The iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy, state-of-the-art audio/visual and interactive experiences, and rare professional football memorabilia are among more than 200 artifacts, photos and other items featured in “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” a major traveling exhibit produced and fabricated by GALLO for the Pro Football Hall of Fame of Canton, Ohio.
“We are delighted to announce the kick-off this week of this one-of-a-kind multi-media traveling exhibit that is sure to be a hit with history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike,” said Mike Devine, head, GALLO Traveling Exhibit group.
The exhibit, which can be configured to occupy from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet, premiered at Pittsburgh’s Senator John Heinz History Center on Oct. 6. The Hall of Fame partnered with GALLO to create the display as part of an effort to expand and broaden interest during its 50th Anniversary.
“Although more than eight million fans have visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame since opening 50 years ago, we are excited to be able to bring a slice of Canton to millions more across the country,” said Joe Horrigan, vice president-communications/exhibits, Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We are pleased with the high quality of the display and compliment GALLO on a job well done.”
Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, one of many legendary stars featured in the exhibit, will serve as Gridiron Glory’s national ambassador.
“When the Hall of Fame approached me about Gridiron Glory, I knew I had to be involved,” said Sanders, who was enshrined in 2004. “I have a great amount of respect for the history of the game and this exhibit will really open people’s eyes. I know it did mine.”
Devine said that the Gridiron Glory exhibit is now signed for a half-dozen NFL cities and could have a six-to-ten year run that will eventually expand to all of the NFL markets as well as Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Orlando.
Following its premiere in Pittsburg, the exhibit is currently scheduled to travel to New Orleans: National WWII Museum – Winter/Super Bowl 2013; St. Louis: Missouri History Museum – Summer 2013; New York/New Jersey: Liberty Science Center – Winter/Super Bowl 2014; Detroit: Henry Ford Museum – Fall 2014; and Minneapolis/St. Paul: Minnesota History Center Museum – Fall 2016. The exhibit will be customized to showcase local NFL teams and Hall of Famers are also expected to make personal appearances.
