Anyone going to the HOF Induction this year?

[scmavl]

I decided that if my wife got a royalty check this month, I'd treat myself to a trip to the Induction, my first. Well she did so I'm gonna go. I have two questions for those who have been/are going:

-How is the meet/greet/autograph with HOFers (new and old) set up? Do you pay a flat free for everyone? Do some players sign for free?

-Any recommendations on lodging? I'm sure I've waited kind of late but I can figure out something.

Replies here or PMs are welcome (especially if you're going and need to share a room). :)

[eastonfalcon19]

Hey Jarrod, I go to the induction ceremony every year. As far as signings go most of them you will have to pay. If you go to Mab-celebrity.com they have who is signing and for how much. Jack Berke sports also has signings at the CVS up there. However if you want some free autographs the golf course is a good place to snag some good graphs. That Saturday there is a golf tourny and a lot of Hall of Famers golf. Later in the day there is a parade for the Hall of Famers, they get dropped off at the Hall of Fame. They also sign there but you have to get there early to get a good spot.

With this year being a big year I don't think you will get a hotel anywhere close to Cooperstown. I will be probably sleeping in my car :p. Hope this helps.

[bigtrain]

My family has a summer home in Cooperstown and I usually do not go to induction but will be there this year with friends who are Braves fans. Yes, it is late to get accommodations as it is expected to be a big crowd this year. If you cannot find something in Cooperstown, try Oneonta. It is a bigger town and only about 30 minutes away.

[mets41]

Induction weekend is my annual vacation. I stay at the same place in Fly Creek every year. A friend of mine from New England who stays at the same place told me last month that if you don't have reservations by now, be prepaired to stay in Albany, Binghampton, Utica or even further away. Anything even close to Cooperstown is already sold out.

[6-4-3memorabilia]

I only live 3 1/2 hrs away from Cooperstown and been there about 15 times since 1999. I really want to move there one day. I got to know some of the locals including Homer Osterhoudt who was at the very first induction in 1939 and even help lay brick for the HOF itself!!! he was born in 1918 and still going strong. Google him to find stories. Anyway I have never been to an induction but have been to the Hall of Fame game and the Cooperstown Classic as it is called now. You might be lucky to get an auto for free along the street or by the golf course when they are playing. Other than that be ready to pay for an auto on Main street either outside the shops or inside. I remember paying $20 for Fergie Jenkins and $20 for Johnny Podres back in 2007 which is fair, some guys prices though are pretty high.

[brob28]

You might try this place: "Gateway Inn & Suites" Its about 10 minutes from downtown, so you'll need to worry about parking. I stayed there two years ago when I traveled with my brother in law. He booked and I have to admit when he told me the price, I was very concerned (I believe it was less than $100 per night). It turned out to be a great place. Not the Ritz by any stretch, but the rooms were nice, (cottage like) and most importantly clean!

The owner (Eric) does watercolors of the Cooperstown area and gives each guest one with a stay. Nice touch.

[BradH]

I'm headed up to Cooperstown on Thursday - anyone know if the annual VFW card show is taking place this weekend?

[eastonfalcon19]

Hey Brad, yes it is taking place. I will be leaving early Saturday morning. Can't wait to be up there.