Football, Ferris wheel and country music: What not to miss during Pro Football HOF Fest

CANTON − Discovering something new about the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival isn't easy for longtime attendees.

There are the classic events — Balloon Classic, Grand Parade and the ceremony inducting the new class of football greats.

But what about something new or with a twist?

The Hall of Fame Village checks that box. Not only does it now offer an upscale restaurant and craft brewery, both ideal spots to eat and drink before or after festival events, but there's also Play-Action Plaza. Highly recommended is riding the "Red Zone" wheel from a maximum perch of 125 feet while gazing down at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and the construction site of a football-themed indoor water park.

Music, comedians, football: What's next for Hall of Fame Village?

Also boosting festival excitement this summer is the Hall of Fame Game, which showcases the Cleveland Browns for the first time since 1999. Continuing the Cleveland theme, there's also the induction of former Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas.

Here's a closer look at the Hall of Fame Village, the Browns-Jets game and three other can't miss events or recommended ways to enjoy Canton's week in the sports spotlight.

1. Hall of Fame Village

The Hall of Fame Village is shaping up to be a pigskin paradise.

Following years in the planning stages with incremental progress, the Village is evolving into a top entertainment destination in the region.

Village offerings enhance the festival experience. They include eating chef-prepared fare at Don Shula's American Kitchen, where dishes include a roasted half chicken, white cheddar and corn enchiladas, steak frites, beer cheese soup, chicken lollipops, a buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich, and a sammie loaded with two four-ounce steak burger patties, Shula's sauce and Norcia Bakery buns.

Ambience includes memorabilia honoring Shula, the NFL coaching legend who guided the 1972 Miami Dolphins to a perfect season and Super Bowl victory.

Or quench your thirst with one of the many craft beers at The Brew Kettle, where the menu far exceeds typical pub grub. Street corn dip, smokehouse wings, deep-fried green beans, amber ale chili, sausage and beer gumbo, salads, baked mac and cheese, barbecue spaghetti, a sausage and pierogi platter, perch tacos, a grilled burrito, a bison burger, and the Triple Pig sandwich with sliced smoked ham, pulled pork and bacon.

There's also Play-Action Plaza, a fun place for families and adventure seekers. Glide down the Forward Pass zip line with an encompassing view of the Village landscape. Or take a spin on the "Red Zone" giant wheel ride. Round and round the gondolas go with outstanding views of the stadium, Constellation Center for Excellence and vehicles zooming along Interstate 77 in the distance.

Assuming it's open during events, sitting atop the ride during the Browns and Jets game, the concert and enshrinement ceremony would be super cool.

2. Canton becomes Browns Town

The good news is the Browns are playing in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 3, the first exhibition contest of the upcoming NFL season. The bad news for those who want to attend is tickets are extremely scarce.

Tickets were snatched up in around 30 minutes for a complete sellout. A scattering of tickets may become available leading up to the game, however, said Rich Desrosiers, chief communications and content officer for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Back when Tim Couch was quarterback: 1999 Hall of Fame Game featured new Browns

Any freed up tickets are expected to be purchased quickly online at https://www.profootballhof.com/events/2023/08/2023-pro-football-hall-of-fame-game/. And by game time, every spot in the 23,000-seat Tom Benson Stadium is expected to be filled, Desrosiers said.

But don't fret because you can still watch the game in the comfort of a local sports bar, and catch the first glimpse of the 2023 Browns as they try to string together a playoff run this season.

3. Don't forget about the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum

Both residents and visitors to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival may overlook the museum itself.

It's easy to drive past, glancing over at cars filling the parking lot and the signature football-shaped roof, without ever stopping.

But it's well worth the time. Modern, spacious, state-of-the art and brimming with history, the Pro Football Hall of Fame also is sprinkled with unique artifacts.

Among them is a vintage New York Jets record featuring highlights of the 1969 Super Bowl season. Produced by The News (New York's "Picture Newspaper"), it's emblazoned with a photo of legendary quarterback Joe Namath.

Other mementoes include a decorative football commemorating Super Bowl IV and autographed by MVP Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs.

During the enshrinement festival, standard museum hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a few variables. Some days the museum will open at 8 a.m., but it will close early on Aug. 3 on the day of the Hall of Fame Game.

4. Canton Repository Grand Parade

The Canton Repository Grand Parade never gets old and is always worth the effort of waking early to stake out a good spot along the 2.2-mile parade route on Cleveland Avenue.

The Grand Parade starts at 8 a.m. Aug. 5 in downtown Canton and lasts roughly two hours.

The event is a seemingly endless train of fun and colorful visuals. Unicycle riders, marching bands, cheerleaders, football legends, clowns, floats, baton twirlers and balloons.

Reserved seats are $15 and can be purchased at https://www.profootballhoffestival.com/tickets. Otherwise, arrive early and bring a chair.

5. Concert for Legends at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Last summer's Concert for Legends was fabulous.

Journey rocked a packed stadium with a virtual jukebox of hit songs. And opener Donnie Iris and the Cruisers were also electrifying.

Tom Benson Stadium is an excellent venue. Seats in front of the stage offer spectacular views. Aided by large video screens and scoreboards, the experience is also special for those seated farther away.

Memorable 2022 Concert for Legends: Journey and Donnie Iris electrify stadium crowd with rousing HOF Fest show

This summer's concert features the Zac Brown Band on Aug. 5. Tickets are for sale at https://www.hofvillage.com/p/play/cfl-zbb.

Breaking out big in the country music scene in 2008, the group's debut album shines with catchy songs, including "Toes" and "Chicken Fried." Other hit songs include the 2010 release, "As She's Walking Away." More recent songs include the hard rocking "Out In The Middle," a track off 2021 album "The Comeback," while "Same Boat" is a summery, singalong party jam.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival features rides, food, Browns game