What to Pack for the Enshrinement Weekend

So, you are heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend! You are likely wondering what you need to bring and what you should wear while you're there. We have personally made the trip to Canton and spent four days on site during the Enshrinement Weekend, so needless to say, we have learned a few things we'd like to share with you.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

We cannot stress this enough. You will be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. We have tried out all kinds of shoes during our time there – we  definitely learned what not to wear.

Don't wear brand new shoes that are likely to give you blisters. Depending on the number of events you are attending, you might be able to get away with this, but as mentioned before, you will be doing a great deal of walking. Also, don't wear shoes without any support or the soles of your feet will likely suffer. 

We recommend wearing tennis shoes/sneakers before anything else. Considering you might be participating in activities almost all day long, you need a pair of shoes that has good support and won’t leave you in pain. We've also seen many people wear sandals, which are not a bad choice as long as they're comfortable and can hold up all day. 

Dress for the Weather

It can be relatively warm in Canton in August. Last year, we saw temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The morning sun was rather hot one day, but overall the weather was comfortable. Several of us wore pants – we weren't necessarily uncomfortable but we definitely would have been content wearing shorts.

On most days, the majority of people wore shorts and a short sleeve t-shirt, but there were several who wore jeans. Last year, wearing pants came in handy because the temperature dropped off and it was a little cool at night. You might want to bring a jacket, but you most likely won’t even need it. 

Although it is warm throughout the day, the Hall of Fame is air-conditioned and our party venues are climate-controlled, so you will have the opportunity to get out of the sun.

For the Thursday Night Reception and Gold Jacket Ceremony, guests did dress a little more formally (i.e. business casual). You also have more freedom for what shoes you can wear since you won't be doing a great deal of walking. 

Show Off Your Team Spirit

Last year, we saw a lot of people showing off their team’s pride in the way they dressed. Steelers’ fans were the most prominent, so we saw plenty of black and gold in people’s wardrobes. Several people wore the jerseys of the players being enshrined. In general, many people wore a t-shirt of their favorite team. Some people really put in a lot of thought and were decked out from head to toe with t-shirts, necklaces, hats and more. There is definitely nothing wrong with showing off your team spirit – this is the perfect place to do so!

Be Careful What You Bring On Site

When it comes to what you bring on site each day, you have to be mindful of certain restrictions on what you can and cannot bring. This mostly relates to your entrance into Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and the Hall of Fame Museum.

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

The Concert for Legends, Enshrinement Ceremony and NFL/Hall of Fame Game take place at the stadium, so please be aware of this policy before you attend those events.

You will be searched (limited body pat down/hand wand procedure) and your belongings will be checked before you enter the stadium. Keep in mind, you can’t just carry any bag into the stadium. You only have a few different options:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." 
  • Officially licensed Hall of Fame or NFL logo bag.
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (i.e. Ziploc).
  • Small women’s clutch bag approximately the size of a woman’s hand, with or without a strap.
  • Medically necessary items that will be admitted after being screened at the appropriate gate.

You can still carry items in your pocket or jacket such as wallets, keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, credit cards, etc., if you choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch.

View more details of the rules here.

View a detailed list of permitted and prohibited items here.

Hall of Fame Museum

All bags, purses, etc. will be subject to search.

You are prohibited from bringing:

  • Duffle bags
  • Large bags
  • Weapons
  • Food and drink
  • Clothing items with disruptive words or images

You are permitted to bring:

  • Strollers
  • Wheelchairs
  • Service assisting animals
  • Cameras
  • Diaper bag when accompanied by a child

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind, you are not guaranteed the chance to go back to your hotel before the end of the day, so whatever you bring or purchase on site, you may have to carry around all day.

To view photos from last year, check out our Facebook album. 

You are going to have the time of your life, and we can't wait to see you there!