Watch a previous story about Wilson making Super Bowl balls for the 2022 game with the Cincinnati Bengals in the player above.
ADA, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio is known as the birthplace of the NFL; however, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is not the only place fans can take an NFL-related tour in the Buckeye State.
Football aficionados can now see inside a new, expanded Wilson Sporting Goods football factory in Ada, the town that has been churning out the NFL's gameballs for decades. In a news release, the company announced the facility is nearly twice the size of the original. It will also host "product testing, ball customization and Wilson’s game-ready product break-in process."
"This new space gives the true craftsmen and craftswomen in Ada – who make each football by hand – more space to continue their game-changing work, as well as the opportunity for Wilson to continue innovating, designing and offering the top product in sport," the release said.
Visitors to the plant, along with seeing the detailed 20-step manufacturing process that goes into each NFL game football, which is referred to as “The Duke,” can view memorabilia dating to the 1940s in a museum area celebrating "iconic Wilson and NFL moments." Guests can also take home a souvenir from the retail store that carries equipment for different sports and men's and women's apparel items.
“Wilson and the NFL are one of the most iconic relationships in sports, dating back over 80 years,” said Kevin Murphy, global general manager of Team Sports at Wilson. “Since then, Wilson has been part of every snap, pass and touchdown in NFL history."
In addition to the modern workshop announcement the NFL and Wilson celebrated "the renewal of their historic partnership, naming Wilson again as the official football of the league."
“The NFL’s time-honored partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is integral to our past, present and future, with ‘The Duke’ at the forefront of every NFL game played since 1941,” said Ryan Samuelson, vice president of consumer products at the NFL. “Renewing and expanding our relationship with a partner so ingrained into our culture is paramount for the league to continue to grow the game and the opening of the new football factory is a testament to Wilson’s commitment to NFL football.”
The factory, which is located at 517 E. Highland Ave. offers one-hour tours on weekdays, starting at 9 a.m., according to the Wilson website. The cost is $15 per person with a portion of the proceeds designated for youth sports groups. Admission for first responders and active or former military is free. Tours can be reserved online.
