March 18, 2009
INDIANPOLIS - Earlier this month the NCAA reopened its Hall of Champions, offering a "fresh look, new exhibits and interactive displays, and additional meeting space to make it more attractive to meeting planners and civic and community groups." While those in the Indianapolis area can see this on a regular basis, those on the Eastern Shore of Maryland may want to make a special trip out to see one of their own. Head Coach Sharon Brummell and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women's Bowling team are featured in the new exhibit in the 'Arena' section of the Hall.
In that section, each sport has a section titled "In My Words" where feature stories and quotes from student-athletes and coaches are on display. Brummell is quoted in the section saying the following:
"Somebody told me I was the first woman head coach to win a bowling championship. It's a wonderful thing, it really is." That quote is followed by a narrative reading, "At the 2008 NCAA Bowling Championship, Coach Sharon Brummell of Maryland Eastern Shore became the first woman and the first African-American to lead a team to the title since the NCAA established the bowling championship in 2004. True to her word, at the end of the 2006 tournament where the Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks finished seventh in the nation, Coach Brummell had promised: `We'll be back again. The Hawks are a team you can't look past.'"
The display then reads, "Coach Brummell's support and encouragement were strong motivators for her team. Said Jessica Worsley, team leader and the most outstanding bowler of the 2008 tournament: `I couldn't have asked for a better coaching staff.'"
The following is taken from the official press release from the NCAA:
The new NCAA Hall of Champions will reopen with 23 state-of-the-art sport-specific exhibits and several interactive displays on the first and second floors. There is a new video presentation, new athletic and academic content, additional meeting and hospitality space and a new retail space in the 30,000 square foot facility, located in the heart of the White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis.
"The Hall of Champions' March 12 reopening is an exciting event for the NCAA," said Dennis Cryder, NCAA senior vice president for branding and communications. "We are pleased to feature new exhibit content and state-of-the-art facilities that will further enhance the Hall's presence in the White River State Park and downtown Indianapolis. The most important aspect of the reopening is having an opportunity to offer new and refreshed content focused on student-athletes who offer a very inspiring message."
The main areas now include:
- Great Hall (4,200 square feet) - entry way to welcome visitors;
- Kickoff Theater (1,000 square feet) - see, feel and hear the impact of the NCAA and celebrate the energy of the student-athlete through a video presentation;
- The Arena (4,200 square feet) - features the 23 championship sports with displays, banners, artifacts and memorabilia;
- Hall of Honor (470 square feet) - celebrates current and former NCAA student-athletes for their academic and athletic achievements, and their leadership and contributions to society
- Play (4,000 square feet) - main area on the second floor featuring dedicated meeting and reception space and interactive exhibits;
- Member Showcase (2,200 square feet) - pays tribute to NCAA member institutions through the perspective of NCAA student-athletes. Member schools and student-athletes will be honored throughout 2009 in this area;
- Media Room (500 square feet) - the bridge to technology that creates a fan-friendly experience for guests where they can view NCAA footage and features such as "One Shining Moment;"
- Champion Hall (3,200 square feet; capacity 100 people) - dedicated hospitality and meeting space for civic groups and individuals hosting receptions, events and activities;
- The Gallery (2,200 square feet; capacity 80 people) - dedicated hospitality space and temporary traveling exhibit area.
(Note: These are the main areas of the Hall of Champions. Additional square footage includes the foyer area, the vestibules and a section of the Great Hall above the main level.)
The new NCAA Hall of Champions will focus on reaching five key audiences: civic and business leaders/event planners; visiting groups and conventions; Indianapolis and Indiana youth; NCAA member schools and conferences; and NCAA National Office staff. The Hall of Champions will serve as a bridge to the Indianapolis community where groups can come for activities in addition to connecting with the NCAA, its mission and the NCAA student-athlete.
The NCAA already had been planning to renovate the Hall of Champions prior to fire and water damage suffered on Nov. 14, 2007. The occurrence provided an opportunity to update the multi-purpose facility, refocus its content and add more interactive displays. The Hall of Champions originally opened in March 2000, after the NCAA relocated to Indianapolis in 1999.
The NCAA Hall of Champions reopened to the public on March 12 at 10 a.m. Public operating hours will be 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. , Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Hall will be closed on Mondays. Tickets will be $5 for general admission; $3 for youth (ages 6-18), and $3 for students and senior citizens (age 65 and older). Children under six years of age will be free of charge.
