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NCAA Hall of Champions Captures Action, Tradition of College Sports
By Todd Greenwood

College sports are more than a pastime; they're a way of life.

After all, who hasn't caught March Madness after watching an unbelievable come-from-behind upset in the NCAA basketball tournament? Or spent part of New Year's Day cheering for the underdog in the big bowl game? The action and enthusiasm, the heartbreak and triumph, the athletes playing for the simple love of the game - it doesn't matter what the sport is, college athletics will make you a fan.

In Indianapolis, Indiana, the best of college sports has been captured under one roof, at the NCAA Hall of Champions.

Fun for the Whole Family

The NCAA moved its headquarters to Indianapolis in March of 2000, unveiling the Hall of Champions at the same time. Though recently celebrating just its one-year anniversary in the Hoosier State, the Hall has quickly become a very popular attraction.

Set in an inspiring $10 million structure designed by nationally prominent architect Michael Graves, the Hall of Champions is located in White River State Park on the western edge of downtown Indianapolis.

The Hall uses a variety of interactive displays, theater presentations and other exhibits to show how athletes and coaches excel at their respective sports.

In the Great Hall, visitors catch their first glimpse of what the Hall has to offer. This public area features banners recognizing the current winners of the 88 NCAA national championships. The "Look Up to Champions" video display provides a unique view of 14 NCAA sports from under a hanging scoreboard.

Three theaters in the Hall of Champions offer spectacular visuals and keen insights into the student-athlete experience. The Champions Theater asks a simple question - "What is a champion?" The answer is given through an inside look into the lives of student-athletes. The March Madness Theater puts viewers in the middle of the action in the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments. The Locker Room Theater features several championship coaches describing their role in developing student-athletes, as well as discussing their championship teams and allows us to hear from former student-athletes talking about their real-life experiences.

A 1930s-era gymnasium on the second floor of the Hall gives visitors the chance to try a variety of sports equipment; it's also a great place to perfect your jump shot.

The Hall's 25,000 square feet of exhibit space includes other interactive kiosks and games, hands-on displays, and information about the NCAA and its member schools. And there is something for everyone at the Hall of Champions - all 23 sports in Divisions I, II and III are represented.

It's clear that the NCAA Hall of Champions is more than another "old cleats and uniforms" sports museum - it provides active fun for the whole family.

The "E" Word

Telling kids that a vacation destination is "educational" may be the best way to ensure protests, rolled eyes and a weekend rendered incommunicado by a blaring Walkman.

So don't tell your children, but the Hall of Champions will teach them something, too.

The Hall captures the action of college sports, but also emphasizes the positive values of the student-athlete. For example, the Champions Theater details a day in the life of a student-athlete, showing the hard work and sacrifice off the field that comes with juggling sports and schoolwork.

Working hard, putting education first, and competing hard but fairly are values emphasized throughout the Hall's exhibits. In an age of professional sports egos and soccer-field brawls, the Hall provides a much-needed lesson on the importance of sportsmanship.

Destination Indianapolis

For a budget-conscious family with active children, Indianapolis is a great place for a short summer getaway, combining a trip to the NCAA Hall of Champions with a few of the other attractions that Indiana's capitol city has to offer.

Within walking distance of the Hall, a family can take in an Indianapolis Indians baseball game at Victory Field - the best new minor league ballpark in the country. The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best in the nation with a wide array of exotic wildlife, including new baby elephants Ajani and Amali. Also located in White River State Park with the Hall of the Champions and the Zoo is the wraparound IMAX Theater and the Eiteljorg Museum. The Eiteljorg features one of the nation's premier collections of Native American art and artifacts.

Catch March Madness any time of the year - visit Indianapolis and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Call 1-800-735-NCAA for more details.

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