Hall of Fame Village Unveils Exciting Details for the Upcoming 3-Day Fan Festival and Football Experience, First Down Fest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANTON, OHIO – July 27, 2023 -- Hall of Fame Village announced event details surrounding their inaugural 3-day Fan Festival and Football Experience, “First Down Fest,” set to take place from August 3 to August 5, 2023, at ForeverLawn Sports Complex. Being dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf” this football extravaganza will engage fans of all ages with a myriad of attractions and activities.
First Down Fest will offer guests from around the region and across the country traveling to Canton for Enshrinement festivities a football-themed atmosphere with live concerts, Pro Football Hall of Famer “Meet and Greets”, DJ’s, interactive activities, food trucks, and local vendors, all promising loads of fun for the entire family. The fan fest is the perfect “first stop” each day for those coming to the Hall of Fame Village! First Down Fest hours vary so guests can stop in for fun, food, and drinks before heading over to other events at Tom Benson Stadium and in downtown Canton. Daily hours are:
- Thursday, August 3 from 12 to 7 PM
- Friday, August 4 from 12 to 5 PM
- Saturday, August 5 from 9 AM to 7 PM
Football Experience
For those who have always wanted to “test their football prowess”, activations will include a 40-yard dash, field goal kicking challenge, and an obstacle course that will assess speed and agility. Fans will also be given the opportunity to share their “creative side” at the “Sports Coloring Wall” and be able to stay cool at the misting tent. The USFL will feature an inflatable football toss to test throwing accuracy and other football-themed inflatable photo opportunities including two larger-than-life football helmets.
Field Stage Lineup
The Field Stage will come alive daily with an incredible lineup of local and regional performers, specially curated for all audiences.
Come early on Thursday for a chance to see social media sensations and former contestants of The Voice, Sorellé. Jul Big Green blends pop, rock, and hip-hop, and closing out the evening is the high-energy, Shoreline Funk All-Stars, winners of the Cleveland Music Awards “Best New Artist” in 2022.
Friday will bring 9-year-old DJ Lily Jade to the Field Stage, along with Canton’s very own blues and roots musicians, the Jake Friel Band. The headlining act is a 4-piece country band, North to Nashville, featuring front man, Evan Blankenship, former Buckeye’s football player from 2007 to 2011.
On Saturday, Canton’s favorite sports-talk radio show, the Kenny & JT Show, will broadcast live from the Field Stage. Followed by JT Turk himself with a DJ set, and then Q92’s Nikolina DJ Diva wrapping up the fest.
Thursday, August 3
- 1 to 2 PM – Sorellé from Lexington, OH
- 3 to 4 PM – Jul Big Green from Akron, OH
- 5 to 7 PM – Shoreline Funk All-Stars from Cleveland, OH
Friday, August 4
- 12 & 2:30 PM – DJ Lily Jade from Cleveland, OH
- 1 to 2:30 PM – Jake Friel Band from Canton, OH
- 3:30 to 5 PM – North to Nashville from Columbus, OH
Saturday, August 5
- 10 AM to 12 PM – WHBC’s Kenny & JT Show Live Broadcast
- 12:30 to 3 PM – JT Turk DJ Set from Canton, OH
- 3 to 7 PM – Nikolina DJ Diva from Canton, OH
Pro Football Hall of Famer Meet & Greet Experience
Don't miss the chance to meet football legends during limited hours at the Pro Football Hall of Famer Meet & Greet Experience for photographs only (no autographs) on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Scheduled to appear and subject to change)
- Thursday, August 3, from 5 to 6:30 PM – Charles Haley
- Friday, August 4, from 2:30 to 4 PM – Ty Law
- Saturday, August 5, from 3:30 to 5 PM – Marshall Faulk
Jim Beam Backyard Bar
Get ready for some fun at the Jim Beam Backyard Bar! Enjoy an engaging round of yard games with fans from around the country, a premium view of the stage, and tastings of some of the finest Jim Beam products during designated hours each day.
Vendor Village - Unique Offerings for All
The Vendor Village will feature vendors with unique offerings from around the region. From local businesses to food, crafts, and gifts, Vendor Village is the place to find that “next great thing” that Canton and the region have to offer.
US Air Force and US Army Activations
Experience the thrill of military life with engaging activations, featuring cornhole boards, a pull-up bar, and exciting giveaways.
Food Truck Court
Foodies will be delighted with the presence of some fantastic food trucks at the event. Golden Corral’s Food truck will serve up delectable delights to satisfy appetites, Kona Ice will offer refreshing treats to cool down on a hot summer day, and Canton’s Mission BBQ will serve barbeque as well as its classic sides. Hall of Fame Village will have concession stands open serving hot dogs, bratwurst, and other field-side snacks, beverages, and refreshments. For an ice-cold and refreshing craft beer, stop by The Brew Kettle Beer Trailer located next to the Field Stage at the Field Bar. Also served here will be specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Don’t forget to stop by The Brew Kettle Canton and Top Golf Swing Suites located in the Fan Engagement Zone after you leave the festival.
Admission to the “Greatest Show on Turf”, First Down Fest, is $15 for adults and $10 for kids aged 12 and under. 3-Day passes are also available. For more information and tickets, as well as a complete schedule, visit hofvillage.com.
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About Hall of Fame Village (HOFV):
Hall of Fame Village, a division of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, is a 100-acre immersive sports and entertainment destination centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Village is dedicated to making every experience one-of-a-kind for fans throughout its six venues—Center for Performance, Constellation Center for Excellence, Fan Engagement Zone, ForeverLawn Sports Complex, Play-Action Plaza, and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. An indoor football-themed waterpark and Hilton Tapestry Hotel are also under construction. For more information, visit www.HOFVillage.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Hall of Fame Village
Madison Zurakowski
Madison.zurakowski@hofvillage.com