Jim Calhoun, UConn Basketball Exhibit Unveiled
at Basketball Hall of Fame

Display Documents How Hall of Fame Electee Jim Calhoun’s Passion for New England and Basketball Helped Engineer a National Dynasty

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- (July 20, 2005) – Hall of Fame Class of 2005 member and University of Connecticut Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun unveiled Tuesday the newest permanent exhibit at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The display chronicles the amazing rise of the UCONN Men’s Basketball program, its record 15 Big East titles, two NCAA Championships and NIT Championship. The exhibit also highlights Calhoun’s journey in New England basketball, from his playing days at Springfield’s American International College, to leading Northeastern University to new heights and eventually orchestrating one of the most impressive basketball program success stories ever during his tenure at UCONN.

“We are thrilled to feature the accomplishments of the University of Connecticut Men’s program and Coach Calhoun with a new permanent exhibit”, said John L. Doleva, Hall of Fame President & CEO. “We strive to represent the entire game of basketball and its very best, and the impressive achievements of the UCONN program and its players and staff over the years certainly deserve to be showcased alongside other great programs in the history of the game.”

The exhibit, which includes original uniforms, trophies and other unique memorabilia, will be permanently housed in the “Coaches & Teams” gallery of the Hall of Fame, an area featuring Hall of Fame coaches and extraordinary basketball programs on the professional, collegiate, and high school level. The UCONN Men’s Basketball exhibit is the first new exhibit added to the “Coaches & Teams” gallery since the current Hall of Fame complex opened in September, 2002.

Calhoun was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2005, and will be enshrined in ceremonies in Springfield on September 9 & 10. Individual tickets to the 2005 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on Friday September 9th and the Induction Celebration on Saturday, September 10th are now on sale. will go on sale , June 6th. A limited number of $350 tickets for Friday evening and $30 tickets for Saturday morning are still available by contacting the Hall of Fame at 1-877-4-HOOPLA, 413-231-5554 or 413-781-6500. Detailed information on Enshrinement Weekend can also be found at www.hoophall.com, the official website of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Friday, September 9th kicks off the Enshrinement Weekend with an exciting day of special events followed by a black-tie Ceremony and champagne reception. The ceremony, to be broadcast live, will feature the Class of 2005, current Hall of Famers. The evening is highlighted by remarks from all Class members – Jim Calhoun, coach of 2004 NCAA Champion University of Connecticut, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who led his team to the 2003 Championship, longtime coach and broadcaster Hubie Brown, Sue Gunter, who collected over 700 wins and Brazilian superstar Hortencia Marcari. A limited number of tickets for the Induction Ceremony are available and include the Pre-Enshrinement Reception, Enshrinement Ceremony, and Post-Enshrinement Party.

The Induction Celebration on Saturday at 10 am gives fans up-close access to the Class of 2005 and many Hall of Famers with a special ceremony on center court. Featuring remarks from the newly elected Class, a Class Ring ceremony, live musical entertainment and more, the Induction Celebration is the ultimate experience for basketball fans. VIP Seating to the Induction Celebration on September 10th, with access to coaching clinics, autograph sessions, panel discussions, special events, admission to the Hall of Fame museum and other activities, are just $30. Tickets are limited and guests are urged to order early for guaranteed admission.

For more information on the Enshrinement Weekend go to www.hoophall.com. Tickets to the events may be purchased by calling 1-877-4-HOOPLA or 413-231-5554 or may be purchased on-line at www.ticketweb.com.

All Enshrinement Weekend events will take place at the Basketball Hall of Fame and include FREE parking.

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA.