Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum(31)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Appropriaty situate next door to the Bricktown Ballpark, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Museum is a collection rich in the history of sports in our great state. When you walk in the doors at ground level you might think you somehow missed it, but just get on the elevator and it will take you up to the second floor to see an awesome museum and the legacy of Oklahoma sports.
First established in 1986, the Jim Thorpe Association began to promote Oklahoma and our sports and to help kids develop healthy habits, strong sportsmanship, and academic pride. As they've grown, their mission has stayed the same. Over the years, two non-profit entities merged into one and dubbed themselves the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and this museum is part of the results of their work. And it's so cool. Display after display highlights a different sport or a different player. Of course there's a Jim Thorpe section. I've read about Thorpe for years, but they had some items and information that I'd never seen before. I was thrilled! But the museum doesn't stop at our home state hero, Jim. There are dozens of displays for football, baseball, basketball, rodeo, golf, wrestling, referees, and much more. I was honestly taken aback by how much they had and how diverse a collection it is.
I love to watch sporting events. TV is okay, but I especially like to see them live where you can smell the popcorn and feel the roar of the crowd. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. But, I'm the type of guy that doesn't have any idea who's out there on the field or on the court. I just don't retain names very well and if I do, it's because they've done something great that made me look them up and my brain finds a place for them in my long term memory. Well, in this museum, I saw quite a few names that I actually remembered! And they're all associated with Oklahoma in one way or another. It made me even more proud to be an Okie. I bet you'll feel the same if you go see it.
One thing I thought as I was walking around this cool museum was, "I'm bringing my father-in-law here when he comes to visit." You might consider heading down there with your dad, in-laws, or anyone who loves sports. They'll love it. It's free admission, so bring the whole family. There are plenty of places to have lunch after you go see an Oklahoma treasure.
20 S. Mickey Mantle Dr. Oklahoma City
405-427-1400
Jonathan Elmore ©2025
