Why Enshrinement is back in September

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Basketball Hall of Fame's Enshrinement celebration is just a few weeks away.

22News discovers what changes are in store for this year's ceremony. 

The last two years the Hoophall held its Enshrinement in August, largely because of a conflict with USA Basketball's schedule.  This year, because of the Olympics, it's back in its regular spot, the weekend after Labor Day.

Reggie Miller headlines the class of 2012.  With some events moving down to Mohegan Sun in recent years, Hoophall Vice President Paul Lambert told 22News the Enshrinement ceremony itself will be staying in Springfield long-term.

"This is our home, this our museum and our base is actually here in Springfield.  It's the birthplace of basketball.  And frankly, one of the reasons I like to think that we've had such great success bringing more and more Hall of Famers back every year, is they really respect coming to Springfield", says Lambert.

Lambert says that he expects about 50-60 Hall of Famers to be in Springfield for Enshrinement and the hotels are full already.  The Enshrinement ceremony is Friday September 7th at Springfield's Symphony Hall.

The Class of 2012

Reggie Miller
Don Nelson
Ralph Sampson
Katrina McClain
Hank Nichols
Jamaal Wilkes
The All American Red Heads
Mel Daniels
Don Barksdale
Lidia Alexeeva
Chet Walker
Phil Knight