North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Raleigh
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, located in downtown Raleigh above the North Carolina Museum of History, serves as a tribute to the state's rich athletic heritage. Established in 1962 by the Sports Award Committee of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Hall aims to use the power of sport to inspire and connect communities across the state through the achievements and stories of its most talented athletes and contributors.
The Hall of Fame’s journey began with the visionary efforts of Charlotte Chamber of Commerce President J.M. “Mack” Wasson, businessman Jack Wood, and attorney Lloyd Caudle, who hosted the first planning meeting in March 1962. The inaugural class, inducted in April 1963 at the Queen Charlotte Hotel, included Jim Beatty, Wes Ferrell, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, Ace Parker, and Estelle Lawson Page. Initially, memorabilia and mementos were displayed in the Charlotte Coliseum, but the collection eventually found a permanent home in Raleigh.
The current Hall of Fame exhibit, spanning over 3,000 square feet, features personal items donated by approximately 360 inductees and reflects the diverse history of sports in North Carolina. From iconic athletes like Michael Jordan to teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as North Carolinians' achievements in the Olympics, the exhibit offers a comprehensive look into the state's sports legacy.
In 2011, the Hall hosted a landmark event, honoring legendary college basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University), Dean Smith (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill), and Kay Yow (NC State) with the Naismith Awards. This moment, along with other recognitions such as the Great Moments in North Carolina Sports and the Don Fish Legacy Award, further cements the Hall’s role in celebrating the impact of sports on the community.
Today, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame remains one of the Museum’s most popular attractions, continually updated to reflect the evolving history and achievements of North Carolina athletes, coaches, and sports figures.
The Hall of Fame’s journey began with the visionary efforts of Charlotte Chamber of Commerce President J.M. “Mack” Wasson, businessman Jack Wood, and attorney Lloyd Caudle, who hosted the first planning meeting in March 1962. The inaugural class, inducted in April 1963 at the Queen Charlotte Hotel, included Jim Beatty, Wes Ferrell, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, Ace Parker, and Estelle Lawson Page. Initially, memorabilia and mementos were displayed in the Charlotte Coliseum, but the collection eventually found a permanent home in Raleigh.
The current Hall of Fame exhibit, spanning over 3,000 square feet, features personal items donated by approximately 360 inductees and reflects the diverse history of sports in North Carolina. From iconic athletes like Michael Jordan to teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes, as well as North Carolinians' achievements in the Olympics, the exhibit offers a comprehensive look into the state's sports legacy.
In 2011, the Hall hosted a landmark event, honoring legendary college basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University), Dean Smith (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill), and Kay Yow (NC State) with the Naismith Awards. This moment, along with other recognitions such as the Great Moments in North Carolina Sports and the Don Fish Legacy Award, further cements the Hall’s role in celebrating the impact of sports on the community.
Today, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame remains one of the Museum’s most popular attractions, continually updated to reflect the evolving history and achievements of North Carolina athletes, coaches, and sports figures.
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North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on Map
Sight Name: North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Raleigh, USA (See walking tours in Raleigh)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Raleigh, North Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Raleigh
Creating your own self-guided walk in Raleigh is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historic Buildings Walking Tour
As you traverse the streets of North Carolina's capital Raleigh, you cannot help noticing a wealth of historic buildings, each illustrating a chapter in the city's annals.
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among these revered structures, the Joel Lane House emerges as a cherished relic of the distant past; its venerable walls echo with the whispers of bygone eras. The Dodd-Hinsdale House, a stately emblem of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Raleigh Introduction Walking Tour
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is often called the "City of Oaks" because there are many oak trees there. The city's origins go back to the late 1700s and are connected to the famous English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh from the 16th century. He tried to establish the first English colony in the Americas, known as the Roanoke Colony, which is now in North Carolina.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles