In 1920, the National Football League had its beginnings in the Hupmobile showroom on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Second Street, Southwest, in downtown Canton.  The showroom was owned by Ralph Hay, who also owned the Canton Bulldogs Football Club.  In 1962, ground was broken at the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, and the New York Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals competed at Fawcett Stadium in the inaugural Hall of Fame Game.  In 1963, the celebration continued to expand with the addition of the first Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival events. 

 

The annual celebration has grown to 15 events over a ten day period, enjoyed by nearly 700,000 people.  In an extensive 2005 survey, the economic impact of this Festival was estimated to be $26.7 million on Canton/ Stark County and over $48 million on the State of Ohio. 

 

Preparing to celebrate our 45^th anniversary in 2008, we are currently charting the course for the future and will have some exciting plans to share soon.  Stay tuned!