Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (Alabama)
| Name | Alabama Sports Hall of Fame |
|---|---|
| Type | Sports Museum |
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama (Uptown District) |
| Address | 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone | (205) 323-6665 |
| info@ashof.org | |
| Established | August 14, 1967 (Legislative Act 225) |
| Museum Building Opened | 1992 |
| Facility Size | Three-Story 33,000 Square Feet |
| Collection | Over 6,000 Pieces Of Sports Memorabilia |
| Connected To | Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (On-Site Connection) |
| Opening Hours | Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Saturday & Sunday) |
| Admission |
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| Website | https://ashof.org/ |
| View On OpenStreetMap | OpenStreetMap |
| Directions | Open In Google Maps |
Step inside the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and you meet a story that feels both personal and statewide. This Birmingham sports museum safeguards records, names, and moments that shaped Alabama athletics, all under one roof.
Purpose And Legacy Of The Hall
The mission is clear: honor, preserve, and perpetuate the people whose achievements brought lasting fame to Alabama. That focus keeps the museum evergreen—it’s not about a single season, it’s about a heritage of sport that keeps growing.
How It Began
- Established: August 14, 1967 through Legislative Act 225.
- Early Champions: Zipp Newman and Holt Rast helped bring the idea to life.
- First Induction Ceremony: February 7, 1969 with an inaugural class of eight.
Museum Building And Collection
Setting And Scale
The three-story museum opened in 1992 and spans 33,000 square feet. Its location in the Uptown District and connection to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex give it a polished, downtown presence.
Memorabilia With Provenance
Inside, you’ll find over 6,000 items of sports memorablia—each tied to real careers and real milestones. A defining touch: memorabilia from each inductee is displayed throughout the building, with pieces reaching back to the first class in 1969.
What You Experience Inside
The galleries are built around recognition and records, not noise. You’ll see names and achievements placed alongside objects that make them tangible—trophies, uniforms, equipment, and era-defining keepsakes. It’s museum-level storytelling with a sports heartbeat.
Highlights That Visitors Notice Fast
- Inductee-Linked Displays: Each honoree is connected to physical artifacts, not just text.
- Multi-Sport Coverage: The focus stays on Alabama sports heritage across many disciplines, with depth and variety.
- Architecture That Helps: The three levels create a natural flow for chronology and themed areas.
Induction, Nomination, And Recognition
The Hall’s honor system is designed to stay open and community-aware. Any citizen of Alabama may nominate an individual for consideration, and nominees are expected to have been born in Alabama or hold a significant sports association with the state. The result is a roster that feels earned and carefully curated.
The Inaugural Class Of 1969
- Joe Louis Barrow
- Johnny Mack Brown
- Paul “Bear” Bryant
- Mike Donahue
- Jimmy Hitchcock
- Don Hutson
- Ralph “Shug” Jordan
- Frank Thomas
Education And Community Programs
Beyond exhibits, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame supports structured learning. School tour programs are geared toward third through eighth grade students and include a guided experience plus a scavenger hunt across the three-story building—an engaging way to connect history with character.
Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program
The museum also houses the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program, created with the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Its focus is simple and uplifting: recognize students who reach a high level in academics and athletics, showing that achievement in both can stand side by side.
Tickets, Hours, And Practical Details
For day-to-day visiting, the essentials are straightforward. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with weekend closure. Admission is priced for broad access, including free entry for children six and under and a family rate that helps groups enjoy the collection together.
Admission Pricing
- Adults: $5
- Senior Citizens (60+): $4
- Students (K–College): $3
- Children (6 And Under): Free
- Family Rate: $14
- Groups Of 10+: $1 Off Each Admission
Contact And Location
- Address: 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 323-6665
- Email: info@ashof.org
- Official Site: ashof.org
Private Events In A Museum Setting
The venue is also available for gatherings in a setting that feels distinctive and professional. The facility is connected to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and the Sheraton Hotel, and it can host up to 300 guests for a standing reception or 64 for a seated dinner, with access to the W. Edgar Welden Board Room and Bryant-Jordan Theater.