The College Football Hall of Fame's Annual Enshrinement festival is going on right now in Downtown South Bend. As you know, The Hall is moving to Atlanta so this is your last chance to take it all in. We spoke to people at the fest today and they are disappointed this is the last one.
Steve Pontius has come to several enshrinement festivals in Downtown South Bend. He said it has a great impact on the city. "It brings a lot of people downtown, which is really been hurting in my mind."
He and several others think there should be more events like this in South Bend. "There's only a couple events it seems like downtown that keep people involved. Otherwise they go north or everywhere but downtown," said Pontius. While Josh Kachmarik said, "It definitely helps out the community it brings more people together. It's really good." And Terri Pontius said, "I love the fact that we can all get together and have fun and enjoy good food and music."
Kristin and Peter Pica are attending the festival for the first time this year. Already they're bummed they'll only get to do this once. "We definitely would have come back next year," said Kristin.
No one will get to come back next year since this festival is supposed to be the last of its kind in South Bend. Executive Director of the College Football Hall of Fame, Mikki Dobski says they are trying to keep that thought out of their minds and concentrate on this year. But she admits it'll be tough to see it go. "It certainly will be bittersweet," said Dobski.
It's tough for the fans too, whether they're old or new ones. "I think it's gonna be a great loss," said Terri Pontius.
There's still no word yet when the College Football Hall of Fame will officially shut its doors for good. Dobski said all energy has been put into this years festival and once it is over then the National Football Foundation will look at the schedule and decide when things will close in South Bend and open in Atlanta.
