Hall Call Ep 009 - Bob Pizzini 09 - 17 - 19 by Hall Call

Throughout the history of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, 334 individuals have gained induction representing 22 different sports. Sports that have not been represented to this point include ice hockey, figure skating, and indoor skydiving. In the coming years however, that could change due to the work being done by Virginia resident Bob Pizzini.

Pizzini is the current CEO of IFLY: Indoor Skydiving in Virginia Beach, and is spearheading a fundraising effort to build a brand new, state of the art ice facility in the resort city as well. Pizzini, a Wisconsin native, has always had a love for sports at his core. After serving in the military for 26 years, Pizzini settled in Virginia Beach and opened the IFLY facility, transforming it into a premier indoor skydiving event venue, hosting the last 3 U.S. Opens. In addition to that he has also led efforts in creating a national governing body for the sport to increase its profile internationally, with the goal of inclusion in future Olympic Games.

A hockey fan at heart, Pizzini is now working with a Boston Bruins Alumni group on the Warrior Ice Center project, hoping to increase hockey play and development here in the Commonwealth. Pizzini joined us on the Hall Call Podcast to discuss these initiatives and the evolution of the Virginia sports landscape.