‘Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’ opens Sept. 24, 2016

The Minnesota History Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, announce the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibit ever created on America’s favorite sport, “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Sept. 24, 2016 to Jan. 15, 2017, at the Minnesota History Center.

Organized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the exhibit features more than 200 artifacts, photos and rare documents, footage from the NFL Film archives, and interactive experiences. A section of the exhibit will be devoted to the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, where visitors can work on their vertical leap, broad jump, kicking and passing games.

Artifacts include the Vince Lombardi Trophy, Knute Rockne’s 1919 Massillon Tigers helmet, Jim Brown’s game worn jersey, Jerry Rice’s career touchdown receptions record football, Emmitt Smith’s rushing record game artifacts, and iconic artifacts, photos and film footage from the storied history of the Minnesota Vikings.

Related programs and MNHS Press book
The exhibit opens with a family day program on Saturday, Sept. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. The Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, SKOL line and alumni players will be on hand to help celebrate. Plus, families can check out the Vikings fan selfie station, art activity and more.

Throughout the run of the exhibit additional programs will include a football-themed happy hour event, hands-on activities for kids during MEA break, football trivia weekends, visits by Vikings alumni players and more. Check theonline calendar of events for the latest program information.

Coming this November, MNHS Press, in association with the Minnesota Vikings, will publish a new illustrated book, “U.S. Bank Stadium: The New Home of the Minnesota Vikings” by journalist Steve Berg.

Exhibit and Program Support
“Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” is made possible in part by the Legacy Amendment through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. The Training Camp section of the exhibit is sponsored by the Minnesota Vikings. Additional support is provided by the George W. Wells Jr. and Mary Cobb Wells Exhibition Fund. Media support is provided by KARE-11 and the Star Tribune.

Location, Hours and Admission
The Minnesota History Center is located at 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. in St. Paul. Exhibit gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Admission to “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17, and $5 discount for MNHS members. The History Center’s free Tuesday admission from 3 to 8 p.m. does not include access to “Gridiron Glory.” Online tickets will be available beginning July 1 at www.mnhs.org/gridironglory.

Auxiliary aids and services are available with advance notice. For more information, call 651-259-3000 or 1-800-657-3773.

About the Minnesota History Center
The Minnesota History Center holds the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society. The History Center is home to an innovative museum, engaging public programs, a research library, distinctive gift shops and D’Amico restaurant.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Media contacts:

Jessica Kohen, Minnesota Historical Society 651-259-3148,jessica.kohen@mnhs.org
Lauren Peck, Minnesota Historical Society 651-259-3137,lauren.peck@mnhs.org