Latest news with #HallofExcellence
Boston Globe
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
A museum for excellence, brought to you by Tom Brady
During a tour that Gray gave to The Washington Post before opening, he said the idea for the hall came up eight years ago. Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up 'Tom and I were doing a radio show, and he had just broken some record that came with an award,' Gray said. 'I asked, 'What do you do with all this stuff?' He said, 'I just put it in a storage warehouse.' ' That got Gray thinking about his own house in Los Angeles, which was overflowing with memorabilia from decades of historic moments. (He recently relocated to Las Vegas.) 'I started to think, you know, we don't have children … my wife has tolerated this all these years,' Gray said. 'And I thought we should share this with the public. Let others enjoy it.' Advertisement 'Now we have a home that we can decorate without sports,' said Frann Vettor-Gray. Jim Gray in 2021. Kathy Willens/Associated Press Las Vegas is of course a sports town now. When Gray and Brady decided to put their memorabilia on display, they called in favors, dug through storage and rallied a few famous friends to help create one of the most impressive semi-private sports collections ever assembled. The cost of admission is $35, with discounts for locals, kids, seniors and military. The Hall of Excellence features 310 artifacts, spread across 26 themed display cases and a handful of freestanding showpieces. The last two items to added to the haul were golf balls signed by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. What began with items from personal archives has since grown to include contributions from Olympians, MVPs, broadcasters, entertainers, multiple halls of fame and the White House. 'All these incredible items and stories deserved more than a spot in a closet or storage unit,' Brady said in an email to The Post. 'The vision grew from wanting to preserve memorabilia to wanting to inspire people. We weren't building a museum. We were building an experience that captures what it takes to be great.' Everything inside the Hall of Excellence lives on a second-floor mezzanine at Fontainebleau, above the casino and en route to restaurant row. It's an elegant space turned fortified gallery, with priceless memorabilia behind two-inch-thick glass that we can only presume is bullet- and smash-proof. Jim Gray interviewed Tom Brady at Salem State University on May 7, 2015. Charles Krupa Neither the Hall nor Fontainebleau would reveal any details about the James Bond level of security that must be required for such a display. Advertisement Upon entering, guests are provided a special iPhone and Freeman's narration, instantly recognizable voices queued up for exhibits include Marv Albert, Jim Nantz, Andre Agassi, Snoop Dogg, Oprah Winfrey, and others. Among the objects on display, there's Babe Ruth's bat from his legendary 'Called Shot' in the 1932 World Series, and Jackie Robinson's bat from 1947 when he broke baseball's color barrier (on loan from Reggie Jackson). There's also a golf ball from Tiger Woods's first Masters win; a ticket stub, media credential and scorecard from Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game, and the Atlanta Braves batting helmet worn by Hank Aaron as he hit home runs 714 and 715. Brady said Jackie Robinson's bat was particularly special -'that's American history,' he said - and the Woods ball is a favorite. 'I remember watching that moment and learning what focus under pressure really looks like,' Brady said. 'Those items go beyond the game.' The interior of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. John Locher/Associated Press In this Hall, excellence isn't limited to just sports. One display features the dark, fitted suit Elvis Presley wore when he signed his contract with the Las Vegas International Hotel and performed that same night. The 1969 show marked his return to live performance after eight years of making films, and launched a record-setting run of 636 consecutive sold-out shows that redefined the modern Las Vegas residency. In another corner, there's Oprah Winfrey's Presidential Medal of Freedom. When he was asking for favors, Gray said, partnering with Brady was key: 'Tom opens every door.' Gray's career, though, has spanned nearly five decades. His reporting has brought him ringside, courtside and on the field at 10 World Series, 11 Olympic Games, 30 NBA Finals, 37 Masters tournaments, and 44 Super Bowls. He's been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Advertisement He's interviewed six U.S. presidents, often covering sports in the context of cultural and political flashpoints. Tucked into a quiet nook of the Hall is a tribute to Gray himself - a reminder that sometimes, excellence lies not on the field, but in the voice that helps the world make sense of it. At its center is Gray's copy of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, resting behind four of his 12 national Sports Emmy Awards. 'For the longest time that star was in the gym at my house where I worked out, behind the weights,' Gray said. 'I never got around to putting it by the pool as originally planned.' Eventually all visitors will find themselves in the trophy room. 'Trophies represent the Holy Grail, the triumphs,' the Freeman recording bellows. 