What came just in time for the Pro Bowl and NFL’s Biggest Game isn't leaving the state as quickly as Patriot and Seahawk fans did. Through May 3rd, Arizona Science Center is exhibiting some of the most iconic football artifacts of all time in Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Gridiron Glory is the most extensive and comprehensive exhibit ever done on America’s most popular sport. The 5,000 square foot exhibition features some of the rarest historical artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s collection and captures the essence of the Hall of Fame experience. If you didn't get to go to NFL Experience during the Super Bowl hustle and bustle, but really wanted to see the Lombardi Trophy, you can get up and personal the trophy awarded to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A little insider: these pieces were not even available at the NFL Experience.
Gridiron Glory tackles everything from football’s cultural impact to the science behind the game. Guests will be able to see NFL Films video footage and learn about the sport’s pioneers. This interactive multimedia experience also includes immersive fan experiences and a specially-designed “Hometown Tribute” section to spotlight the Arizona Cardinals.
The Arizona Cardinals hold the distinction of being the United States’ oldest professional football franchise. On display will be the Chicago Cardinals Bill of Sale, the hand-written document dated June 14, 1929. This is the purchase agreement for the Chicago Cardinals between Dr. David Jones and longtime owner Chris O’Brien. The sale came just months before the New York Stock Mark crash and the start of the Great Depression. In 1933, Jones sold the franchise to Charles Bidwill. The team, now known as the Arizona Cardinals is still owned by the Bidwill family. The “Hometown Heroes” zone will also include Larry Fitzgerald shoes and gloves from his 400 career pass game, Dan Dierdorf’s jersey and the Army Ranger Uniform worn by Pat Tillman.
“We are excited to have Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame open right before the big game in Phoenix,“ says Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of Arizona Science Center, “This is a great opportunity to explore the science of sports, and the exhibit allows people of all ages to "get in the game"! We encourage out-oftown visitors to visit the Science Center during Super Bowl week, and to make this unique exhibition a part of their NFL Super Bowl experience...no matter which team they follow. “
Throughout the artifact-filled Gridiron Glory exhibition will be storylines focusing on such diverse subjects as the societal impact of the sport, to the science behind the game. Inspirational stories of the game’s pioneers, great players, coaches, and circumstances of play will unfold. Artifacts include Pro Football’s “birth certificate” – 1892 documentation of first pro player, Emmitt Smith’s rushing record game artifacts, Knute Rockne’s 1919 Massillon Tigers helmet and Vince Lombardi Trophy.
For more information the exhibit or to visit the Arizona Science Center, click here.
