A third was added in 1971, a fourth in 1978. In its 51,000 square feet of space, the hall of fame includes an area tracing the history of pro football, an art gallery, a room devoted to enshrinees and their teams, and many special exhibits. The hall of fame library contains many original documents, press clippings, books and magazines. To be eligible, players must be retired for five years. A coach becomes eligible immediately upon retirement.
Contributors can still be active.
Induction takes place during Hall of Fame weekend, usually in late July, which includes an NFL exhibition game at Canton's Fawcett Field.