The Pro Football Hall of Fame broke ground Tuesday on its largest event space yet, the $19.3 million KeyBank Center, which is expected to open in time for Enshrinement Week 2027.
The two-story facility will feature nearly 12,000 square feet of event space on its first level, along with a café, VIP club, and rooftop terrace. A 27-foot-wide glass wall will open onto the adjacent field turf, connecting the center directly to the Hall’s campus. The venue will seat up to 1,000 guests in its main hall, with rooftop space for 500 and additional rooms for smaller gatherings.
Hall of Fame President and CEO Jim Porter, who took over in 2024, said the expansion reflects both growth and responsibility. “This new center is about more than football — it’s about strengthening the community,” Porter said in an interview. “We want to host large-scale events that make a difference, from nonprofit fundraisers to corporate meetings, without competing with the smaller venues in town. Fiscal responsibility is key, and with funding secured, we’re ready to move forward.”
KeyBank secured naming rights for the project through a multi-year partnership. CEO Chris Gorman called the center “a place where people come together to learn, lead and be inspired for generations to come.” He said the partnership reflects KeyBank’s long-standing commitment to northeast Ohio, adding, “This investment expands access to opportunity, supports financial literacy and youth programming, and honors the legacy of the NFL while driving economic growth.”
Funding was completed with a grant from the Timken Foundation, which Porter credited with ensuring the project will be finished. The Hall is also moving forward with a broader $102 million modernization plan that includes a new Grand Lobby.
Local leaders joined Hall of Famers and community partners for the groundbreaking, including Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II, who praised the project’s cultural and economic impact. “This project reflects our shared commitment to celebrate Canton’s legacy as the birthplace of the NFL while driving our city toward cultural and economic growth,” Sherer said.
As shovels hit the dirt, Porter said he hopes the KeyBank Center will symbolize both the Hall’s past and its future. “We are committed to honoring heroes, preserving history, promoting values and celebrating excellence,” he said. “This new venue is another way to connect with our community and inspire future generations.”
