.
- Professional Sports: Explore the careers of Georgia's pro athletes.
- Great Moments in Georgia Sports History: Relive unforgettable sports events.
Interactive Fun
The museum also has exciting hands-on activities. You can try out NASCAR simulators. There are also fun basketball and football games to play. You can even use special computer programs to learn more.
How the Hall of Fame Works
The state of Georgia owns the Hall of Fame. It is managed by a group called the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Authority. This group has 18 members. They are chosen by important leaders in Georgia's government. These leaders include the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
A Look at History
The idea for the Hall of Fame started a long time ago.
Early Beginnings
The Hall of Fame began in 1956. It was first called the Georgia Prep Sports Hall of Fame. It only honored high school athletes back then. In 1963, it grew to include college, amateur, and professional sports.
Becoming Official
The Georgia State Legislature officially created the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1978. This made it a formal state organization.
Building the Museum
In 1994, the state of Georgia provided $6.5 million to build the museum. They added another $1.8 million in 1996. The total cost to build the museum and its exhibits was $8.3 million. The building opened its doors in 1999. More than 65,000 people visited in its first year!
How It's Funded
The state of Georgia helps pay for the museum's yearly costs. Local groups also help by providing support and working together. The Hall of Fame also raises money in other ways. They rent out parts of the building for events. They also hold a 5k walk and sell tables at their induction ceremony.
Honoring New Members
The Hall of Fame adds new members each year. These are people who have achieved great things in sports.
How Inductees Are Chosen
Meetings to choose new members are now open to everyone. This means the public can watch the process. Over 300 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame so far.
Renting Spaces
The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame has many spaces you can rent. These are great for youth groups and other organizations.
Youth Parties
You can even have a birthday party at the museum! The price depends on how many people attend. A party package can include:
- Admission to the museum
- Food and drinks (catering)
- Chairs and tables
- Use of the Georgia Room for two hours
Equipment and Rooms
You can also rent equipment for your party, like TVs and projectors. The Hall of Fame has different rooms available:
- Conference Room: Fits up to 15 people.
- Georgia Room: Can be set up for classes, banquets, or receptions.
- Rotunda: A large, round area perfect for banquets or receptions.
- Theater: Seats 205 people, great for presentations or shows.
The Museum Building
The building itself is very special. It looks like an old-fashioned baseball park. It has a red-brick outside and a green roof.
Design and Features
The design makes you feel like you're stepping into a sports experience. It has old-style ticket booths and brick columns. Special lighting adds to the atmosphere.
What's Inside
There are over 1,000 sports items on display. The Hall of Fame has a collection of over 7,000 objects! Besides the exhibits, the building also has:
- A 1,500 square foot "Georgia Room" for events.
- A gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
- A 205-seat theater.
- A research center.
- Offices for staff and storage space.
Recent Inductees
In 2009, several famous sports figures were inducted. These included Hugh Durham, Terry Hoage, Andy Landers, Mills Lane, Jeff Malone, George Rose, Shannon Sharpe, and Roman Turmon.
See also
- Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum and Hall of Fame
- Ty Cobb Museum
