One-hour special will feature the first coach to ever win both the college football national championship and Super Bowl and a collection of celebrity guests competing in fishing competitions and sharing stories
CANTON, Ohio – May 5, 2022 – Hall of Fame Village Media (“HOFVM” or the “Division”), a premier, multi-dimensional content studio owned by the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV, HOFVW) (“HOFV”), today announced that it has partnered with legendary football coach and media personality Jimmy Johnson on a new tentpole special titled Gone Fishin’. The premise of Gone Fishin’ will entail Jimmy and his celebrity guests competing in friendly competitions centered on a sport he may love even more than football – fishing! What’s more, Jimmy – who more than likely can be found on the water (except on Sundays in the fall of course!) – and his high-profile passengers will explore the camaraderie, storytelling and life lessons that are shared on the water.
HOFVM anticipates releasing Gone Fishin’ during the lead-up to the 2023 Super Bowl and is currently in discussions with multiple prominent television networks to air the special. The Division envisions Gone Fishin’ eventually becoming a semi-regular project in its rotation given the high level of popularity Jimmy enjoys with sports fans around the world as a result of his success both on and off the football field. In addition to being the first coach to win both the college football national championship and Super Bowl, Jimmy is considered one of the most beloved media personalities today for his always-entertaining television performances.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Hall of Fame Coach Jimmy Johnson on Gone Fishin’ and enable his legions of fans to see his personality shine through in a different environment than they are accustomed – on the water, a place he absolutely loves to be,” said Olivia Steier, Executive Vice President of Media for the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company. “Jimmy, like so many Pro Football Hall of Famers, is a big supporter of HOFV and the Hall of Fame Village, and we are honored to leverage his unique charm and character to produce original content that we feel will be captivating and well-received by networks and audiences alike. Jimmy was born to coach football, fish and entertain, so we look forward to sharing with him many laughs while learning more about those moments that have impacted both his and his guests’ lives and careers.”
Gone Fishin’ will film off the coast of the Florida Keys, and take place aboard Jimmy’s boat, a 39-foot SeaVee called Three Rings (named for the number of championship rings he won in his career – one at the University of Miami and two as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys). Filming is expected to commence and conclude over the summer.
Jimmy stated, “There’s nothing like being out on the water, and I am beyond excited to share this new adventure with some of the most well-known athletes and personalities in the world. There is so much one can learn from others’ company while being on a boat, and I look forward to getting to know my fellow fishermen and fisherwomen on a deeper level. I appreciate Hall of Fame Village Media for bringing this idea to life and for providing a platform that will allow me and my guests to share more about who we are as people – not just celebrities.”
Gone Fishin’ is the latest in a string of projects announced by HOFVM, which also includes THE PERFECT TEN, Inspired and The Academy.
About Hall of Fame Village Media
Established in 2021, Hall of Fame Village Media is a premiere, multi-dimensional content studio on a mission to honor the past and inspire the future. Not limited by the confines of traditional studios, Hall of Fame Village Media does it all – creating engaging content across all genres, lengths, and mediums including TV and streaming series, films, games, events, podcasts, branded content and emerging media. With unique ties to one of the most revered institutions in all of sports, Hall of Fame Village Media leverages its unprecedented access to deliver a compelling content lineup that showcases the very best of professional athletes, both on the field and under the helmet.
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 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.
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