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Discover the Wilson Football Factory Tour in Ohio

At the Wilson Football Factory in Ada, Ohio, you can witness the full journey of the NFL’s official game ball — “The Duke” — being handcrafted through a meticulous 20-step process. Since 1955, Wilson has produced all leather NFL, NCAA, and youth footballs in this facility.

On the guided tour, you’ll see leather hides cut, stamped, sewn, turned, and laced, all by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. You’ll walk beside machines and hand processes, observing how each ball is tested and finished. The factory also includes a museum area with vintage footballs, exhibits highlighting Wilson’s legacy, and a retail shop selling official gear and souvenirs.

Every visitor gets a small piece of pebbled leather as a keepsake — a tangible piece of the craftsmanship behind professional American football.

History/Story of Wilson Football Manufacturing

Wilson’s football manufacturing in Ada began in 1955, when the company moved production from the Midwest into this dedicated leather facility. Over the decades, Ada has become synonymous with high-quality, hand-crafted game balls. Today, Wilson produces over 500,000 leather footballs annually here, including every NFL game ball. The new facility, opened in 2024, nearly doubled capacity while preserving the artisanal approach to production.

What You’ll See & Do on the Wilson Football Factory Tour

View leather hides being cut and matched into panels
Watch stamping, sewing, turning, and stitching of footballs
Observe lacing, inflation, and finishing processes
Learn about quality control and game-ball standards
Explore the museum exhibits and vintage ball collection
Shop at the retail store for Wilson gear and custom footballs
Receive a souvenir piece of pebbled leather

Hands-On Elements: Touch sample leather, ask craftsmen questions, examine processing tools.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in visitor and museum areas; restricted in production zones.

Souvenirs & Extras:

Wilson factory store with game balls, apparel, memorabilia
Limited “seconds” and overrun balls sometimes available for purchase

Pricing of Wilson Football Factory Tour

Adults: $15
First responders & active/former military: Free
Children (discounts or policies may apply)
A portion of each ticket supports local youth sports programs

Practical Info for Visiting the Wilson Football Factory

Duration: ~45 to 60 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour through the production floor and museum areas
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours daily (Monday–Thursday: 9 AM & 12 PM; Friday: 9 AM only)
Audience: Sports fans, school groups, families, manufacturing and craftsmanship buffs
Accessibility: Some production pathways may be tight; visitors should check accessibility when booking
Safety & Restrictions: Closed-toe shoes required; visitors must stick to designated walkways
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Groups must reserve in advance (call or email ahead)

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes, camera for museum areas, valid ID
Facilities: Restrooms, parking on-site, retail store
Closures & Downtime: Tours must be booked; factory may pause production or tours during maintenance or holidays

Location & Booking

Getting There: Free parking onsite; located just off E Highland Ave in Ada
Booking: Reserve tours online via Wilson’s factory tour page — reservations required
Cancellation & Refunds: Policies vary; check confirmation for details
On-Site Extras: Gift shop, museum exhibits, custom ball options

Nearby

Hardin County landmarks
Small-town Ohio attractions
Regional parks and scenic drives

FAQs About Visiting the Wilson Football Factory

Do I always see footballs being made?
Yes — every tour includes live production. The facility doesn’t halt manufacturing just for tours, so you’ll see real footballs in progress.

How far in advance should I book?
Tours often sell out, especially during football season — booking at least several days ahead is strongly recommended.

Can children go on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome, though very young kids might find the noise and walk time challenging. The leather souvenir piece is always given.

Is photography allowed during the tour?
You can take photos in the museum and visitor areas. In the production zones, photography and videography are restricted for safety and IP reasons.

Can I buy a full football at the end?
Yes — the retail area often carries game balls, limited editions, and sometimes “seconds” or overruns for sale.

What makes the Wilson factory unique?
It’s the sole place in the world where NFL, NCAA, and Wilson’s official game leather footballs are handcrafted. The mix of handwork and American manufacturing heritage makes it rare.