The Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame will formally announce the location of its new home at the annual inductee dinner on June 12, and that new home is to be at the Kingsway Entertainment District.
The Hall of Fame hasn't provided much in the way of details, other than to say it plans to develop its new location on the site of the embattled Kingsway project. If the KED goes ahead as planned it will include a new community arena, casino, conference center and ancillary entertainment and tourism attractions.
Up until recently, the home of the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame was part of the Countryside Arena. Unfortunately, this location did not garner the support required by senior levels of government to bring this project to fruition.
“By moving to KED, the Sports Hall of Fame will make changes to some of its exhibits in order to give it a more northern Ontario focus," said Chris Sheridan, Founder of the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame.
"This will give the exhibits appeal to a broader marketplace and provide a stronger case for economic development initiatives from senior levels of government."
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger says the city is a proud partner and supporter of The Sports Hall of Fame.
“The KED is an ideal location for this important attraction that will honour and celebrate the many contributions of sport to the betterment of Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario as a whole," said Bigger.
The Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame was designed to be both informative and participatory with nine unique exhibits, including a full-scale object theatre. A revised visitor experience will be undertaken to incorporate a larger Northern Ontario market and an increase of the exhibit space available at the new location.
“These are exciting times for the Sports Hall of Fame," said Joe Drago, Hall of Fame board Vice-Chair.
"Moving to the Kingsway Entertainment District and being part of a larger attraction will get more customers through our doors, making the attraction more viable and easier to attract both public and private sector funding."
The Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization with a charitable status run by community volunteers and leaders.
