Women’s Football Alliance to Host Championship Weekend at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
CANTON, Ohio – February 24, 2021 – Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (“HOFV” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW), the only resort, entertainment and media company centered around the power of professional football and owner of the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls (“the Destination”), today announced it has signed a multi-year partnership with the Women’s Football Alliance (“WFA”) to host its four championship games at the Destination’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium beginning this year. This summer’s WFA Championship Weekend will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24. WFA was represented by WaV Sports & Entertainment in the negotiations.
Founded in 2009, the WFA is the largest, longest-running and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world. Its mission to help woman get involved in the game and develop the skillsets they need to compete professionally aligns with HOFV’s vision to grow the sport and provide opportunities for women to excel both on-and-off the field. “Sharing our world-class facilities with such an important and transformational organization in the Women’s Football Alliance is a true honor” said Michael Crawford, President, and CEO of HOFV. “We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes and believe the future of professional football is one where women are equally celebrated for their successes on the gridiron and provided with the same opportunities for advancement as males. We are excited to work closely with the WFA going forward and are very much looking forward to Championship Weekend at Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls this July.” The WFA has allowed numerous female athletes to break barriers and achieve new heights. It was the first women’s football league to play a national championship game in an NFL stadium and have its games broadcast on national television. Additionally, more than 15 of the league’s players have earned coaching and scouting positions in the NFL, including Katie Sowers (San Francisco 49ers), the first female to coach in a Super Bowl, Lori Locust, the first female coach to win a Super Bowl (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Callie Brownson (Cleveland Browns), the first female position coach in an NFL game, and Jennifer King (Washington Football Team), the first female African-American coach in the NFL. Women’s tackle football leagues have existed for over four decades, yet growth and interest in the sport have exploded over the past five years. The level of competition in women’s tackle football is the strongest it’s ever been, while the number of teams is at an all-time high. “As a league, we are indebted to the multiple organizations that have helped women’s football grow to where we are today and couldn’t be more excited to partner with Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, to be able to host our championships at their world-class facilities, and the birthplace of professional football in Canton Ohio” said Lisa King, WFA Commissioner. “We came in with a plan to take the game to another level, and are proud of our efforts so far. This partnership allows us to continue to increase the popularity of the sport and level of competition as we shine a light on our league in the place where football was born.” “WaV Sports is honored to represent WFA and the hundreds of athletes that help make WFA the most successful women’s professional football organization in North America. We believe in all that they stand for and are thrilled to be a part of the process to further advance the mission of their organization,” said WaV Sports CEO, Brian Klaasmeyer About the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company The Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW) is a resort and entertainment company leveraging the power and the 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, 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 Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls is a multi-use sport, entertainment and media destination centered around the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s campus in Canton, Ohio. It 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 Retail Promenade, the Hall of Fame Waterpark and a Hilton Tapestry Hotel. Phase III is currently in the planning stages. For more information, visit www.HOFVillage.com. About Women’s Football Alliance The Women’s Football Alliance is the largest, longest-running, and most competitive women’s tackle football league in the world. With 60 teams and over 2,000 players, the WFA has created opportunities for women to compete and learn the game at the highest level. The professionalism and success of the WFA has been recognized by major corporate sponsors and it’s recent television network agreement with Eleven Sports will expand its audience reach across the country. For more information, visit www.wfaprofootball.com. About WaV Sports and Entertainment LLC WaV Sports & Entertainment is a global sports marketing firm that specializes in sports property representation, brand side representation, and the management and production of unique sporting and entertainment events. WaV exclusively represents the Women’s Football Alliance. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.WaVsports.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements maybe identified by the use of words and phrases such as “opportunity,” “future,” “will,” “goal,” and “look forward” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; costs related to the business combination; the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the Company’s shares on Nasdaq; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to execute its business plan and meet its projections; potential litigation involving the Company; changes inapplicable laws or regulations; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s products and services, and in particular economic and market conditions in the resort and entertainment industry; the potential adverse effects of the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on capital markets, general economic conditions, unemployment, and the Company’s liquidity, operations, and personnel, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in our reports and other public filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Media/Investor Contacts: For Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company Media Inquiries: public.relations@hofreco.com Investor Inquiries: investor.relations@hofreco.comhttps://wfaprofootball.com/womens-football-alliance-to-host-championship-weekend-at-tom-benson-hall-of-fame-stadium/
Fan Jerseys now available.
Time to squad up and rep your favorite Vixen player! Fan jerseys are identical to the ones Vixen players wear on the field except they are cut for your comfort. Once a year, the Vixen offer a chance to order your own customizable Vixen fan jersey. Pick your favorite player or create your own. Each Vixen fan jersey comes with the ability to select name, number, color (home or away) and size! You have until Feb. 12 at midnight to place your order. See the Vixen team store for more details or to place your order. https://minnesota-vixen.square.site/
Breaking news! Xenith and WFA expand their partnership.
