Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum, Birmingham

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) is a state museum in downtown Birmingham, devoted to preserving and celebrating the state's rich athletic legacy. Founded on August 14, 1967, the museum serves as a central hub for honoring athletes who were born in Alabama or brought distinction to the state through their achievements in sports.

Spread across 33,000 square feet and three floors, the ASHOF is located next to the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex and near the Southeastern Conference headquarters. Its impressive collection includes over 5,000 artifacts-ranging from iconic memorabilia and historic uniforms to life-size dioramas and athletic equipment.

Among the standout items are the Heisman Trophies won by Auburn legends Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson, as well as the signature houndstooth hat of Alabama coaching icon Paul "Bear" Bryant. The museum also features the 75-seat Bryant-Jordan Theater for multimedia presentations and events.

With over 300 inductees, the Hall of Fame includes some of the biggest names in American sports history, such as Jesse Owens, Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, Willie Mays, Carl Lewis, Shug Jordan, Don Hutson, and Chase Riddle. Remarkably, five of its inductees were ranked among ESPN’s top 15 athletes of the 20th century.

Each year, the ASHOF holds an induction banquet to honor six to eight new members, including at least two pre-modern-era athletes. The event also features a “Distinguished Sportsman” award, occasionally given to notable non-athletes like President George H. W. Bush and Bob Hope. These honors help showcase Alabama’s enduring influence in sports.