Hall of Fame Village to Host NFL Alumni Academy Freedom Bowl Weekend
High School Showcase games to take place on August 26-27 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
Tickets go on sale today at 2 p.m. ET at www.hofvillage.com
CANTON, Ohio – June 21, 2022 – Hall of Fame Village and the NFL Alumni Academy today announced they will be hosting the 2022 NFL Alumni Academy Freedom Bowl, the largest high school football event in the country, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 26-27.The Freedom Bowl will consist of five games including national and state powerhouse teams. The event will also commemorate those who have protected our nation through military service and will feature additional activities to support youth football players. Tickets go on sale today at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased at www.hofvillage.com.
The weekend kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET, Friday, August 26 when Missouri’s #1 ranked Christian Brothers Catholic (St. Louis), takes on Milton, ranked #3 in Georgia. The 8:30 p.m. nightcap will feature Cleveland’s Saint Edward’s, the 2021 Ohio State Champions, against Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic, ranked #10 in Pennsylvania. Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino was a Parade All American for Central Catholic, graduating in 1979.
Saturday’s lineup features Canada’s Clarkson North against Perry (Canton area) at 2 p.m. ET. Camden (New Jersey) takes on Chardon, a perennial Ohio powerhouse at 5 p.m. followed by the weekend finale between nationally ranked Saint Frances Academy (#1 in Maryland) and East St. Louis (#1 in Illinois) at 8 p.m.
“We are excited to host some of the top high school football teams in America at the Hall of Fame Village for the Freedom Bowl,” said Mike Levy, President of Operations for Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, owner of the Hall of Fame Village. “A big part of the Freedom Bowl is to not only enjoy the high level of competition on the field, but to showcase to the student athletes, coaches and fans those who protect and serve our nation - an initiative to which we’re passionate about bringing awareness.”
The Freedom Bowl has been taking place for the past five years in Atlanta, Georgia, and has hosted some of the greatest high school football teams in the country. This year’s slate of teams includes:
- Saint Frances (Maryland)
- Milton (Georgia)
- Christian Brothers Catholic (Missouri)
- East St. Louis (Illinois)
- Central Catholic (Pennsylvania)
- Camden (New Jersey)
- Clarkson North (Canada)
- Saint Edward (Ohio)
- Chardon (Ohio)
- Perry (Ohio)
Freedom Bowl founder Dave Menard on the partnership with Hall of Fame Village and the NFL Alumni Academy stated, “As the Freedom Bowl continues to grow and develop as a premier destination for some of America’s most talented high school football programs, we are exceptionally proud to add the NFL Alumni Academy, Pro Football Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Village to our family of marketing partners. It’s always rewarding to add like-minded partners who share our core values and are committed to supporting student athletes. We also would like to thank Joe Maimone from Prep Gridiron Logistics for always finding the nation’s best teams for the Freedom Bowl. Collectively, our organizations are dedicated to prioritizing education, life skills, family values and supporting all branches of the United States Armed Forces. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect fit.”
The Freedom Bowl raises awareness for veterans and proceeds benefit wounded warriors and their military families. Sponsored by the NFL Alumni Academy, the oldest national organization of retired former athletes, the event will also feature activities to support young athletes and recognize those who served, including: a team skills competition, guest speakers, life skills, partner breakout sessions and parent, family, and community partner interactions.
Beasley Reece, CEO of the NFL Alumni Association, said, “This event embodies everything that the NFL Alumni Association is about. We couldn’t be happier to play a part in the event and the numerous alumni that are involved are excited to give back to the sport that gave so much to them.”
About the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls
Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls is a multi-use sports, entertainment and media destination centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame's campus in Canton, Ohio. Owned by the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW), the Village currently has over $250 million worth of assets under management and is one of the largest ongoing construction projects in Ohio. Phase I of the project entailed the construction of the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a world-class 20,000 seat, sports and entertainment stadium, and the National Youth Football and Sports Complex. Phase II, currently under construction, will add the Constellation Center for Excellence, the Center for Performance, a Fan Engagement Zone, a Hall of Fame indoor waterpark and a Hilton Tapestry Hotel. Phase III is currently in planning stages. For more information, visit www.HOFVillage.com.
About Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company
Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW) is a resort and entertainment company leveraging the power and popularity of professional football and its legendary players in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Headquartered in Canton, Ohio, the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company is the owner of the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, a multi-use sports, entertainment and media destination centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame's campus. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.HOFREco.com.
About the NFL Alumni Association
The NFL Alumni Association is oldest and most recognizable national organization of retired former athletes. The NFL Alumni Association serves former National Football League players, coaches and other employees whose “Caring for our Own” mission is to serve, assist and inform former players and their families. NFL Alumni Health is an entity focused on health and wellness initiatives to improve the quality of life for NFL Alumni members and their families. The association offers a variety of medical, financial and social programs to help members lead healthy, productive and connected lives, as well as philanthropic and community initiatives under the NFL Alumni’s “Caring for Kids” programs. The NFL Alumni Association hosts the NFL Alumni Academy player development program each football season at the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls in Canton, Ohio. www.NFLalumni.org. www.NFLalumniacademy.com
Forward-Looking Statements
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Media/Investor Contacts:
For Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company
Media Inquiries: public.relations@hofreco.com
Investor Inquiries: investor.relations@hofreco.com
For NFL Alumni Academy
Media Inquiries:brian@wavsports.com