'They are symbols of excellence and all its magical forms …' Where else can you see in one quick scan so many of these so close: the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the weighty Heisman, the Claret Jug, the MLB Commissioner's Trophy, U.S. Open trophies (for both golf and tennis), Wimbledon, the Kentucky Derby. There's a special EGOT wall that displays Oprah's first Emmy and only Tony alongside Clint Eastwood's Oscar for Unforgiven and Justin Timberlake's first Grammy. At the center of this room is the Hall's culmination, and where much of the vision began – with Tom Brady's seven Super Bowl rings. Each ring rests on its own illuminated pedestal inside a custom-crafted heptahedron that seems more shrine than trophy case. The display emits a soft internal glow highlighting every facet of every gem. Together they tell a story not just of Brady's triumphs, but also of an NFL that hasn't stopped growing in money or influence. Advertisement The rings increase in size and symbolism with each championship. The first, from 2002, is relatively modest: 42 diamonds circling the Patriots logo, engraved with 'World Champions.' The final ring, earned with the Buccaneers in 2021, is its own vault of brilliance, showcasing 319 diamonds, 15 carats of white gold, and a removable top that reveals a miniature Raymond James Stadium, with the game's final score etched beneath. 'Honestly, it was a bit emotional,' Brady said about seeing them all together for the first time. 'Each ring represents a year of commitment, sacrifice, and teamwork. .' As you exit the trophy room, there's one more case of Brady's personal memories. It includes his college letter jacket from Michigan, a comparatively humble Orange Bowl ring and his NFL draft card from 2000, where he was the 199th pick. Dan Michalski is a freelance journalist in Las Vegas and editor at
NBC Sports
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC Sports
Gray talks opening of Hall of Excellence museum
Jim Gray joins the Dan Patrick Show to talk about the opening of the Hall of Excellence museum that contains over 300 never-before-seen artifacts, including Jackie Robinson's bat, Tom Brady's Super Bowl rings and more.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tom Brady remembers being bypassed before going on to become NFL icon at Hall of Excellence ceremony
Tom Brady (via Getty Images) Tom Brady did not waste an opportunity to look back at one of the most highly discussed moments from the beginning of his storied NFL career—going unselected in the 2000 NFL Draft. Addressing attendees in Las Vegas on Wednesday, the seven-time Super Bowl champion had some fun at the expense of the scouts who questioned his future, reminding everyone how far he's come since being selected No. 199. Tom Brady jokes NFL scouts for 2000 draft omission at Las Vegas ceremony The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was on stage at the Fontainebleau resort for the unveiling of the Hall of Excellence, a gathering that celebrated sporting greatness. With a trademark smirk, Tom Brady delivered a sarcastic line aimed squarely at the NFL's scouting community—the same group that largely overlooked him more than two decades ago. Recalling his lackluster draft experience, Tom Brady spoke to the audience: "So I had a decent college career, unbeknownst to any of the professional scouts—those are real geniuses—and that draft card got turned in in the sixth round, 199th pick overall," Tom Brady said. This sarcastic line drew laughter and applause from the audience. However his words were a subtle reminder of how he used skepticism and doubt as fuel throughout his record-breaking career. FULL SPEECH: Tom Brady unveils Hall of Excellence in Las Vegas, featuring all seven Super Bowl rings At the time, scouts described Tom Brady as slow, gangly, and athletically challenged. His 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine ranked among the lowest for quarterbacks, and all but a few teams regarded him as an ordinary college player with minimal potential. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Onko sinulla usein vaikeuksia muistaa nimiä, tehtäviä ja kellonaikoja? Apu voi löytyä täältä. Lectinect Aivot Saa tarjous Undo It took until the sixth round for the New England Patriots to give him a shot—a risk that became the greatest draft steal in NFL history. Also read: How Tom Brady and David Beckham's friendship started in the most unexpected way The Hall of Excellence appearance also acknowledges Brady's transformation from athlete to icon. Retired now, he's assumed broadcast responsibilities with FOX Sports and extended his reach through business deals. For Tom Brady, the event was a way to look back at the flame that fueled his unparalleled career. From being bypassed on draft day to becoming the gold standard of quarterbacking, Brady's path was an inspiring one in contemporary sports. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Tom Brady and Jim Gray Unveil the Hall of Excellence - Designed and Conceived by Peter Arnell
