SPRINGFIELD – The 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies have been postponed, Hall of Fame officials announced Thursday. The ceremonies were expected to be held Aug. 28-30.
“Given the unprecedented challenge of planning in the COVID-19 era, we are exploring several scenarios to accommodate the Class of 2020 ceremony, including postponing the festivities until October or early 2021 as mentioned by Chairman Jerry Colangelo,” Basketball Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva said in a prepared statement distributed to the media. “In accordance with our original event planning timeline, the Hall of Fame will review all options and reserve its final decision to the week of June 15.”
Further information will be released on or around that date.
“The health and safety of our Class members, returning Hall of Famers and Enshrinement guests is of paramount importance in our decision-making process,” Doleva said. “We congratulate the highly anticipated Class of 2020 and look forward to gathering to celebrate their tremendous careers and impact on the game when it’s determined safe to do so.”
In other COVID-related news, race officials announced Thursday that the Boston Marathon has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. The race was originally scheduled for Mon., April 20, but was rescheduled for Mon., Sept. 14 before being cancelled entirely.
It is the first time in the race’s 124-year history that the event has been cancelled.
