SOUTH BEND, Ind — Thousands of college football fans from across the country will join the National Football Foundation on July 15-16 at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind. for the annual Enshrinement Festival.

The annual event pays tribute to the storied careers of 20 of the game’s greatest players including Desmond Howard, Mark Herrmann and Coach Mike Kelly among others.

In addition to the multitude of football related events throughout the weekend, the schedule boasts a variety of affordable family-friendly activities. The weekend’s festivities will include a celebrity golf tournament, ladies fashion show and brunch, ribs cook-off, cornhole tournament, live concerts, fireworks spectacular, grand parade and youth football clinic. The celebration culminates with the Enshrinement Dinner Show on Saturday evening.

“The College Football Hall of Fame is elated to bring another Enshrinement Festival to our community,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Lisa Klunder. “The 2011 Enshrinement Festival promises to be even better than the last as we continue our tradition of excellence by enhancing each of our events that are engaging for the entire family. We are excited to welcome the large groups of fans and alumni that will be joining us from across the country to celebrate with this year’s class of outstanding Hall of Famers as they receive college football’s greatest honor.”

Of the 4.79 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on November 6, 1869, only 882 players have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. From the coaching ranks, 190 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction.

Tickets for all events are now on sale. Prices and availability vary for each event and group packages are available. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your spirit and witness history unfold as this class of Enshrinees secures its place among other gridiron legends.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the 2011 Enshrinement Festival, visit www.enshrinementfestival.org or call 1-800-440-FAME.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame is proud to offer the community a unique opportunity to volunteer at the Enshrinement Festival. Various roles include hospitality, admissions, festival information guides, youth services, facility/maintenance and event related duties. Volunteers must be age 16 or older, unless supervised by an adult. Group opportunities are also available. Interested parties should contact Kim Durbin, Volunteer Coordinator, at (574) 235-5709 or kim.durbin@collegefootball.org.