Peter Arnell's Visionary Design Brings Tom Brady and Jim Gray's Dream to Life in Miami MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 19, 2025 / NFL icon Tom Brady and legendary journalist Jim Gray today unveiled the Hall of Excellence, an extraordinary new cultural institution celebrating greatness in sports, leadership, and life. The Hall was conceived, designed, and brought to life by world-renowned designer and brand architect Peter Arnell, who led the vision from its earliest conceptual stages to the final, breathtaking in a beautifully appointed, custom-designed space that blends architectural precision with emotional storytelling, the Hall of Excellence serves as a permanent sanctuary for legacy, inspiration, and the human spirit at its highest level."This space is a dream realized," said Tom Brady. "We wanted to create something timeless-something that honors the individuals who've shaped history and pushed the limits of what's possible. Peter Arnell brought that dream to life with brilliance, elegance, and depth. Every corner of the Hall tells a story."From handcrafted materials to immersive exhibition design, every detail of the Hall was meticulously curated by Arnell to reflect the values of excellence, discipline, and purpose. At its core is a global brand identity titled Blessings, also created by Arnell-a mark that captures the reverence and responsibility of recognizing true greatness."Peter didn't just design a building-he built a world," said Brady. "It's a space that uplifts. That teaches. That moves people."The project was made possible through the visionary support of Jeff Soffer, FBLV, and strategic alignment with Koch Industries, each recognizing the cultural importance and enduring value of the Hall's Gray added, "The Hall of Excellence is about legacy-about honoring those who inspire us to be better. Peter Arnell understood that from the beginning, and what he's created here is nothing short of transcendent."Peter Arnell, whose legendary career includes the creation of some of the world's most iconic brands and cultural landmarks, described the Hall as "a living tribute to the relentless pursuit of greatness, captured in a space that allows people to feel, reflect, and aspire."The Hall of Excellence opens to invited guests this month and will welcome the public later this year through a series of curated experiences, rotating exhibitions, and leadership symposiums. Media Contact:James Allenbyinfo@ About Peter ArnellPeter Arnell is a globally recognized branding and design expert known for his transformative work across industries. With a career spanning over four decades, he has developed innovative brand strategies for some of the world's leading companies, redefining the way businesses connect with their audiences. SOURCE: Peter Arnell
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Tom Brady and Jim Gray Unveil the Hall of Excellence - Designed and Conceived by Peter Arnell
Peter Arnell's Visionary Design Brings Tom Brady and Jim Gray's Dream to Life in Miami NFL icon Tom Brady and legendary journalist Jim Gray today unveiled the Hall of Excellence, an extraordinary new cultural institution celebrating greatness in sports, leadership, and life. The Hall was conceived, designed, and brought to life by world-renowned designer and brand architect Peter Arnell, who led the vision from its earliest conceptual stages to the final, breathtaking execution. Located in a beautifully appointed, custom-designed space that blends architectural precision with emotional storytelling, the Hall of Excellence serves as a permanent sanctuary for legacy, inspiration, and the human spirit at its highest level. 'This space is a dream realized,' said Tom Brady. 'We wanted to create something timeless-something that honors the individuals who've shaped history and pushed the limits of what's possible. Peter Arnell brought that dream to life with brilliance, elegance, and depth. Every corner of the Hall tells a story.' From handcrafted materials to immersive exhibition design, every detail of the Hall was meticulously curated by Arnell to reflect the values of excellence, discipline, and purpose. At its core is a global brand identity titled Blessings, also created by Arnell-a mark that captures the reverence and responsibility of recognizing true greatness. 'Peter didn't just design a building-he built a world,' said Brady. 'It's a space that uplifts. That teaches. That moves people.' The project was made possible through the visionary support of Jeff Soffer, FBLV, and strategic alignment with Koch Industries, each recognizing the cultural importance and enduring value of the Hall's mission. Jim Gray added, 'The Hall of Excellence is about legacy-about honoring those who inspire us to be better. Peter Arnell understood that from the beginning, and what he's created here is nothing short of transcendent.' Peter Arnell, whose legendary career includes the creation of some of the world's most iconic brands and cultural landmarks, described the Hall as 'a living tribute to the relentless pursuit of greatness, captured in a space that allows people to feel, reflect, and aspire.' The Hall of Excellence opens to invited guests this month and will welcome the public later this year through a series of curated experiences, rotating exhibitions, and leadership symposiums. Media Contact: James Allenby info@ About Peter Arnell Peter Arnell is a globally recognized branding and design expert known for his transformative work across industries. With a career spanning over four decades, he has developed innovative brand strategies for some of the world's leading companies, redefining the way businesses connect with their audiences. SOURCE: Peter Arnell View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
