Pro Football Hall of Fame finally recognizes the Arena Football League and everything AFL Football

It's about time.

Finally, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is scheduled to unveil its very first exhibit dedicated to the Arena Football League as it aims to present the past, present and future of the AFL.

Yep, AFL Football in the Pro Football Hall of Fame folks, and it will be on February 26, merely days before the AFL kicks off its 21st season on March 1. And yes, it has been 21 years already since the AFL, now with 19 football teams, started.

''The Arena Football League is a mature property that has experienced explosive growth in recent years,'' said Pro Football Hall of Fame President and Executive Director Steve Perry.

''A true success story, the AFL has earned its place in pro football history and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.''

Since 2002, total viewership of the Arena Football League has increased from 12 million viewers to 65 million, its team values from $12 to $20 million and its average per game attendance from 9,957 to 12,378.

When combined with the AFL's minor league, called ''Arena Football 2,'' Arena Football will be played in 49 markets in 2007.

''There are many milestones for a growing sports league but I can't think of one that is more meaningful for our league than an exhibit in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,'' said AFL Commissioner David Baker.

The said Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit that will feature AFL Football exclusively, will have both AFL historical and interactive elements designed to illustrate Arena Football's fast-paced action.

A large photomural of an AFL field will serve as the backdrop to a display that will feature a large video screen which will play a continuous two-minute highlight loop, a display panel and two interactive touch screens that will host a variety of videos designed to communicate the league’s past, present and future.

The display will be built on real AFL turf and guests will be able to examine an official AFL football, jersey and helmet.

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