Hall of Fame Resort teams up with Harris & Blitzer to transform youth sports at Village

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, identified as HOFV on NASDAQ, has announced a strategic partnership with Josh Harris and David Blitzer, renowned figures in the sports and entertainment industry. The partnership aims to enhance and broaden youth sports programming at the Hall of Fame Village, a sprawling 115-acre sports and entertainment hub centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Michael Crawford, President and CEO of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, emphasized the profound and widespread impact of youth sports programming at the Hall of Fame Village. He stated that the initiative goes beyond the game, focusing on instilling values, building character, and fostering a sense of community that will endure into the future. The collaboration with Josh Harris and David Blitzer is positioned to shape not just skilled athletes but also resilient individuals and future leaders, reflecting the company’s dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives of young participants and the communities it serves.

Harris and Blitzer expressed their shared goal of creating opportunities for youth to experience the positive benefits of sports. Through this partnership, they plan to expand the youth sports platform to include various sports such as flag and tackle football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. The collaboration extends to key local stakeholders, including Stark County, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Canton City School District.

The partnership leverages the strength of the Hall of Fame Village and the successful track records of Harris and Blitzer to amplify youth sports programming, providing world-class experiences for participants at ForeverLawn Sports Complex. This strategic move strengthens the Village’s influence and reach while affirming the commitment of both entities to utilize the power of sports to inspire, educate, and uplift youth. The collaboration will also extend to youth sports programming at the Hall of Fame Village’s Center for Performance, a fabric-domed facility with 100,000 square feet of versatile indoor space for hosting various events throughout the year.

In terms of ownership, Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company will retain a minority interest in the Sports Complex business. The partnership not only advances the strategy of integrated guest experiences at the Hall of Fame Village but also commits to providing meaningful services to the Sports Complex business through diverse commercial agreements, elevating the synergy model to a higher level.

As founders of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, known for overseeing the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center, and the Washington Commanders, Harris and Blitzer have a track record of creating sports and educational opportunities for youth. Drawing on their institutional knowledge in sports, entertainment, and innovation, they aim to sustain and expand the growth of programming at the ForeverLawn Sports Complex through strategic investments in systems, technology, and facilities.

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