The Joplin Sports Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary careers in athletics. The Joplin Sports Authority created the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. When the first inductees were inducted into the prestigious Sports Hall there unfortunately was no permanent place to witness their outstanding careers. Today the Joplin Museum Complex is the home of the Joplin Sports Hall of Fame. The Sports hall display allows future generations a place to witness and better appreciate the exceptional athletes, coaches, sportscasters, and writers of the Joplin region. The display contains personal sports related artifacts from the inductees and each member possesses a plaque which summarizes their sporting achievement.