When I first heard about the Hall of Excellence opening at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure it was for me. I’m not a huge sports fan, and the idea of walking through a museum dedicated to trophies and memorabilia felt like something that might appeal more to die-hard fans than to a casual observer like myself.
But after visiting, I can say with confidence: this is an experience worth having, whether you live for the big game or couldn’t care less who’s hoisting the championship trophy.
A World-Class Collection of Greatness
The Hall of Excellence, which opened June 20 in collaboration with Tom Brady, Jim Gray, and Frann Vettor-Gray, is positioned as a celebration of achievement—not just in sports, but across culture and entertainment as well. That theme becomes clear as soon as you step inside.
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the self-guided tour winds through an extraordinary collection: Jackie Robinson’s bat from 1947, Muhammad Ali’s gloves from his fight with George Chuvalo, Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Billie Jean King’s tennis dress, and even Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award for Unforgiven.
Highlights That Stole the Show
What impressed me most wasn’t any one artifact, but the sheer scale and variety. The trophy room is jaw-dropping: row after row of gleaming hardware, from the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Heisman to Olympic Gold medals, the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy, and so many rings from iconic tournaments and championships.
And then there were the cultural icons. Oprah Winfrey’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, displayed on its own, radiates significance. Just a few steps away, the sight of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony side-by-side was almost surreal. These are things we’ve all heard about, but likely never seen in person—and standing inches away from them was a moment that truly captured me.
A Novel, Interactive Experience
One of the most unexpected highlights was the interactivity. Upon entry, visitors are given a mobile device that allows you to scan any artifact in the museum for more information, videos, and stories. It’s not like anything I’ve experienced before—part scavenger hunt, part digital deep-dive—and it makes the already impressive collection feel alive and personal.
Combined with narration from names like Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, and even Snoop Dogg, the experience goes far beyond simply looking at memorabilia. It’s a living archive of achievement.
Visiting the Hall of Excellence
Located at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the Hall of Excellence is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for guests 15 and under, with discounts available for Nevada residents, seniors, and military.
For those visiting Las Vegas, the exhibit is more than a side attraction—it’s a destination in its own right, one that celebrates not only athletic dominance but cultural impact and artistic achievement.
I may have walked in a skeptic, but I left inspired. And that’s exactly what the Hall of Excellence promises: a chance to stand in awe of what’s possible when talent meets determination.
