The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Does the NBA lockout have you down? Well, if you plan on being in driving distance of Springfield, Massachusetts, head over to the Basketball Hall of Fame!
When you arrive off of I-91, you will find the most unusual building, and there won’t be any mistaking you have reached your destination since the big titanium basketball or the 136-foot sphere spinning a bright orange basketball will give it away! Upon entry, you start your visit on the third floor, but good luck because once your kids see the action on the courts as you walk in, it will be hard to follow protocol.
As we approached the entrance, we could hear a rhythm from the bouncing balls. Hoops ranging from a peach basket to the traditional basketball nets dotted the hardwood court. The day we went, my son and his friend were able to participate in a free basketball clinic run by the men’s team from UMass.
The second floor is home to many exhibits of sports memorabilia, and the interactive exhibits made the day a lot of fun. The boys loved the short Michael Jordon film and Nike display. Of course, I enjoyed the area dedicated to college basketball. I can never get enough of the LSU Tigers, just ask my son.
Silly Boys
Go LSU!
Need to grow a little more
Learning about the media side of sports
The Honor’s Ring on the third floor is where you will find the Hall of Famers. Currently, the Naismith Memorial Basketball of Fame has inducted 313 players, coaches, referees, teams, and contributors. The biographies are an excellent way to teach self-discipline and persistence to your kids.
If there is a basketball fan in your household, this is a great place to visit, and about the only place, you will be able to experience a little NBA action until the lockout ends. So with winter upon us, hit the road to honor James Naismith who invented basketball and shoot some hoops!
JUMP
Hoops for all ages
Basketball Hall of Fame
My foot inside Shaq’s footprint
Playing Basketball during the free clinic
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