The Pro Football HOF weekend and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational are typically held the same week in August, and the two events are working together "now more than ever," according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN's CLEVELAND BUSINESS. The golf tournament is slated for Aug. 3-6, which puts it in "direct competition" with HOF weekend. This year, the two events are rolling out "ticket packages in which fans can purchase passes to both events." The combo will "include a Bridgestone pass." Tournament Exec Dir Don Padgett said the pass will be "loaded with some concession value" and a ticket to the HOF enshrinement ceremony. The annual HOF Game "has been moved to Thursday night, Aug. 3, the same day as the first round of the Bridgestone." The enshrinement "will be held in its normal Saturday slot, Aug. 5." HOF President David Baker said, "This is something we should have done long ago." Kleps noted the Bridgestone event "isn't stopping at a combined ticket package." This year's tournament will "feature different sports themes each day." A "college day" will be held on Thursday, a "Browns/NFL celebration will be Friday, and the Indians and Cavs days will round out the tournament on Saturday and Sunday, respectively." Organizers are "encouraging fans to wear their favorite team's apparel each day, and there will be former players from the teams/sports at the Bridgestone each day" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 6/29).