DETROIT, December 17, 2020 – Xenith, the innovative football equipment company, has renewed and expanded its partnership with the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the largest, most competitive, and fastest growing women’s tackle football league in the world. Xenith will be the Official Equipment and Uniform Partner of the WFA for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
This expanded partnership includes a specific focus on growing the number of women playing football and celebrating those who have paved the way for the athletes of today. Xenith will award equipment grants to select WFA teams during each year of the agreement and will be launching a special content series this March during Women’s History Month, focused on notable figures in the WFA’s history.
“Xenith exists to elevate the athlete’s pursuit in all facets of football – whether that be through playing, training or living – and the WFA shares this mission with us.” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “These women pursue excellence on the field of play and in their daily lives, and we are proud to partner with a league that is committed to their community and growing the game of football for all.
Women’s tackle football teams and leagues have been in existence since the 1930s, but the most promising growth in the sport – both in the number of teams and in the level of competition has taken place over the last five years. More than 2,500 players are represented by 65 teams in the WFA and all will have the opportunity to be outfitted by Xenith from head to ankle.
Beginning in 2021, WFA teams will don Xenith uniforms and gain favored access to Xenith protective equipment and apparel. Xenith will also provide uniforms for and hold the title sponsorship of the annual Xenith WFA All-American Game.
“The WFA continues to build relationships with the top brands in the game in order to provide our athletes with the highest quality equipment and apparel,” stated Lisa King, Commissioner of the WFA. “Xenith shares our vision for a professional women’s football league, and their support and promotion of our athletes is what led us to not only continue, but to expand our partnership.”
About Xenith
Based in Detroit, Xenith creates top-rated football helmets, gear and apparel designed to elevate athletes to live their game. Their athlete-first design approach is backed by rigorous science, engineering, and innovation which transcends laboratory testing to address on-field needs. Xenith outfits the athlete from head to ankle in a suite of performance products for playing, training, and living.
All Xenith helmets are Five-Star on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, and in the “Top-Performing Group” of the NFL Lab Helmet Performance Testing. Xenith is committed to democratizing protection by making top-rated helmets, shoulder pads, and gear available at an equitable price point for anyone who wants to play football – from youth, to varsity, to the pros. To learn more about Xenith, visit xenith.com and follow on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
About the Women’s Football Alliance
The WFA is a full-contact women’s American football league. Established in 2009, they are the largest and most competitive Women’s Football League in the world. Headquartered in Exeter, California, the WFA is dedicated to promoting and developing women’s tackle football with the vision for all female athletes to have access to playing football in high school, college, and on a professional level.
The WFA has broken many barriers. It was the first women’s football league to play a National Championship in an NFL stadium, as well as the first women’s league to have its games broadcasted on national television. Over 15 veteran WFA players have earned coaching and scouting positions in the NFL including Katie Sowers (San Francisco 49ers), the first female to coach in a Super Bowl; Jennifer King (The Washington Football Team), the first female African American coach in the NFL; and Callie Brownson (Cleveland Browns), the first woman to coach an NFL position group in a regular-season game. For more information on the WFA visit wfaprofootball.com.
Vixen Community Efforts
The Vixen embarked recently on two endeavors to help their community in the Twin Cities area. As part of the larger WFA Gives campaign, the Vixen held two events, a food drive and a COVID Relief Shelter drive.
The local food shelves have been experiencing a higher volume in recent months due to the impact of COVID and events in Minneapolis and St. Paul last summer which result in a 'food desert' in several communities. While the Vixen immediately responded to the needs last summer through helping with clean up efforts and donations, they knew that this fall the food shelves would be hit hard. In response the Vixen planned a food drive to coincide with the WFA Gives campaign to help re-stock the local food shelves. 
Amazed by the outcome of support, the Vixen were able to collect over 660 lbs of food!
But they didn't stop there. 2020 Vixen rookie, Nicole Chimko-Fahey, wanted to reach out to those families and individuals that were experiencing hardship due to the COVID pandemic. With the help of Quarterback Coach Emily Evans and fellow player, Charlie Barba-Cook, the three devised a COVID relief drive for the local shelters. Donations cam from all over including their teammates, fans and local businesses. They were able to collect and donate a cargo trailer full of items including over 100 blankets and comforters to Catholic Charities Family Service Center! Other donations went to to Family and Youth Centers in the Twin Cities area, and another $600 dollars raised to assist families during the Holidays. "It's amazing the impact we can have when we all work together. " said Vixen owner Laura Brown.
The Vixen hope that both the food drive and the shelter contributions will be annual events and a staple of the Vixen outreach to their community.
CBS Sports HQ, Emory Hunt to co-host WFA Pre Game Show with Vixen Team
Emory Hunt, CBS Sportscaster, has signed-on to co-host WFA Game-of-the-Week pregame show. Hunt is a regular contributor to CBS Sports HQ, where he breaks down CFB and NFL games with Danny Kanell and Raja Bell. Born and raised in New Orleans, Hunt played running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and is the founder and CEO of Football Gameplan. Hunt will be joining award-winning and longtime Minnesota Vixen announcer and WFA National Championship ESPN 3 Broadcaster Brian Sweeney, and Minnesota Vixen commentator Alex Westad, interviewing players and breaking down the top games of the year. All WFA Games-of-the-Week will played live on National television on Eleven Sports.
