City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (205) 323-6665

Address: 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North

Description: Organizing a sports hall of fame may seem like no more than compiling an impressive list of names and collecting a few artifacts, but in a state as sports-crazy as Alabama, creating a sports hall of fame that matches the enthusiasm of its patrons is no easy task. The curators of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame have done just that, however, creating a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown Birmingham that records and interprets the athletic feats and accomplishments of Alabamians. In Alabama sports are not just a diversion from the every-day life—they’ve been a catalyst for political change. It was Alabama’s own Jesse Owens that shocked Hitler and the Nazi Party at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 when the sprinter won four gold medals. And although many have criticized Alabama coaching great Bear Bryant for not being more resolute on integration earlier, many minds were changed after African Americans began suiting up for the Crimson Tide on Saturdays—and winning, by the way. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame reflects not only the passion of Alabamians in support of their favorite teams and players, but also the social transformation that sometimes followed. Over 300 men and women are enshrined in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to Jesse Owens and Bear Bryant, the museum has honored legends such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bo Jackson, and Joe Namath. In fact, in the ESPN Sports Century list of the 100 greatest athletes of the 20th century, 5 of the top 15 are enshrined in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. One need not be an Auburn or Alabama fan to enjoy the museum. It has something for sports fans of all persuasions.