The Florida Sports Hall of Fame (FSHOF) Preview Center reopened in its new home at Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center (VIC) on February 12, with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by more than 90 people, including FSHOF President Barry Smith and numerous Polk County dignitaries.
The preview center had been located at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale since June of 2010, but the decision was made to relocate it to the VIC in Davenport, to expand access to the thousands of travelers from across the United States, and around the World, who utilize the VIC every year. The preview center will provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich history of sports in Florida. In its new home at the VIC, the FSHOF Preview Center will showcase many of the notable sports figures who have excelled as either an athlete, coach, broadcaster or sports executive, in order to gain entry into the FSHOF.
“The opening of this highly-visible preview center continues to highlight the great collaboration between Polk County and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, said Barry Smith President of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. “This beautiful new space in the center of our state will be a testament to the rich history and amazing personalities that have made the state of Florida a sports paradise. It will serve both the residents of our state and its many visitors as we continue to promote fitness, sportsmanship and our fight against childhood obesity.”
The FSHOF was founded 55 years ago and 234 Hall of Fame members have been inducted since its founding in 1961. Such sports legends as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Chris Evert, Frank Shorter, Rowdy Gaines, George Steinbrenner, Curt Gowdy, Otis Birdsong, Rick Barry and Michael Irvin are among those who have been inducted into the FSHOF. Visit flasportshof.org for additional information on the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.
