First La. Sports Hall of Fame membership drive kicks off

Only the elite sports figures in state history are chosen for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Now, thanks to a new membership opportunity, everybody can get involved.
“Join the Hall of Fame Team” memberships are available now, giving people and organizations the opportunity to team up with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation while getting inside information, membership rewards and even exclusive access to Hall of Fame events around the state.
Two brand-new LSHOF inductees, women’s basketball superstar Alana Beard from Shreveport and LSU baseball All-America pitcher and 1999 All-Star Game participant Paul Byrd, are the honorary co-chairs of the “Join the Hall of Fame Team” drive.
They are among the 492 great athletes, coaches and sports figures inducted since the LSHOF was founded in 1958. Beard and Byrd are part of the recently-enshrined 12-member Class of 2023.
Information about the membership drive is available by visiting the LaSportsHall.com website and using the “Join the Team” button for easy access and an efficient signup process. Another efficient option to become a member is by texting LSHOFTEAM to 41444. Membership checks can also be mailed to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, 500 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457.
There are four team membership levels payable monthly, quarterly or annually: Starter ($120 annually, $10 monthly), Captain ($240 annually, $20 monthly), All-Star ($500, $42 monthly) and Hall of Famer ($1,000 or more, $83 monthly).
Funds generated by the membership drive will help underwrite technology and interactive updates to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches, a 10-year-old, internationally acclaimed 27,000-square foot, two-story facility that houses the LSHOF and an extensive sports showcase.
Joining Beard and Byrd in announcing the membership opportunity are Ronnie Rantz, the president/CEO of the LSHOF Foundation, and Greg Burke, the Foundation’s director of business development and public relations.
Inaugural memberships are good through the end of 2024. Donations are tax deductible – cite the LSHOF Foundation, a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
“This membership drive is an important step towards putting the Hall of Fame museum on the cutting edge of the most updated technology, which will greatly enhance the experience for museum visitors,” said Rantz, who added that ongoing engagement with “Team Members” throughout the year is a primary focus.
Everyone who joins before December 31 is entered into a January 1 drawing for the “Ultimate 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Experience” package which will include two tickets to all events, a photo with a favorite inductee, LSHOF gear and other exclusive benefits associated with the 2024 LSHOF induction next year. The package is valued at over $1,000.
The Class of 2024 is headlined by New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees, homegrown women’s basketball superstar Semoine Augustus from Baton Rouge and LSU, and Olympic wrestler and MMA legend Daniel Cormier from Lafayette. Complete information on the 2024 inductees is also at LaSportsHall.com.
“This inaugural Sports Hall of Fame membership drive will ensure on an annual basis that our museum, which recognizes Louisiana’s legacy of exceptional athletes, remains among the best in the country,” said Burke.
The museum is state-funded and operated by the Louisiana State Museum system, but supplemental support for technology maintenance and upgrades is vital.
The “Join the Hall of Fame Team” membership drive has an initial goal of 100 members, providing a base of support for the museum beyond what the LSHOF Foundation and the local Friends of Louisiana Sports and History support group are already providing.
Inquiries can also be made by calling the LSHOF Foundation office at 318-238-4255 (HALL).