N.J. Hall of Fame finds permanent home at American Dream

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Hall of Fame ? home to many of the Garden State's best and brightest ? now will have a home to call its own.

The Hall of Fame, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a gala induction ceremony, to date has used a mobile museum as its home. The permanent home will be part of the American Dream retail and entertainment complex, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.

The groundbreaking for the new home is to take place Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum (located on the east side of the Arena (former IZOD Center) and in close proximity to the new museum location). The event gets under way at 11 a.m. (EDT).

"I am deeply excited that American Dream will become the New Jersey Hall of Fame's permanent home," says Governor Murphy. "New Jerseyans will learn about the distinguished inductees, who will inspire residents to be the next generation of New Jersey leaders."

Don Ghermezian, President of American Dream, says, "I am tremendously proud to attend this important groundbreaking for The New Jersey Hall of Fame and share their new home with everyone across this great state.  The Museum at American Dream will round out an exceptional offering from entertainment, performing arts, culinary and retail that will draw over 40 million visitors annually.  We look forward to sharing Jersey history and ambition as a part of every visitors' experience at American Dream."

Jon F. Hanson, the Hall of Fame's chairman of the board, adds: "We are beyond excited to have a place to call home, and thrilled that it will be at American Dream. We are proud of the rich and important contributions our inductees have made to New Jersey and beyond, and our new home will allow us to showcase our state to so many more people."

"The NJHOF leadership thanks our founders and family of supporters for helping us to create one of the ultimate symbols of Jersey pride," Steve Edwards, president of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "This exciting new attraction and learning center will have an immeasurable impact on the pride of New Jerseyans, and will help inspire its visitors to realize their highest and best sense of self, with a moral excellence of character."

Baseball standout Al Leiter is among those scheduled to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking. 

"I'm grateful and proud of the honor that my HOF induction and legacy will be showcased alongside all the other New Jersey Hall of Famers at this fantastic new museum home at American Dream," says Leiter.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame permanent museum will be located within several minutes of many attractions at American Dream, including Legoland Discovery Center and Sealife Aquarium, a DreamWorks Water Park, a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Cirque de Soleil and KidZania. An estimated 40 million are expected to visit the American Dream complex annually. The Hall of Fame has entered into a long-term lease at American Dream. Terms were not disclosed.

In addition to officials and founders from the Hall of Fame, dignitaries expected to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking include NJHOF inductees, elected officials from state, county and local governments, executives from American Dream developer Triple Five and business and labor leaders.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: The Foundation for New Jersey Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization honoring citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 10 ceremonies for over 140 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information on the NJHOF, its mission and inductees, go to www.njhalloffame.org.

ABOUT AMERICAN DREAM: American Dream, a world-class retail and entertainment destination, is being developed by Triple Five Group of Companies, owners of the two largest shopping and entertainment centers in North America ? Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall. 

American Dream is at the Meadowlands complex in Bergen County, N.J., at the intersection of three highways ? the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 3, Route 120 - that service over 100 Million vehicles annually.  American Dream is in the heart of the New York metropolitan area with over 21 million residents and nearly 63 million domestic and international tourists annually.  The project is serviced by three of the largest airports in the U.S. ? Newark, LaGuardia and JFK International, with 110 million travelers annually and is connected by passenger rail service to Penn Station New York.  

American Dream, opening in 2019, is approximately 3 million square feet. American Dream will redefine the customer experience in shopping and leisure with a unique combination of retail, dining, entertainment and attractions - all in one location.   Anchor tenant Saks Fifth Avenue -- along with over 450 retail, food and specialty shops -- are complemented by North America's largest fully-enclosed indoor DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park; a 16-story Big Snow Indoor Ski & Snow Park; KidZania; a live Performing Arts Theater; 285-foot tall Observation Wheel; luxury movie theatres by CMX; Sea Life Aquarium, Lego Discovery Center; NHL-size Ice Rink; and two 18-hole miniature golf attractions.  The center also features The Collections ? a luxury and fashion area in the property and The Dining Terrace ? a collection of fifteen full-service restaurants showcased in one location in the center.  

SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame