The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today that the 2020 Enshrinement Ceremony festivities have officially been rescheduled to May 13-15, 2021 and will be relocated, this one time, to Mohegan Sun due to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 virus. The organization had been hopeful to find a viable date in October 2020, if the pandemic showed signs of subsiding. President and CEO John Doleva indicates Mohegan can effectively operate a “near-bubble” for the event.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “While I am not happy and very disappointed in this decision, which I previously indicated to officials of the Basketball Hall of Fame; I take John Doleva at his word, that this is a one-time occurrence due to the circumstances he has stated. I, our business community, residents, and visitors, look forward to next year’s enshrinement ceremony back here in Springfield, where it rightfully belongs. The City and I will continue our working relationship with the Basketball Hall of Fame.”