NFL quarterback Dan Marino, Hockey goaltender Tony Esposito and Baseball catcher Mike Piazza are just a few of the sports stars inducted at The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame since 1977. The 44,000 square foot Chicago institution, has welcomed more than just sports legends—it's collected museum-worthy memorabilia over the past 40 years. A visit to the Hall of Fame, which sets up shop in the Little Italy neighborhood, will reveal Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers coach coat, the Olympic medals of swimmer Matt Biondi, Rocky Marciano’s heavyweight championship belt, and even Mario Andretti’s Indy 500 race car.

The Tommy and Jo Lasorda Exhibit Gallery holds the majority of the memorabilia, including a five screen, 25-foot panoramic video tribute to the athletes inducted into the Hall of Fame, while a grand spiral staircase to the second floor leads to more exhibits, including Joe Amato’s 32-foot dragster, Mary Carillo’s Emmy and Peabody Awards, and Motts Tonelli’s POW cap. The fourth floor houses the Salvatore A. Balsamo Rooftop Terrace with a scenic view of the city and Chicago skyline, where the terrace is available for special events, dinner parties, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. A small gift shop featuring sports memorabilia, clothing, books, and collector’s items is located on the main floor by the reception desk, where guests can stop on their way in or out before passing the Piazza DiMaggio with a statue of the famous “Yankee Clipper,” Joe DiMaggio.

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 with more than 250 inductees enshrined. The organization raises money for scholarships and charitable causes such as the Crushers Club, the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Second Wind, A Level Playing Field, and more.