Originally built in 1968 at Springfield College, where basketball was “invented” by Dr. James Naismith, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was moved in 2002 to a new, larger location along the Connecticut River, helping to anchor riverfront redevelopment.
Shortly after the museum opened in 2002, however, multimedia and interactive technology took a major leap and the digital revolution transformed the way we live – especially in regards to entertainment and the way information is presented. Sadly, the museum was almost immediately outdated.
In 2017, Western Builders was brought in to work on a multi-phase renovation of the museum in order to modernize technology and provide a truly unique visitor experience. Phase I consisted of renovations and additions including the Tip-Off Pavilion Lobby, the impressive modern surround-sound NIKE Theater, a donor recognition wall with interactive kiosk, and the Players Locker Room which highlights legendary Hall of Famers in an interactive exhibit. During Phase II, the exhibit hall interiors were renovated. The final phase, which is slated for completion in 2020, is the refurbishment of the sphere. A major endeavor, this will consist of Western Builders removing every single fiberglass panel and resurfacing them with a lifetime-warranty surface that will support projecting 180-degree film or other texture outside of the ball.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which has remained opened during renovations, includes exhibition galleries, a gift shop, and administrative offices. The ground floor comprises 50,000 square feet of retail space and a 200-seat theater. A 160-car parking garage is located below grade.
