The Forgotten Legacy: What Happened to Legends Landing?
In 2014, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced plans to build a $500 million development on its campus in Canton, Ohio. The project, called the Hall of Fame Village, was expected to become a year-round destination for football enthusiasts. One of the key components of the plan was a senior care facility called Legends Landing, designed to provide care for aging N.F.L. retirees, including those struggling with cognitive diseases linked to repeated hits to the head.
The Rise and Fall of Legends Landing
Legends Landing was promoted by N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Tom Benson, then-owner of the New Orleans Saints, committed $1 million toward the project and urged other owners to match his donation. "We can make a tangible difference in the lives of our game’s greats," Benson said. "It is important that we all play a role here."
Today, Legends Landing Remains a Dream
Ten years after the initial announcement, the development has progressed, but no care facility has been built, and the idea appears to have been abandoned. In its place, there’s now a "Play-Action Plaza" amusement park, featuring a Ferris wheel and a zip line. The demise of Legends Landing is another example of the N.F.L.’s struggle to provide adequate support for former players, facing criticism for not paying fair pensions and fighting claims in concussion-related lawsuits.
What Happened to Legends Landing?
Gayle Benson, widow of Tom Benson and current Saints owner, attributed the failure to insufficient funding: "We thought some of the other owners would participate, but they didn’t want to participate." Michael Crawford, CEO of the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, responsible for overseeing the development, claimed that he made the decision not to move forward with Legends Landing soon after taking over. However, this decision was not communicated to those involved in the project.
New Developments and Challenges
Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company faced significant challenges, including a $3.5 billion valuation decrease since going public in 2020. Brian McCarthy, N.F.L. spokesperson, deferred to the company for comment. Despite the setbacks, Crawford aimed to streamline the development, prioritizing leisure tourism over a retirement facility.
**Q: What happened to the original idea of Legends Landing?
A: The N.F.L. announced plans to build a senior care facility called Legends Landing on its campus in Canton, Ohio. However, the project was ultimately scrapped, and a "Play-Action Plaza" amusement park was built instead.
Q: Why was Legends Landing scrapped?
A: Insufficient funding from other N.F.L. owners is cited as the main reason. Other owners did not want to contribute, and the project was deemed not economically viable.
Q: What challenges have the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company faced?
A: The company went public at $204 a share in 2020 but has since plummeted to approximately $3 a share. They faced significant financial losses, and its debt and liabilities now amount to $325 million.
Q: Have there been any positive developments in the Hall of Fame Village?
A: Yes, progress has been made on other components, including the $150 million overhaul of Tom Benson Stadium and the construction of an indoor performance facility. The ForeverLawn Sports Complex, with eight fields, drew numerous visitors last year.
Author: www.nytimes.com
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