Basketball Hall of Fame offers free kids admission Dec. 21

Date: 12/12/2014

SPRINGFIELD – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced recently, in celebration of the 123rd anniversary of the invention of basketball, that the hall will open its doors to all youth ages 18 and under with free admission on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All local youth organization members are encouraged to attend.

“It is with great pleasure to announce this awesome opportunity for children to attend the Hall of Fame at no cost,” John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, said. “We would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. James Vinick, treasurer of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, member of the Board of Governors, senior vice president of Moors & Cabot, Inc. and the Vinick Report for his continued support and their generous contribution.”

Vinick grew up in Springfield near the original Hall of Fame on the campus of Springfield College. He created the endowment fund for the Hall of Fame in the early 1980s, which served as the seed money for the Hall of Fame facility as we know it today.

The Hall of Fame is a fantastic destination for everyone from lifelong basketball fans to families with children who are just beginning to explore the world’s most popular sport. The museum houses more than 300 inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. There are several exhibits and interactive games throughout the Hall of Fame that are fun for children of all ages.

For more information, visit www.hoophall.com.