OCSA Says It Plans to Reopen Hall of Fame Despite Financial Woes

Although still burdened with financial concerns on other fronts, the Orange County Sports Assn. plans to reopen the Orange County Hall of Fame at Anaheim Stadium despite not achieving a self-imposed requirement to do so.

The executive board of the debt-ridden OCSA decided Tuesday to reopen the hall of fame. The tentative date for reopening the hall, which has been closed to the public since April, is July 24.

OCSA Executive Director Jerry McGee said recently that the Hall of Fame’s future would probably depend on securing a corporate commitment for funding. Sports association officials had hoped to substantially reduce the organization’s unwieldy debt--which McGee said is between $1.4 million and $1.7 million--by finding a title sponsor to take control of the hall of fame.

“Getting the Hall of Fame open is a responsibility of the OCSA to the inductees and the residents of Orange County,” McGee said. “We also recognize that paying off our debts is our responsibility, and we’re committed to getting that done.”

Some immediate, smaller plans for additional funding appear promising, McGee said. OCSA officials are negotiating with Anaheim Stadium General Manager Greg Smith to include admission to the Hall of Fame into the cost of stadium tours. McGee is also optimistic that a ticket promotion plan by the Angels will include the hall of fame.

McGee hopes to have an agreement finalized with Anaheim Stadium as early as today, and with the Angels by next week. Moreover, the search for a corporate sponsor will continue.

“We are still aggressively pursuing interested parties,” McGee said.

As for a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the OCSA wants the event to take place. Though when it would occur is unresolved.

McGee said he is scheduled to speak with NCAA Assistant Executive Director David Cawood today, regarding the future of the Freedom Bowl.

The postseason football game has been an 11-year headache for the OCSA because of its poor attendance, contributing heavily to the sports association’s tenuous financial situation. The OCSA has failed to sign a corporate sponsor for the game, whose name would be changed to the Big Orange Classic.