Home sought for hall of fame

Last year at this time, the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame quietly was working with Boyd Gaming to provide the organization with a permanent home at the Orleans Arena.

But with the economy struggling and Orleans Arena vice president Steve Stallworth leaving his position, the SNSHOF is back to square one as it prepares to induct its 2008 class tonight.

"We knew in March the project was off," said Dale Eeles, the Hall's executive director. "We were on the list of projects for Boyd, but they're in a state of cutting costs, and we didn't get approved.

"With Steve there, it would have been a good fit. But with Steve leaving the Orleans, that's not going to happen."

Stallworth, who leaves June 15 to become general manager of the events center at the South Point, said the Orleans concept was a good one for the SNSHOF.

"It was a pretty elaborate project, around $300,000," Stallworth said. "The timing just wasn't right, given the economy. But I think it could still work there."

Eeles said the hope is when the proposed arena by Anschutz Entertainment Group gets built behind Bally's and Paris Las Vegas in 2010, the Hall will be included and finally have a place of its own.

"That's the logical answer," Eeles said. "They claim they want to connect with the community. This is the perfect way for them to do that."

For Larry Johnson, Fred Dallimore, Mel Larson, Wendy Macpherson and Rich Abajian, who all will be inducted tonight as the Class of 2008, their enshrinement will be showcased at the Hall's current location at the Findlay Auto Group's store at the Galleria Mall in Henderson.

Eeles admits the current location is at capacity and creative shuffling will be necessary to fit this year's class as well as those over the next couple of years until the AEG arena accepts the Hall or an alternative location is found.

"Cliff Findlay and his staff have been A-plus," Eeles said. "They've been so supportive of us.

"There's a possibility they may move to a bigger location in the mall, and that would help us short term."

Eeles said the organization, which has donated more than $250,000 back to groups and organizations in Clark County since its inception in 1997, wants to stay on that track rather than divert funds for a permanent location.

"There are a lot of halls of fame that don't even display," Eeles said. "We'd rather take the money we raise and put it back in the community."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.