The Sports Museum of America Opens Today

Be among the first to visit the nation's first museum honoring all sports, which is opening today in Lower Manhattan. The Sports Museum of America has partnered with more than 50 sports Hall of Fames and other athletic organizations to assemble a collection of inspiring exhibits, memorabilia and hero tributes -- including more than 600 artifacts, 1,100 photos, and 20 original films within 19 galleries.

Among the sights to see are the first women's sports hall of fame, the legendary Heisman Trophy in its new permanent home, and an interactive "Stadium of the Future" exhibit. Visitors can also try out more than 2 dozen mechanical and computer interactive exhibits that provide first-hand sports experience - feeling the sensation of an incoming, 120mph slapshot from the hockey goalie's perspective, stepping onto a simulated NASCAR racetrack with cars screaming by on floor-to-ceiling screens, and comparing the weights of the baseball bats used by Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Ichiro Suzuki.

The Sports Museum of America

• Location: 26 Broadway (corner of Broadway and Beaver Street).
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9AM-7PM (last ticket sold at 5:30PM). Saturday and Sunday, 9AM-9PM (last ticket sold at 7:30PM)
• Admission: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and student with ID, $20 for kids 4-14, and free for kids under 4.
• Directions: 4,5 to Bowling Green; 1,R,W to Rector Street
• More information about the Sports Museum of America