Open Tryouts
Due to demand the Minnesota Vixen have added a second tryout for their 2021 season. In conjunction with the WFA's National Tryout Day on Nov. 7 sponsored by Xenith, the Vixen will be holding a combine to select players for their 2021 roster. Additionally, for players already on the roster, the Vixen will be having a pass, punt and kick tryout for their current players who are interested in trying out for QB, kicker and punter positions. The first tryout for the Vixen had almost 40 new female and non-binary athletes. Since then, according to Vixen owner Laura Brown, numerous athletes have contacted the organization inquiring if there will be additional tryouts. "Women want to play this sport" states Brown. "Football is an amazing , challenging team sport that any athlete male, female or non-binary should have the opportunity to play" she continues. Since 1999, the Vixen have been kicking off each season with both veteran and rookie players who would not have otherwise had a chance to play football. COVID-19 is not slowing this football team down. The Vixen are planning on moving their practices into domes for 2021 as well as modifying practices to keep both players and staff safe during these challenging times. In fact, the sport of women's tackle football is growing and sponsors are recognizing the growth. Xenith is sponsoring the WFA's National Tryout Day as well as partnering with the WFA for their equipment needs. Just last year, Procter and Gamble through their Secret Deodorant brand have sponsored the WFA's National Championship. Other notable sponsor for the WFA include Coors Light, Wilson, KT Tape, Prizmatic Solutions, Glazier Clinics, Team Builder and Adenation.National Coming Out Day
Yesterday, October 11, marked the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights which is now known as National Coming Out Day in the United States. This day is not only a celebration but serves a reminder that there is power in coming out and that silence can be harmful. A big moment in many members of the LGBTQ+ community is the moment they "came out" to family and friends. "Often through support of others, we can find the strength to be ourselves" owner Laura Brown stated. Since it's inception in 1999, the Vixen organization has been a key member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and their LGBTQ+ players. Vixen player Amanda Dvorak posted yesterday "This team has done SO much for me in my life and one thing is they made me feel I could be who I wanted to be and still supported and accepted!" Resources The Trevor Project’s Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People, is a resource that covers a wide range of topics to support LGBTQ young people in exploring what coming out safely can mean for them. Human Rights Campaign Foundation resources:- Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGB+,
- Coming Out: Living Authentically as Transgender and Non-Binary
- Being an LGBTQ Ally.
- Resource Guide to Coming Out asBi+ people
- Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ people,
- Coming Out: Living Authentically as Latinx LGBTQ people
- Coming Out: Living Authentically as API LGBTQ people
- Coming Out at Work,
- Coming Out to Your Doctor
- Coming Home to Faith
Minnesota Vixen Announcer Receives National Award
The National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers (NASPAA) has named Brian Sweeney as a co-recipient of the 2019-20 Bob Sheppard High School P.A. Announcer of the Year Award. Sweeney, also known as Announcer Guy, has been the voice of Vixen home games for the last six seasons. "His professionalism, excitement and ability to enhance the fan experience has been an integral to the success the Vixen have achieved at home" says Vixen owner Laura Brown. "Sweeney goes above and beyond to deliver the best product to the fans that he can." she continues. In 2019, Sweeney stepped into the role as color commentator for the Vixen away games bringing the away games to life for the fans at home to much acclaim. You won't find Announcer Guy just at Vixen games though. You may recognize his voice from the WFA Championship Game as the play-by-play commentator or from the Women's Hall of Fame Game. Not limited to women's football, he has been a staple of Simley High School athletics for the last six years including hockey, baseball, boy’s and girl’s lacrosse, football, boy’s and girls’ soccer, volleyball and dance. Not to mention his collegiate responsibilities with University of St. Thomas (hockey), and Concordia University St. Paul (football, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball) and NCAA Women's Div III Ice Hockey Championship. No matter the sport, Sweeney has dedicated himself to not only the fans but the athletes as well. “It is an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as the legendary Bob Sheppard,” remarked Sweeney. “From the beginning of my announcing career, I have always been driven to be professional. Hopefully, the athletes whose games I announced will look back on their playing days with positive memories and know that I gave them 100%.” “There are some really good announcers at the high school level, and Brian is certainly one the best,” said Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director. “The NASPAA is thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize him. We know that he will not only be a tremendous ambassador for P.A. Announcing professionalism but will represent the best of Bob Shepard in helping perpetuate his legacy.”
WFA Touchdown Run Virtual 5K
Stay F
it and support your favorite Women's Football team during these unique times! The WFA and Vixen are proud to announce the first annual WFA Touchdown Run Virtual 5K.
Run the WFA Touchdown Run on your own course, at a time of your choosing and log your finish online. We'll keep a log of how many touchdown miles have been run nationwide in support women and their dreams to play football! When registering you'll be given the option to select which WFA team you are running for. Your selected team will receive all proceeds from your registration to help them with 2021 season fundraising!
Register by October 18, 2020 to guarantee your custom WFA race medal. Be sure to use #WFATouchdownRun to share your experience on social media and show us your best touchdown celebration! Lastly, be sure to have fun, be safe, and be proud you are supporting women in sports!
Click here to register.