The Breitbard Hall of Fame is relocating from Balboa Park to Petco Park to make room for a Comic-Con center, according to the Hall of Fame.
The San Diego Hall of Champions will continue to host its numerous awards, recognition and community program at a site to be determined. Many of the historical items now housed at the sports museum will be moved to the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.
Taking the Hall of Champions’ place at the Federal Building in Balboa Park will be Comic-Con International, which plans to use the facility as the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture.
The Hall of Fame was founded by the late sports icon Bob Breitbard to recognize athletic achievement in San Diego. It consists of 153 inductee plaques, which will be located in the Western Metal Supply Co. Building on the main concourse at Petco Park. The space is a high-traffic passageway for thousands of fans each game, connecting the seating bowl and the Padres Hall of Fame presented by Sony. Construction is expected to be completed during the 2017 Padres season.
Breitbard was a high school and college coach who owned hockey and basketball teams.
“Bob Breitbard was one of San Diego’s greatest sports leaders,” said Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler, who also serves as chairman of the Board of the Hall of Champions. “The San Diego Hall of Champions is an important community asset and this move positions the organization for a bright, sustainable future. The Padres are glad to welcome the Breitbard Hall of Fame to Petco Park.”
Comic-Con is the largest convention of its kind in the world and is held in July at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con’s contract with the San Diego Convention Center runs through 2018. Officials are negotiating to keep the event locally through 2021.