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National Soccer Hall of Fame [L=www.soccerhall.org]National Soccer Hall of Fame[EL] Brief History of the Hall The Hall came to life in 1950 when a group of former professional and amateur players from the Philadelphia "Old-timers" Association took it upon themselves to recognize the achievements of soccer in America. In the 47 years since the "Old-timers" first got together, 220 members have been elected to the Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to American soccer, both on and off the field. The Hall of Fame manages the nation's soccer archive, which with over 80,000 items, comprises one of the largest collections of soccer artifacts and records in the world. Some of the larger and rare pieces under the Hall of Fame's care include: the North American Soccer League Archive; the World Cup USA 1994 archive; a rare soccer photography collection from New York depression-era photographer John Albok; materials from the U.S. national teams in World Cup competition; artifacts from the American Soccer League of the 1920's - 50's; and, the world's oldest soccer ball (made in the U.S.A.). The current building project began in 1995 with the awarding of a $4.5-million dollar grant from the State of New York to begin design and development of the National Soccer Hall of Fame complex in Oneonta. In 1998, the U.S. Soccer Foundation pledged $1-million towards the new facility and a major fund raising campaign was undertaken by the Hall's board of directors. That campaign generated the $7.2-million that is going towards construction of the first phase of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. A 20,000-square-foot museum complex opened June 12, 1999. The campaign to fund construction of a grandstand stadium, locker room facilities and an indoor soccer arena will continue over the next two years. Plans for the National Soccer Hall of Fame campus also include the addition of four more world-class soccer fields which will bring the total of fields available for play to eleven (nine outdoor and two indoor), making the Hall of Fame campus the nation's first sports museum facility totally dedicated to the sport of soccer. In the spring of 1999 we saw the dream of preserving soccer history become a reality with the completion of the new multi-million dollar National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum Complex. Now, we will embark on a new era for the Hall of Fame, building the new outdoor 6,000 seat stadium, more outdoor fields and an indoor arena. This expansion will provide the opportunity for youth tournaments, high school and collegiate matches, a venue for US National Team matches, International and National Competitions, plus a home for the Hall of Fame Induction Match. About the Hall Designed as a sports museum and interactive "Kicks Zone" visitors will see and hear the little known, fascinating story of soccer and get in on the action with hands-on, feet-on activities that have visitors actually kicking and heading balls as well as being challenged with custom designed computer games. The "Kicks Zone" lets players test their skills and their strategy with speed dribbles, a header cage, animated "Kick It" games, power shots, The Wall, three-on-three challenges and more. Computer kiosks throughout the Hall of Fame let visitors test their knowledge of soccer trivia and of the great moments in the history of the sport.
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From “Memorial Day” to “Labor Day”: Daily 9-7 Directions
From Binghamton (West) From Syracuse (Northwest) From NYC (Southeast) From Utica (North) Oneonta, New York About the area Parking at the Hall of Fame: Plenty of free parking next to the building! Hotels Oasis Motor Inn Holiday Inn Restaurants Autumn Cafi Corfu Diner Ponderosa Steakhouse Iannelli's Restaurant Bars Old Spanish Tavern Aquarium 222 |