DETROIT (Aug. 3, 2010) --- The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) has signed McDonald's and Dr. Pepper as presenting sponsors, for their upcoming 54th Induction Event scheduled for Monday September 13, 2010 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI.

Returning as sponsor of the Tony Filippis Courage Award is Wright & Filippis. The MSHOF has also signed the Ford Motor Company Fund as the Heroes of the Hall Reception Sponsor, Compuware Corporation as a Hall of Fame Level Sponsor, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Penske Corporation and Stahl's as Champion Level Sponsors. Also returning as Media Partners are The Detroit News and WJR Radio 760.

"Securing these prestigious companies as sponsors ensures that our Induction Event will be a success," said Scott Lesher, chairman of the MSHOF board. "It also shows that people believe in the business model that the Hall has implemented and we believe is a small indication that the economy in the State of Michigan is recovering."

Per the MSHOF's policies, financial details of the sponsor contracts were undisclosed.

"REMEMBERING OUR PAST to INSPIRE OUR FUTURE"

"We have been, and still are, speaking with a great number of companies who have shown interest in getting involved with the MSHOF's programs," said executive director Jim Stark. "We hope that showing that these companies are on board for the Induction Event will give others the confidence to get involved."

The September 13 MSHOF Induction Ceremony marks the first time the event has been held in Oakland County and will start at 5:00 pm with a private VIP reception. Festivities will include the strolling dinner "Heroes of the Hall Reception" beginning at 6:00 followed by the induction ceremony at 7:30. More than 100 current Hall of Famers have been invited to honor this induction class. Current inductee bios can be found at http://www.michigansportshof.org/inductees/current.html.

Members of the 54th Induction include Bob Becker, George Blaha, Steve Fraser, Bill Flemming, Marian Ilitch, Rick Leach, Meg Mallon, Herman Moore, Eddie Murray, Jack Roush and Jon Urbanchek. In addition, Peter Karmanos, originally a member of the 53rd Class of Inductees, will be inducted with the new class.

Tickets and further information for the MSHOF's 54th Induction Event are available by calling 248-473-0656, or by visiting the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame's web site (www.michigansportshof.org). Tickets are available at $225, $125 and $75 for youth tickets for those 15 and under. Ticket packages and group rates are also available.

The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a 501(c) 3 organization. It is comprised of 270 former champions, medalists, and great contributors to the world of sports. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, honoring and displaying the amateur and professional history of sports in the State of Michigan through compelling events, exhibits, interactive e-displays and community outreach programs. Through these activities, the hall honors the athletes, coaches and administrators enshrined as Hall of Fame members who have brought fame, success and glory to the state.

For more information regarding the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, please visit http://www.michigansportshof.org/.