Changes Expected at the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies

Many basketball fans are excited to see this year's induction ceremony for the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame as one of those who will finally be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame is the late Kobe Bryant who spent 20 years playing with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). While it will be sad that we won't hear his enshrinement speech, there are other things that might make this year's ceremonies at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

First off, newspapers in the United States are being told by John Doleva, Cheif Executive Officer of the Hall of Fame, that this year's induction ceremonies will be held at MassMutual Center. As a means to help fight the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the MassMutual Center has a capacity of hosting up to 8,300 guests which is three times that of the Symphony Hall and that will allow guests to practice social distancing.  And, the venue might not the only thing that will change in this year's Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. Originally, the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies are set to take place on August 29 and officials are even considering moving it to a later date- October of this year or, next spring season in the US.

Doleva also said that unlike in the past years, there will be a separate enshrinement ceremony for those who will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame while another one for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Aside from concerns over the ongoing pandemic, Doleva pointed out that the reason for holding separate ceremonies is that "Each class deserves its own recognition"

With regards to the possible rescheduling of the ceremonies, Doleva said that there will be no decision made until the officials determine whether or not the enshrinement ceremonies will be allowed to be held under the six-step reopening plan of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker which aims to balance safety and the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo is from CBS Sports