Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gridiron History

The early success of the Canton Bulldogs, who won the first NFL title in 1922, inspired a successful petition to locate the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

In 1920, the American Professional Football Association, today known as the National Football League, was founded in Akron. The early success of the now defunct Canton Bulldogs, which won the first NFL title in 1922, resulted in a successful petition to locate the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. The building officially opened in 1963, with several expansions being added in 1971, 1978, and 1995. The Pro Football Hall of Fame offers a variety of exhibits on professional football, as well as busts of more than 300 inductees. A new class of players is inducted each year, and an annual exhibition game is played between two NFL teams each year as part of enshrinement week. Today, the museum consists of five buildings covering 83,000 square feet.

Notes for Travelers

Before visiting, make sure to check the Pro Football Hall of Fame website to make sure no special events will interfere with your visit.