There's an argument to be made that those cultural touchstones are just as woven into the fabric of history (this is America, after all) as anything else, and it's an argument that the Game Changer exhibition is making.
Billed as bringing to life the "power of sports in bridging divides and fostering unity across cultures through rare artifacts and inspirational stories," Game Changer: United by Sports is a new installation coming to the George W. Bush Presidential Center this fall.
The exhibition explores moments like President George W. Bush throwing the first pitch at the 2001 World Series after 9/11 and the legacies of iconic African American athletes like Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. Plus, guests can visit a separate gallery that will pay homage specific to North Texas sports.
Game Changer will open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 6, after an exclusive preview for members of the museum on Sept. 5. There's plenty of time to check it out, too. The exhibition will remain on view for a year and a half, closing formally on Jan. 10, 2027. Admission is included with a ticket to the permanent George W. Bush Presidential Center exhibition, which includes a full-size replica of the Oval Office and Steel Beams from the World Trade Center.
In celebration of the exhibition, Bob Costas and Joe Buck will visit the museum on Sept. 16 to present an hour-long conversation titled How Sports Bring Us Together. As two of the most iconic voices in the history of sports, Costas and Buck will spend the evening sharing stories from their illustrious careers, focusing on moments that brought about unity in the sports world and beyond. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with overflow tickets still available online for $20.
Game Changer can be viewed with a standard ticket to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. It's open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets can be reserved online for $26.
