OT - Basketball Hall of Fame

[bcbgcbrcb]

I realize that this subject is off topic for the main board but wanted to get as much visibility for feedback as possible. I am thinking of making a 2 1/2 drive to Springfield, MA this spring to see the Basketball Hall of Fame. For those of you who have been there before, tips, suggestions for a first-time attendee? I am a semi-serious basketball fan, not hardcore. Is it worth the drive for someone like me?

[Mikehealer]

My family and I went last summer while on vacation. A colossal waste of time. We were driving from Hartford to Saratoga so it wasn't out of the way. I wouldn't recommend a visit to anyone.

[DHogan]

I haven't been there in about 10 years or so. I live 2 hours from Springfield (Boston Ma.). Yes it was worth the ride. I'm not basketball fan. For a semi-serious fan. It's worth it.

[scooter729]

It's very different than the Baseball HOF, in that much of the area is devoted to things like interactive displays and family activities like basketball nets for kids to shoot, etc. It's less of historical memorabilia in the way Cooperstown is, though there is some of that as well.

And, the HOF building is more just a building than a whole destination area, like the village of Cooperstown is. Maybe you can incorporate a trip to Six Flags nearby if you're up for an amusement park, but it's not an absolute must-see in my book.

[vthobby]

Yes it is worth the trip. I went with my family (2 kids under 12) and they loved it! If you have any military connection you will be surprised with free entry!

There are all kinds of interactive exhibits and the best of all is at the end of the "tour" you end up on the ground floor where they have all kinds of basketball hoops from the early days to the present. The best part about this is that you can shoot hoops for hours if you want on all of the baskets! With my 2 kids it became an hour or so on the hoops. This tired them out for the ride home back to Vermont which was key!

Peace, Mike

[Andy Sandler]

Hi Phil,
I love going to the Basketball Hall of Fame. I go every four months so I can see the new displays and I live about 1.5 hours away. My main interest, though, is Pre-1950 Pro basketball and they are very limited in that regard. I have even visited their library on several occasions which was disappointing, too. That said, though, it is a great family event and wonderful for the young fan, post 1950 collector, and lover of the game.
Regards, Andy Sandler andy@allsportsauctions.com