A day that many Lakers fans have been anticipating may have to be postponed, according to The Boston Globe’s, Gary Washburn. Washburn recently spoke with the Hall’s CEO, John Doleva, who addressed a few different topics about the 2020 Induction Ceremony, one that was meant to include the late Kobe Bryant.
The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is still scheduled for August 29th in Springfield, but recent events have caused the committee to plan contingencies. One change that will happen regardless of the date is a change of location. While the ceremony usually takes place at Symphony Hall, it will be moved to the MassMutual Center. The change increases capacity from 2,611 to 8,319 in order to allow more space between attendees.
In addition to changing venues, the committee is looking at different dates in the event that the pandemic has not passed by August. Two dates that Doleva acknowledged were Columbus Day weekend (October 10-11) or In the Spring of 2021. Even if the Ceremony is moved to next year, Doleva made it clear that they plan to separate the classes of 2020 and 2021.
“I do want to make it very clear we will have a separate event for the class of 2020 because of the notoriety of that class and, frankly, every class deserves its own recognition. There is a potential next calendar year that we could have two enshrinements.”
Regardless of when the ceremony is held, it figures to be a special day for Lakers fans and for the family of Kobe Bryant. Doleva confirmed that Vanessa Bryant had agreed to participate in the event and would love to speak on his behalf, perhaps alongside a former teammate or coach. This was supposed to be one of the biggest days for the Laker legend. Instead, his fans and family will have to remember him in a different light, but one that shines brightly nonetheless.
The Hall committee is expected to make a decision on the date as early as this coming week.
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