The NCAA offered a sneak peek at its rebuilt and improved Hall of Champions this morning, a blend of interactive displays and entertaining exhibits set to open to the public March 12.

One of the new highlights of the Downtown facility, closed since it was damaged by a fire Nov. 14, 2007, is “The Arena,” featuring 23 college sports with displays, artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors can use touch screens to find the history of each sport, participating schools, past champions, current rankings, other multimedia aspects and trivia.

A play area allows visitors to try aspects of several sports. There’s the basic stuff like a small basketball court, but users also can try to kick a soccer ball past a virtual goalie, play golf on a virtual screen, check out a pole vault or javelin, and see what it’s like to take their mark on a swimming or track and field block.

A “Hall of Honor” celebrates athletes for academic and athletic accomplishments. There’s a media room with video screens of NCAA footage and features including the NCAA Tournament “One Shining Moment.” A Member Showcase pays tribute to each member institution.

Normal hours for the Hall of Champions will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. It’s closed Mondays. Cost is $5 general admission, $3 for children 6-18, students and senior citizens. Children 5 and younger are free.