OT: is the Basketball HoF worth it?

[Scott2Tate]

Thinking of bringing my 10 year old nephew to the basketball HoF in Springfield tomorrow. Is it worth it? I haven’t been there. Any college bball (UConn) exhibits, or is it all pro?

 

[thekollieman]

I haven’t been any time recently, but went at least twice when growing up. The first time I was probably about your nephew’s age and I just remember having an amazing time. I can’t swear by any details due to how long ago it was, but if he enjoys playing and/or watching basketball, this will be an awesome day for him.

 

[Vuce]

If you have ANY interest in basketball and its history - definitely worth it. Plenty of non NBA stuff there too. I’d encourage you to go whether tomorrow or some other day. Have fun!

 

[superjohn]

Haven't been in close to 30 years so can't speak to it these days but I loved making trips there with my dad, your nephew will love it.

 

[Scoe]

Totally worth it it’s been awhile since I have gone they have a UConn section about the size of a locker a UConn men’s and a women’s side, I remember Kevin Freeman (Springfield native) shoes were part of the display.

 

[HooperScooper]

Last time I was there was about 15 years ago with both of my sons, who were about the same age as your nephew (one younger, one a little older). They liked it. There was a Jim Calhoun exhibit when we were there. There is stuff about the NBA and college. If your nephew has an interest in basketball I think it's worth going.

 

[Jbirdp5]

When they switched buildings and got rid of all the bronzed busts I felt like the place lost a bit of its charm. Walking around that part in Springfield just like cooperstown was my favorite part. I haven’t been there since the early 2000s when it opened so maybe that’s changed.

 

[Mike Honcho]

If you have ANY interest in basketball and its history - definitely worth it. Plenty of non NBA stuff there too. I’d encourage you to go whether tomorrow or some other day. Have fun!

I concur. Went two summers ago and it was awesome.

 

[Scott2Tate]

Sounds like it’ll be a great time. My nephew has been getting into watching college bball the last few years (I’m so proud), and pretty sure he watches the occasional pro clip or two on YouTube (I hear LeBron this, LeBron that all the time. The NBA isnt really my jam, but maybe there will be Celtics exhibit that will help him change allegiance. Hahaha).

Thanks all. Much appreciated!

 

[Chin Diesel]

Thinking of bringing my 10 year old nephew to the basketball HoF in Springfield tomorrow. Is it worth it? I haven’t been there. Any college bball (UConn) exhibits, or is it all pro?

You have a chance to spend time with your 10 year old nephew. In an air conditioned building. In the middle of August.
Might even be something interesting in it.
You take that opportunity 10 out of 10 times.

 

[Viet Vet]

Went last year with a former college teammate. It will be a trip down Memory Lane for you, and your nephew will have plenty to keep him interested. Have a great time.

 

[Scott2Tate]

You have a chance to spend time with your 10 year old nephew. In an air conditioned building. In the middle of August.
Might even be something interesting in it.
You take that opportunity 10 out of 10 times.

Have no fear, Chin. I was going to be spending the day with him regardless! I will admit to being a little cheap though (the tickets for two of us are $50), so I wanted to hear what the good word on the street was before making the trip.
That said, it’s definitely a plus to be inside on a rainy, murky August day like today

 

[Scoe]

Have no fear, Chin. I was going to be spending the day with him regardless! I will admit to being a little cheap though (the tickets for two of us are $50), so I wanted to hear what the good word on the street was before making the trip.
That said, it’s definitely a plus to be inside on a rainy, murky August day like today

That's not a bad price at all. If your a reader like I am you might be awhile the 10 year year old might run through the place and wanna shoot hoops. The building will obviously standout in Springfield unlike the old basketball HOF.

 

[HuskyHawk]

When they switched buildings and got rid of all the bronzed busts I felt like the place lost a bit of its charm. Walking around that part in Springfield just like cooperstown was my favorite part. I haven’t been there since the early 2000s when it opened so maybe that’s changed.

I wouldn't' say you want to walk around that part of Springfield now. Somehow, I've never been, but I stayed at a hotel essentially across the street last year. I do want to go.

 

[bendm]

i went several times as a kid with family and friends and had a blast every time. last time i went was 10 years ago in my late 20s and it was everything i remembered. i'd happily go back if the opportunity arose.

 

[Improviser]

If you have ANY interest in basketball and its history - definitely worth it. Plenty of non NBA stuff there too. I’d encourage you to go whether tomorrow or some other day. Have fun!

They have high school coaches honored on the plaques with a description of their accomplishments.

The majority of coaches in the exhibits are not Calhoun or Woodin caliber, and some were Ivy League coaches and many were not coaching Division 1 teams.

All in their own way and for the teams they coached, achieved success at their level of play and have family members and former fans who remember them, I would guess.

 

[dvegas]

If you are at the HOF, check out the exhibit on J. Walter Kennedy, the former NBA Commissioner and Mayor of Stamford. He ushered the NBA into the modern era.

 

[nomar]

I went a couple times at that age and I loved it. My grandparents bought me the world's smallest Robert Parish jersey from the gift shop.

What I most vividly remember is Bob Lanier's size-22 sneaks being displayed right in the front and all the baskets kids can shoot on.

 

[Scott2Tate]

Hey all - Just wanted to give an update. We went and had a great time. That said, once my nephew saw the basketball court, he didn't have much patience or time to give to the exhibits, but that's ok! He had a blast shooting hoops through the various rims, backboards, and the super old school peach baskets. I was humbled on more than a few occasions with my attempts at shooting...yikes. I think I need to dial back on my criticism of the Huskies shooting during the season - hahaha

Thanks again for all the responses - I appreciate it

 

[temery]

If you're coming from a distance, add a trip to six flags to make the trip worth it. The HoF takes about an hour.

 

[Scott2Tate]

If you're coming from a distance, add a trip to six flags to make the trip worth it. The HoF takes about an hour.

Thanks- that’ll have to be next time! Luckily we aren’t too far away

 

[Palatine]

Hey all - Just wanted to give an update. We went and had a great time. That said, once my nephew saw the basketball court, he didn't have much patience or time to give to the exhibits, but that's ok! He had a blast shooting hoops through the various rims, backboards, and the super old school peach baskets. I was humbled on more than a few occasions with my attempts at shooting...yikes. I think I need to dial back on my criticism of the Huskies shooting during the season - hahaha

Thanks again for all the responses - I appreciate it

When I visited, I waked out on that court. Shot a three. By some miracle it went went in. Decided not to shoot again. Perfect memory.

 

[yungdowork]

Hey all - Just wanted to give an update. We went and had a great time. That said, once my nephew saw the basketball court, he didn't have much patience or time to give to the exhibits, but that's ok! He had a blast shooting hoops through the various rims, backboards, and the super old school peach baskets. I was humbled on more than a few occasions with my attempts at shooting...yikes. I think I need to dial back on my criticism of the Huskies shooting during the season - hahaha

Thanks again for all the responses - I appreciate it

I have a vivid memory of my dad taking me and my best friend when I was about 10, and we spent maybe 15 minutes walking around and probably 3 hours playing basketball on the big court they had set up so this really tracks.

 

[Scott2Tate]

When I visited, I waked out on that court. Shot a three. By some miracle it went went in. Decided not to shoot again. Perfect memory.

Smart man! I, on the other hand, was b*tch slapped back to reality with my sad, sad attempts at shooting. LOL