Visit Canton to Partner With Pro Football Hall of Fame

Visit Canton, the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, has announced a $450,000 partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to support national marketing initiatives in 2016 that will attract new visitors to Stark County as a prelude to Hall of Fame Village and, possibly, the NFL Draft in 2019 and NFL Centennial in September 2020. The impact of the marketing dollars is expected to produce a value of nearly $3 million in marketing exposure for events and programs aimed at attracting large new audiences to the Stark County region.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Hall of Fame Village are integral to the future economic landscape of Stark County,” Visit Canton Chairwoman Anne Graffice stated. “Visit Canton is making a wise investment to launch a national campaign and key programs that will be the foundation for an exciting future that will forever impact our community.”

Money is earmarked for an aggressive Visit Canton media and marketing plan that will promote the community to nationwide audiences through the Hall’s many national broadcasts. A “Visit Canton” commercial that highlights the Hall of Fame is being produced and will air for the first time during NFL Network’s live “Class of 2016 Finalists” show emanating from the Hall of Fame on Jan. 7, 2016. The campaign will continue through the Super Bowl, one of the periods of highest visibility for the Hall of Fame. The spots will also be aired at other times throughout the year. Other marketing efforts include radio spots played during “Pro Football Hall of Fame Radio on SiriusXM” each Saturday on NFL Radio from 2-4 pm ET, print and online creative pieces and advertising on popular websites such as Bleacher Report, ESPN.com and NFL.com.

Visit Canton and the Hall of Fame are also developing new training programs for volunteers involved in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s year-round calendar of events including the Enshrinement Week that kicks off each NFL season.

“The Hall of Fame thanks and commends Visit Canton for their leadership, vision, and belief in the Hall of Fame’s Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE,” Hall of Fame President David Baker shared. “This first-ever and historic partnership between the Hall and the Stark County CVB will go a long way in making a difference in our community.”

In addition, the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau will allocate money to promote and publicize a Hall of Fame “Football Academy,” which is a new event planned for 2016. Visit Canton’s support also includes the marketing of three new major events planned by the Hall of Fame that will attract new visitors to Stark County in the upcoming year. Planning is under way for a coaches conference, fantasy football convention, and an event wrapped around an upcoming major exhibit showcasing the world’s rarest collection of football cards.