Fooch's note: This will serve as our open thread for the ceremony.
The 2016 NFL season is just around the corner, and this weekend brings back football! The Hall of Fame Game kicks off Sunday evening, but in the meantime, we get a huge event for 49ers fans. It is official induction weekend in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday evening, legends of the game will be formally enshrined at 4 p.m. PT for the public as the class of 2016. On Sunday evening, the Hall of Fame Game takes place in Canton, featuring the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts.
Saturday's enshrinement ceremony is huge for 49ers fans, with former owner Eddie DeBartolo finally getting his due. The franchise altering owner has waited for years, but finally got in as a contributor. He will be presented by his daughter, Lisa. She will give a brief speech and welcome her dad to the stage following a tribute video. It will be interesting to see how many former players DeBartolo mentions in his speech.
The ceremony starts at 4 p.m. PT on Saturday, airing on ESPN and NFL Netowrk. You can stream it live on WatchESPN. I have not seen a formal order for inductees. If it is alphabetical, DeBartolo would be first on the list. We'll have an open thread later today for the ceremony, and hopefully we can find some video after the fact with Mr. D’s speech.
Date/time: Saturday, 4 p.m. PT
Venue: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
TV: ESPN, NFL Network
Online: WatchESPN