IRVING, Texas (Oct. 29, 2014) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) highlighted today the insights of several of the key corporate leaders who backed the new College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, emphasizing the value they see in college football and linking with the NFF mission of using the game as a force for strengthening the next generation.

“Football matters, and nothing better illustrates the relevance of college football than the blue chip corporate support that the new Hall of Fame in Atlanta has attracted,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Our sponsors understand that football matters because of its unique ability to strengthen America’s youth by teaching the core values of hard work, tenacity, teamwork and the drive to compete. We are extremely pleased that so many of our nation’s most astute business leaders have joined with us to promote the good in the game and create this wonderful national platform.”

Steps from Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of the Atlanta, the new College Football Hall of Fame adds to an already thriving sports, entertainment and tourism district in a city of more than 5.3 million residents that attracts more than 37 million annual visitors. Construction began in January 2013, and the attraction opened on budget and on scheduled Aug. 23, 2014 at total cost of $66.4 million. The 94,256 square foot state-of-art facility contains 50,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field, which can host events of all sizes.  Current plans project an annual attendance of 500,000 visitors with breakeven point at 380,000 paid guests each year.

“Football is part of America and our nation’s history, and there are so many wonderful things that happen because of our sport,” said NFF Chairman & CEO Archie Manning. “The new Hall provides us with a powerful national platform for highlighting the key values learned on the field. We are extremely proud of the new Hall, and we are grateful to the team in Atlanta and the amazing group of corporate sponsors who have backed our efforts.”

The following quotes provide a collection of insights from some of the projects key backers and the value they see in the game:

Sharon Byers, Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing Partnerships at The Coca-Cola Company
“For 128 years, The Coca-Cola Company has been bringing friends, families and communities together to create memorable moments of happiness. There's a level of game day excitement and tradition that's evoked on campus that's nearly incomparable. We're honored and excited to be a part of the Hall of Fame and sharing moments of happiness and tradition with its guests everyday through the 'Fans’ Game Day' Gallery.”

Dan T. Cathy, Chairman, President and CEO Chick-fil-A, Inc.
“College football runs through the fabric of our nation, and Chick-fil-A is proud to celebrate its ideals as a partner of the College Football Hall of Fame. College football fosters leadership, perseverance and mutual respect for countless people who play and watch the sport. These lessons translate into great contributions in all walks of life.  The College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience allows us to be immersed in the rich history of the sport.  It is a celebration of ideals that have shaped our past and present and will form our future."

Gary Kelly, CEO of Southwest Airlines
“Football is part of the fabric of our country—it encompasses so many values that we as Americans treasure.  The sport brings all walks of life together in a way that very few, if any, other pastimes can.  It’s a passion point for many of our Southwest Airlines Employees and Customers, and it’s a big part of the communities that we serve.  We are honored to support the game that we LUV.”

Steve Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Chick-fil-A
“Chick-fil-A has been a sponsor of the College Football Hall of Fame since it announced its relocation to Atlanta. Chick-fil-A truly values its involvement in the great game of college football, and the new Hall will deliver a unique combination of the history of the game with interactive exhibits, making this Fan Experience the ultimate destination for college football fans.”

Michael Sprague, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Kia Motors America
“Kia is committed to supporting the communities we call home, which includes the state of Georgia, and we take pride in being part of such an exciting attraction for the state, city of Atlanta and all of college football. Kia is proud to be a Founding Partner of the College Football Hall of Fame and sponsor of the ‘Building a Champion’ gallery, which highlights the game’s greatest players and coaches, and the passion of college football fans in the South and across the country.”

Gary Stokan - President and CEO at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
“We are humbly proud to have taken a leadership role in relocating the College Football Hall of Fame to Atlanta, the heartbeat of college football.  We hope our vision will inspire, educate and entertain all college football fans.” 


About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, the NFF Leadership Hall of Fame, the NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards presented by Fidelity Investments, the NFF High School Showcases, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF Faculty Salute Initiative presented by Fidelity Investments, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Alumni Association, and scholarships of more than $1.3 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF also collaborates with the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) to release the FWAA-NFF Grantland Rice Super 16 Poll; awards the William V. Campbell Trophy presented by Fidelity Investments and hosted at the New York Athletic Club; and bestows several other major awards at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner. NFF corporate partners include the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Fidelity Investments, Herff Jones, the Sports Business Journal, and Under Armour. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.