Hall of Fame’s $700mn expansion plans dubbed as football equivalent of Disney World

Pro Football Hall of Fame is now looking to become quite the spectacle as a $700 million renovation would create what is being referred to as the football equivalent of Disney World, according to David Baker, the president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio.

“If Disney [properties] are the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, we want to be the ‘Most Inspiring Place on Earth’,” Baker was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

“Football is a great metaphor for leadership, and we can play a role. The game has an incredible history, and kids can get to learn to play the game the right way. We can help build men and women the right way. We can help take care of players – former players like our ‘Gold Jackets’ [a term used to refer to living Hall of Famers], present and future players. We can enhance the experience for fans.

“The question is, ‘How can we help build through football?’ I think we have the opportunity to, if you will, help American huddle up,” said Baker.

The renovation will include a state-of-the-art stadium; eight fields in a youth sports complex (plus three more on campus); an indoor arena; a center for athletic performance and safety; a player care center; and a hotel. All of it – and more – surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame, of which Baker is president & CEO.

Baker, who is president and CEO of Pro Football Hall of Fame, also envisions staging an NFL draft onsite. College championships in football and other sports. Concerts, theatrical performances and conventions. And a celebration of the NFL’s centennial in 2020.

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