Kickoff celebration
The NFL Hall of Fame football game that kicks off the preseason each year pits rivals against one another in a contest designed to generate buzz for the upcoming season. This year’s game features the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers Thursday, July 31 at 8 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The NFL football season is quickly approaching, and it’s time to celebrate the biggest kickoff event during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week in Canton July 31 to Aug. 3.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week is held annually in Canton at the Football Hall of Fame complex. Enshrinement Week will kick off the upcoming NFL season as it ushers in the newly inducted class of legends into the Football Hall of Fame.
This year’s induction ceremony will include four of the game’s greatest: Philadelphia defensive back Eric Allen, Minnesota defensive lineman Jared Allen, San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and Green Bay wide receiver Sterling Sharpe.
It also includes the Hall of Fame game, with this year’s preseason opener featuring a matchup between the Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers Thursday, July 31 at 8 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The enshrinement ceremony will take place Aug. 2 at noon.
While football is the centerpiece of this attraction, it is far from the only game in town. In between the football focus will be a host of festivities for family and fans alike.
According to Rich Desrosiers, chief communications officer for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this weekend is an amalgamation of activities, events and food for the entire family, even for families that want more than just football on the menu.
“We like to call it a combination of football, food and fun,” Desrosiers said. “We’re always looking for ways to make it fun for folks coming in who want a complete experience, and we work hard to create a really festive atmosphere for the whole family.”
It all centers around FanFest, an interactive celebration July 31 to Aug. 3.
FanFest takes place on campus surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where guests can see and mingle with NFL Hall of Famers, take in any one of the many live performing musical acts, participate in games and activities for the kids including inflatables, hear a disc jockey and more.
“We’ve created a real carnival-type atmosphere for the family, with the idea that if someone is coming to the event for the football experience, this only enhances the atmosphere, but there’s so much more than just the football atmosphere to soak up. There’s something to cater to families of all tastes. It’s kind of like a giant tailgate party.”
Thursday, July 31 will be Game Day from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 will be Community Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring the Walk of Fame with the Hall of Famers. Saturday, Aug. 2 will be Jerzee’s Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., where fans are encouraged to wear their team’s gear. Sunday, Aug. 3 from noon to 8 p.m. will feature the Battle of the Bands, featuring plenty of local rock bands.
That day culminates with a Concert for Legends performance by renowned group Nickelback.
Almost everything is free including entry to the event, parking and even water. The only expense for visitors will be the myriad food trucks.
“There is so much to do and to experience,” Desrosiers said. “It’s an exciting celebration of football and family, and it is nonstop action from start to finish. Football is a true passion for many people and provides a wonderful escape from everyday life that is exciting, and we want to showcase that throughout our weekend experience.”
Hall of Fame Weekend is part NFL fan pilgrimage, part community celebration and part tribute to the game’s legends.
There will be free parking at Stark County Fairgrounds with shuttle service Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and free parking at the Hall of Fame campus Friday.