By Staff
On Saturday, South Bend, Ind., will once again be the center of the college football world.
The 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival kicked off on Thursday and really heats up this afternoon, concluding with a full day of events on Saturday.
We encourage college football fans of all ages to take the short trip to South Bend and check out the festivities.
Not only will there be plenty of music, food and fun, but there is also a chance to meet some of the game's legendary figures.
The Class of 2006 is a stellar one.
Being enshrined will be Cornelius Bennett (Alabama), Tom Curtis (Michigan), Anthony Davis (USC), Kevin Dent (Jackson State), Keith Dorney (Penn State), John Friesz (Idaho), Jim Houston (Ohio State), John Huarte (Notre Dame), Roosevelt Leaks (Texas), Ronnie Mallett (Central Arkansas), Mark May (Pittsburgh), Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), Joe Washington (Oklahoma), Paul Wiggin (Stanford) and David Williams (Illinois).
The coaches being enshrined this year are Pat Dye (East Carolina, Wyoming, Auburn), Dick Farley (Williams), John Gagliardi (Carroll College, St. John's), Vern "Skip" McCain (Marly State College) and Don Nehlen (Bowling Green, West Virginia).
Although not every name on the list may be familiar, there are certainly plenty of players and coaches who bring to mind vivid memories of days gone by.
Fans can have a chance to relive some of those "glory" days today during the autograph session. The cost is $40 per person, which includes a Gathering on the Gridiron ticket.
The autograph session begins at 5:30 p.m. and only lasts an hour. The Gathering on the Gridiron begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 10.
On Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. there will be the enshrinement FanFest, which will give another opportunity for fans to meet their favorite players as they participate in numerous events.
This festival is a great way to kick off the college football season. With the Enshrinement Festival at hand, that means the games are not far behind. So head on down to the Hall of Fame and take part in the festival. You won't regret it.