Episode 53

The College Football Hall of Fame

Published on: 26th April, 2026

In the early 1990s, South Bend took a bold swing, landing the College Football Hall of Fame with hopes of putting the city on the national stage and sparking new life in downtown.

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Nussbaum, former South Bend city attorney under Joe Kernan and someone who had a front row seat to how it all unfolded. From the excitement of landing the Hall, to the numerous challenges, to the eventual move out of South Bend, Dick shares a firsthand look at one of the most ambitious, and debated, chapters in our city’s modern history.

This is the story of a big idea, the risks that come with it, and what it all means looking back today. _________________________________________________________

Big thank you to Dan Berry Insurance for supporting the show. I’ve trusted them for over 25 years - their customer service and commitment to our community truly stands out! Learn more at www.danberryinsurance.com.

_________________________________________________________

Special thanks to our friends at Allie's Cafe for supporting this episode of Round the Bend Now and Then! A River Park staple for 26 years, Allie’s is more than just a cafe - it’s family. Stop in, grab a breakfast burrito (my favorite), or check out their catering at https://www.alliescafe.com/ and tell them Round the Bend sent you!

_________________________________________________________

Thank you to M/T Box Computers for sponsoring this episode! Check out their website below to learn more about what they can do to fit your small business's technological needs! Did I mention that they're local?

https://www.mtboxcomputers.com/

_______________________________________________

ALL of our audio podcast episodes are also on YouTube! Check out our channel! Be sure to like and subscribe! Link below!

You Tube Link: https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Be sure to follow Round the Bend Now and Then on Twitter: @roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

To contact the show, you can email at roundthebend574@gmail.com or message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current & historical pictures and commentary on the South Bend & Mishawaka area, follow @roundthebend574 on Twitter.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for Round the Bend Now and Then

About the Podcast

Round the Bend Now and Then
Local history nerd Matt Emery strives to tell the story of South Bend and Mishawaka through interviews with local leaders, business owners and community members. Learn how intertwined the South Bend and Mishawaka area's past is to our present.
 
Our episodes are available on all popular podcast apps (Apple, Spotify, etc.).

I'm dabbling into visual content as well! Be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Link below:
https://youtube.com/@RoundtheBend574

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/roundthebendpod

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundthebendnowandthen

Reach out via email at: roundthebend574@gmail.com or instant message on Twitter or Facebook.

For current and historic pictures and commentary on the South Bend and Mishawaka area, also follow https://twitter.com/roundthebend574 on Twitter!

About your host

Profile picture for Matt Emery

Matt Emery