NATCHITOCHES — The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation is kicking off the second year of its “Join the Team” membership drive supporting ongoing enhancements to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, founded in 1958, honors and celebrates the remarkable achievements of Louisiana’s greatest athletes, coaches, and sports figures. The Hall of Fame museum, located at 800 Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, opened in 2013 and immediately became a premier destination for visitors to the historic city, showcasing the rich sports legacy and culture of Louisiana.
Following the LSHOF Foundation Team’s successful inaugural year, which saw both fundraising and membership goals exceeded, Foundation CEO Ronnie Rantz is enthusiastic about continuing the momentum and increasing support.
“Thanks to the more than 100 founding members who helped us raise nearly $50,000 in our first year, we are able to make improvements to the museum, including aesthetic and technological upgrades,” said Rantz. “This museum is a point of pride for all Louisianans, celebrating the unmatched legacy of our state’s sports heroes. Our Team’s mission is to ensure it remains one of the finest sports museums in the country.”
One of the first major updates to the museum was the installation of an eye-catching eight-foot “LSHOF” block letter structure outside the entrance. Inset into the letters are a list of many prominent Hall of Fame members, citing their Louisiana roots. The striking structure was unveiled in June ahead of the 2024 induction weekend. The sign immediately became a popular photo opportunity for visitors and a compelling visual point of reference for drivers on busy Front Street.
The next enhancement, a colorful 12-foot long interior piece featuring some of the most high-profile LSHOF inductees based on their height, was just unveiled inside the museum entrance last week. It provides another vibrant photo opportunity welcoming guests. The display showcases athletes ranging from short to towering icons like Shaquille O’Neal, who stands at 7 feet, 1 inch.
Transformational updates will continue in 2025 and beyond to enrich the museum visitors’ experience.
LSHOF Foundation Team memberships are available at various levels, starting as low as $120 annually or $10 per month. Members can choose to pay in full or through monthly installments. They will receive exclusive Team gear, access to a quarterly newsletter, discounts on LSHOF apparel, and entry into a monthly prize drawing.
To kick off the new membership year, the Foundation is offering a special incentive: a drawing for a Drew Brees-autographed Super Bowl XLIV replica trophy. Eligible members include those who renew their first-year membership, move up to a higher membership level, or refer a new member. The drawing will take place the week before Super Bowl LVIII in New Orleans in February 2024.
For more information or to join the “Join the Team” campaign, visit www.lasportshall.com and click on the “Join the Team” button. Memberships can be paid online or by mailing a check to the LSHOF Foundation at 500 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
For inquiries, please contact Greg Burke, the LSHOF Foundation Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at (318) 663-5459 or gregburke@lasportshall.com.
