The new Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will open at least three months late because of vandalism and other delays.
The $109 million hall, which replaced the existing hall in Springfield, Mass., will open in conjunction with 2002 enshrinement activities in October of next year.
“It’s a blessing in disguise that the two are combined because it raises awareness so much more,” Hall of Fame director John Doleva said.
In August vandals cut cords and cables, destroyed circuit breakers, damaged electrical conduits and stuffed nuts and bolts into underground pipes. The vandals also ruined the only copy of updated working blueprints to the building’s electrical system.
The new hall was to be completed June 28, 2002. Its delayed opening will result in an estimated $1.3 million loss, Doleva said.
The hall will have to take out loans to carry it through the winter, Doleva said.
First sight
A short-sighted greyhound at a British track is winning races after being fitted for contact lenses. According to the tabloid Sun, the dog used to keep finishing second because it had trouble seeing the hare and preferred to stay behind the lead hound to avoid getting lost.
Say what?
`If I retire, I’ll die. That’s my fear.’
–Lou Saban, 80, whose job as head coach of Division III Chowan College is his 27th in 51 years
