Tom Brady’s Patriots HOF induction could be like Celtics’ ‘Larry Bird Night’ as details emerge

The New England Patriots’ Hall of Fame induction for Tom Brady may resemble the one the Boston Celtics held for Larry Bird in 1993, also known as ‘Larry Bird Night,’ according to reports.

On Sunday, ESPN Patriots insider Mike Reiss revealed that Brady will return to New England for the ceremony on June 12, as he will be honored at Gillette Stadium as part of an ‘unprecedented’ event in franchise history.

“In the new week, Patriots season ticket members will receive information about tickets and will be given preferential pricing for the event through April 12,” he added.

‘If there is any remaining inventory after the pre-sale process, it will be made available to the general public at the end of April.

“For long-time New England sports fans, this could be similar to the historic ‘Larry Bird Night’ of 1993.”

The next event has similarities to the Celtics’ HOF induction for Larry Bird in 1993.

Boston Garden was sold out for ‘Larry Bird Night,’ 33 years ago, when the Celtics honored their three-time NBA champion in front of their fans.

A little more than three decades ago, 14,000 Celtics fans lucky enough to enter the Boston Garden rejoiced in the memories Bird had provided over 13 seasons, being honored after winning three NBA championships for the franchise between 1979 and 1992.

To summarize the event, the The Los Angeles Times wrote in an article from 31 years ago.: ‘Officially called ”Larry Bird Night,” the ceremony was a mix of Celtic pomp and circumstance, the basketball equivalent of a Kennedy wedding.

‘Birdmania paralyzed this sports-crazed city as the date approached. The Boston Globe ran a special section on Bird being thick enough to stick an arm into the ground. Commemorative t-shirts sold for $15.50. Bird’s autographed photographs sold for $245. The limited edition Larry Bird coins, with an easy payment plan, sold for up to $995. The autographed plates were priced at $139.

‘The retirement party had become a cottage industry, but in this case all net proceeds from sales went to the Celtic Charitable Foundation, of which Bird is a key member.

“But in keeping with Bird’s personality, it also included tributes from fans, former teammates and coaches.”

Magic Johnson also memorably attended Bird’s Celtics Hall of Fame induction.

Former coaches, teammates and rivals took turns rejoicing in Bird’s past greatness.

Widely considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Brady played 20 of his 23 seasons in the league with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVPs and three regular season MVPs in the process.

He also became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns during his time in New England.

Although Brady spent the last three years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding one more ring and another Super Bowl MVP without Bill Belichick, he will always be remembered as a Patriot first and foremost.

So it should come as no surprise that the Patriots are honoring one of the greatest players in league history.