The Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) is celebrated worldwide as the model for innovation and efficiencies in the sport halls of fame and museum field. Its location at the corner of Yonge and Front Streets, the primary gateway to downtown Toronto in close proximity to Scotiabank Arena (Leafs/Raptors), Rogers Centre (Blue Jays) and one of North America’s busiest commuter transportation hubs (Union Station), renders unparalleled access and visibility amongst industry peers. Now in its second of five terms on a 99-year lease at Brookfield Place (renewed through December 31, 2032), HHOF’s capacity to reinvest is in large part reliant on private sector sponsorships and contributions. Through the generous support of businesses and individuals, HHOF will continue to preserve the rich history of the great game of hockey, as well as entertain and educate fans of all ages for generations to come.
The tourism sector (including “destination attractions” i.e., museums, galleries, theme parks, etc.) is one of the hardest-hit by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Despite drastic measures to minimize the threat of the virus, attractions everywhere have experienced unprecedented disruption from health and safety restrictions, including mandatory closures, which has led to severe economic impacts.
In 2015, HHOF fully retired the start-up capital shortfall loan on its $27M relocation and expansion to Brookfield Place (formerly BCE Place) in 1993. Subsequently, on the heels of four successive years of debt-free growth, HHOF’s “internally restricted net assets” (i.e., cumulative surplus from “core operations” less cumulative capital expenditures and debt service) increased by 236% reaching $5.3M as at June 30, 2019. These operating surplus funds are restricted in order to fund enhancements to or replacements of exhibits and/or for general improvements to facilities.
For the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, HHOF is forecasting a cumulative decline (since March 2020) of 35% in operating surplus funds (from $5.3M to $3.5M), substantially mitigated by a lifeline of government subsidies, a freeze on capital spending and the resilience of the HHOF brand to generate licensing income. While it is anticipated that there will be continuing challenges over the next two or three business cycles, the present circumstances fuel the motivation to encourage charitable giving in support of HHOF as one of Canada’s premier tourist attractions and cultural heritage institutions.
With a solid foundation for success, HHOF carried out the Legacy of Legends Growth Campaign 2021/2022 to build up a permanent “safety net” and reinforce the vitality of the Hockey Hall of Fame through development and preservation reinvestments.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our distingushed benefactors for collectively pledging $15,000,000 to reach our campaign goal.
To achieve our campaign goal, the Hockey Hall of Fame offered individuals and businesses the opportunity to become a "Legacy Member" of the Hockey Hall of Fame Development and Preservation Fund.
The Legacy of Legends Growth Campaign 2021/2022 culminated in November 2022 coinciding with the world premiere broadcast of 10-part docuseries Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20. All “Legacy Member” donors received an invitation to this private dinner/show at the Hockey Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in the presence of hockey legends featured in the series and other special guests and entertainers.
Donor Benefits:
