Mascot Hall Of Fame Building Underway In Northwest Indiana

Associated Press

With the structural skeleton of the building up, organizers are turning their attention to raising funds for interior features.
*Courtesy National Mascot Hall of Fame via Facebook*

WHITING, Ind. (AP) — Officials of the National Mascot Hall of Fame in northwest Indiana say the structural skeleton of the building has gone up and funding for interior features is being collected.

Dave Raymond who created the Mascot Hall of Fame online, tells The (Northwest Indiana) Times that he has no doubt that organizers will reach their goal of raising $4.7 million.

Funds for the exhibits are being raised through private donations. Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, says he has already received commitments from Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians.

The Whiting Redevelopment Commission paid for the exterior of the building, as well as furnishings, through an $8.5 million bond issue authorized last year. The bonds are to be paid off from tax increment financing revenue created in the district around the Hall of Fame.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Indiana State Fair cheese sculpture unveiled and it's a work of art

This Indiana State Fair's annual cheese masterpiece was unveiled this week.

Arts & Culture / August 7, 2024

Gen Con inclusivity efforts aim to welcome more people to tabletop gaming

This year's sold-out Gen Con drew in more than 71,000 gamers to Indianapolis. The convention’s growth over the years has included a more diverse attendance. Organizers of the event have established several initiatives to make the convention, and tabletop gaming, more inclusive.

Arts & Culture / July 17, 2024

Lafayette Symphony Orchestra picks new leader, makes history as first African American in the role

After a two year search, the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra has selected a new conductor and artistic director. WFYI’s Abriana Herron spoke with Kellen Gray who will become the orchestra’s first African American conductor and the second Black artistic leader of a professional orchestra in the state.