Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

Mission Statement

Established in 1972, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Portsmouth is the Commonwealth's official sports hall of fame, honoring champions from every region of Virginia. Its aim is to offer sports enthusiasts an intimate look at Virginia's sports greats and their memorable contributions, all illustrating what it takes to be a true champion: teamwork, commitment, sacrifice, and selflessness. The Hall of Fame has also developed impressive educational outreach programs designed to instill the values of leadership and sportsmanship in young people. Forty-five National Hall of Fame athletes are among the Museum's ranks, as are 30 of the Top 50 Virginia athletes of the century, as recognized by Sports Illustrated. The Museum houses one of the country's largest collections of sports artifacts and memorabilia, including a tennis racquet used by Arthur Ashe, the signature straw hat of legendary golfer Sam Snead, and the game ball from the 1903 football match between Virginia Tech and Navy.