Celebrating Student Athletes At The NCAA Hall of Champions, By Leroy Worley

Experience the heart and dedication it takes to be an NCAA student-athlete at the NCAA Hall of Champions. Here, you can make the call like our friend, Merle, did in one of the NCAA's interactive exhibits. Neither of us knew the challenges referees face until we tried to make the call on a win or lose play.

Get In The Game At The NCAA Hall of Champions

At the NCAA Hall of Champions explore all 23 of the NCAA sports through kiosks that give you up to the minute rankings, sport-specific trivia, past champions and much more. Make time on your visit to play over a dozen interactive exhibits on the second floor including two simulators in which you will “virtually” experience five different sports like we did on our trip. We enjoyed trying to make a goal in the soccer exhibit that tests your skills on the field, and keeps scores.

Visit the kick-off theater and you'll discover a video featuring prospective, current and former student-athletes. Each exhibit at the NCAA Hall of Champions takes you into the game, and challenges your perspective of sports, and celebrates the achievements of student-athletes.

The popular 1930s-style gymnasium is also on the second floor so you can shoot free throws with your family and friends. This college sports attraction offers something for everyone, and is available to host a variety of social events, including cooperate team building or luncheons. . The NCAA Hall of Champions is filled with fascinating facts and fun inactive exhibits that highlight the spirit of sportsmanship and takes visitors on a journey through the highs and lows throughout the history of sports!

When visiting the White River State Park you'll enjoy everything from wildlife to America's Old West and Indian heritage. One way to take in all the sites at White River State Park is with the Park Pass that gives you access to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, IMAX Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians Baseball at Victory Field, Indianapolis Zoo, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

All of these attractions feature engaging exhibits and special events everyone will enjoy for one low price. The current price for the Adult Park Pass is $42, and a Child Park Pass is $30, and with these passes you can enjoy one-time admission to each of the 6 attractions. If you call 1-800-665-9056 or stop by the Visitor’s Center in the heart of the White River State Park you can learn more about and order the Park Passes.

Plan Your Indiana Getaway

For details on events at the NCAA Hall of Champions that is located at 700 W. Washington St. in in White River State Park in Indianapolis call 1-800-735-NCAA or visit www.ncaahallofchampions.org. Or visit the White River State Park website at http://inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov/ParkPass.aspx to find out about the Park Pass, special events, attractions, and upcoming concerts at The Lawn and in the Free Family Concert Series that takes place each summer.

To see what's new and exciting to do in Indy, as well as find attractions and restaurants, and other sites to see around the state of Indiana visit the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.visitindy.com, or visit Indianapolis Downtown Inc. at www.indydt.com . You'll find maps, learn about upcoming events, festive, sports, and much more.