Canton (Ohio) The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio, for three main reasons: (1) the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League, was founded in Canton on September 17, 1920; and (2) the Canton Bulldogs were an early pro football power, even before the NFL. The team's home stadium, Bulldog Park, was located just a few blocks from the hall. (3) The first NFL game was played in Canton on December 11, 1920, between the Chicago Staleys and the Cleveland Indians. The museum is located about 20 minutes south of downtown Cleveland at 7750 Memorial Parkway. It is accessible from I-77 and Exit 3 (Hall of Fame Drive). For more information about the NFL Hall of Fame, visit nfl.com/hof.