DETROIT (August 22, 2007) – The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) will host an exciting interactive sports experience at the 2007 Michigan State Fair August 22 to September 3.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame FanFest Presented by the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse is a fun-filled event for fans of all ages the scope and scale of best-in-class professional sports fan events. Families and sports lovers visiting the Michigan State Fair can try their luck at: a fast-pitch baseball batting cage; timed three-point shot basketball challenge; a multi-station football obstacle course just like the pros use; interactive, a full-action video golf simulator; and hockey and lacrosse skill zones. For youth, the highlight is a pro-style Wiffle® ball batting cage complete with pitching machine and big-league home run fence. Also featured will be the All-Star Sports Stage that will offer a variety of sports-themed activities throughout the duration of the event.
The FanFest will also feature an all-star roster of legend autograph sessions and one-of-kind historical sports exhibits. Former Detroit Piston and 1974 NBA Coach of the Year Ray Scott will take part in today's grand opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony in his first public activity as a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2007.
"The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is excited to be part of the Michigan State Fair," said Tony Michaels, CEO Big Boy Restaurants, and MSHOF chairman. "The Hall's presence at this tremendous historical event will be another important outreach element in the evolution of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame as a statewide organization that provides sports excitement, fun and education throughout Michigan."
Also included in the FanFest will be an opportunity to learn about the exciting educational opportunities offered by Northwood University's Entertainment, Sport & Promotion Management and the Wayne State University's Sports Administration programs that can lead to careers in the multi-billion dollar global sports-event industry.
"We are extremely pleased that Northwood University and Wayne State University will be a part of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame FanFest Presented by the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse," said Jim Stark, MSHOF president. "The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is entering into a new era that includes increased involvement in sports education as an element of the overall mission of the Hall. We view sports education and the related opportunities as an important component of the new economy that provides jobs and careers in a an exciting growth industry locally, nationally and internationally."
Appearances and autograph sessions at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame FanFest Presented by the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse with Michigan Sports Hall of Fame members will be posted on the Michigan State Fair website www.michigan.gov/mistatefair and in the Fair's Media Center. For information on the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame visit www.michigansportshof.org.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame is a 501©3 non-profit organization.
