A few weeks ago the local press here in South Bend, IN, announced that the College Football Hall of Fame was going to leave South Bend and relocate in Atlanta, GA. What, you may ask, does this have to do with weddings?! The Hall of Fame has an event space they call The Press Box, which can be used for virtually any type of gathering. I have used it for hosting tailgate themed rehearsal dinners, as well as wedding receptions. It was a unique venue, unlike any in the South Bend area, and I will miss it. Along with the rental of the Press Box, your guests are also allowed free run of the entire museum. They could check out the exhibits, record themselves ‘broadcasting’ a football game and engage in one of the many interactive displays. It was fun to wander through the museum after hours,with drink in hand. It allowed guests the opportunity to get away from the music and dancing for awhile just enjoy.

I have asked many different people who are associated with the Hall of Fame in one way or another when this move will officially take place. The answers were never simple and never very direct. I don’t think anyone knows exactly what will happen just yet. Some say the Hall will close at the end of the Notre Dame football season, others say not until the Hall in Atlanta is ready to open. As a planner, I am reluctant to now recommend the space beyond the end of the present football season, which is such a shame. When I have definitive information about the future of the Hall here in South Bend, I will post it here on my blog. I wish I had more information to give you, but as I’ve said before, what information there is, is precious little, and is mostly conflicting.

The Hall of Fame has been a source of dispute for those of us who live here in South Bend for many years. Some argue it was a huge money pit and cost the taxpayers dearly, others touted its presence as a boon to attracting visitors, and their money to the area. I’m just sorry that such a unique and fun meeting space will be lost to us.