Class of 2010 & PNC to ring NYSE closing bell on eve of Enshrinement; open free to public

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2010 – Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice, and Emmitt Smith – will collectively ring the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. EDT from the front steps of the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

In a rare departure from the closing bell ceremony that takes place on Wall Street, the class of football legends will be the first to ring the much celebrated NYSE bell on the eve of their enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. In addition to celebrating the achievements of this year's enshrinees, the NYSE also recognizes PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) which has recently completed the successful conversion of National City customers to become the fifth largest bank in the country.

Although infrequent, a remote ringing of the bell has been held in conjunction with other major sporting events including Super Bowl XLIV and the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing China.

"Bringing PNC, the New York Stock Exchange, and the 2010 Enshrinees together is truly a unique opportunity during this very special weekend to honor the great achievements made by each member of the Class of 2010," shared Dave Motts, Vice President-Marketing/Operations at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"The Enshrinement weekend festivities recognize the exceptional achievements of athletes who represent the best in their field – and who have performed their best on it," said Kevin O. Thompson, PNC regional president for Akron and Canton. "We are honored to be in such esteemed company as the Hall of Fame and this year's enshrinees at the remote bell ceremony, as we continue our commitment to fostering exemplary achievement in the daily lives of our customers and our communities."

The enshrinement of Grimm, Jackson, LeBeau, Little, Randle, Rice and Smith is the focal point of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival that includes 18 public events over a span of 11 days.

The bell-ringing ceremony is open to the public free of charge. The event will begin on the front steps starting at 3:30 p.m. and conclude with the bell-ringing at 4:00 p.m. EDT that closes trading on the NYSE for the week.

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