Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame: Hoosier hoops heaven
Published: Nov 2, 2009
It would take an amazing museum to tell the full story of Indiana high-school basketball, from its peach-basket origins more than a century ago to the latest state champions — and all the Hoosier heroes in between.
Fortunately, Indiana has a history center that's up to the job: the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, just 35 miles east of Indianapolis.
The 14,000-square-foot brick and glass museum is packed with exhibits, historic items and interactive displays celebrating Indiana's success and obsession with hoops — especially on the high-school level. Fortunately, it seems to find space to add more attractions each year.
Visitors will find memorabilia from all the state's championship teams, along with photos and other items from 10-time NCAA championship coach John Wooden, a Hoosier native, and players with Indiana roots, such as such as Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, George McGinnis, and others.
In the Marsh Theater, guests can experience the emotion of the state tournament. A shoot-the-hoop exhibit lets you feel what it's like to have the game in your hands with a shot at the buzzer. Or you can test your knowledge of the game and its history at interactive displays.
The museum gift shop offers everything from Hall of Fame sportswear to souvenir basketballs, books, postcards and other keepsakes.
The facility, which is handicapped accessible, is available for receptions, business meetings, reunions and other events. Hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free.
Tickets are $5 for adults and teens, $3 for kids 5-12 and free to preschoolers. A $100 annual family membership provides unlimited admission, a subscription to the Hall of Fame magazine and invitations to all events and activities.
- by Ivonne Rovira, Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro
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