New holographic exhibit gives football fans the ultimate virtual experience - CNET

Holographic appearances are becoming increasingly popular at exhibits, concerts and other events. A hologram of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, popped up during this year's NBA All-Star technology summit in Toronto. Fans attending the Coachella music festival in 2012 were stunned to see a hologram of the late rapper-actor 2Pac take the stage with fellow rappers Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. A hologram of pop superstar Michael Jackson performed during the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, is already one of sports' sacred shrines. It's a whirling tour of displays, bronze busts of the 303 elite players who have been inducted and video highlights of the game's greatest moments. "A Game for Life," which was completed in two years, is part of a $500 million renovation of the museum.

"A Game for Life" runs about 14 minutes and uses 15 projectors and 60 speakers. The virtual exhibit features several all-time greats sharing lessons they leaed from the game and how they apply in real life. These include Jim Brown, arguably the best football player ever, talking about playing hard; Curtis Martin, who discusses growing up in a tough environment; Jim Kelly, who speaks on perseverance; and Alan Page, on the importance of education.

On choosing the charismatic Namath to introduce the exhibit, Joe Horrigan, the hall's executive vice president, said the former quarterback, broadcaster and actor was a natural choice.