Are you ready to play football?
It’s game time this holiday season for the Hallmark Channel, and two of Kansas City’s storied institutions – the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark – have teamed up with the NFL and Skydance Sports to create a holiday movie that will reach fans around the world. The audience cheers for TOUCHDOWN!
As previously announced, fans of Tyler Hines (“Shifts,” “3 Wise Men and a Baby”) won’t be surprised by the news, as he starred in a Chiefs promotional spot earlier this year.
The idea must have germinated, providing collaborators with an idea of a fully-fledged feature.
Hines, Hunter King (“Italia,” “The Santa Claus Summit”) and Ed Begley Jr. (“Young Sheldon,” “Better Call Saul”) star in the new original film “Holiday Touchdown” : Chief’s Love Story”.
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The film was shot entirely on location in Kansas City, Missouri, including at Arrowhead Stadium’s iconic GEHA Field, marking the first time the world’s loudest stadium has been used as a filming location for a Hallmark movie.
“Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs are both homegrown franchises rooted in values, tradition and community, and there’s a special magic that exists between these two iconic organizations,” said Darren Abbott, chief brand officer at Hallmark.
“By blending the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of pro football, we’re excited to give viewers a front-row seat to Kansas City’s community spirit, rich tradition and passionate fans, all immersed in the legendary A soothing and uplifting atmosphere.
“We are honored to partner with Hallmark on such a unique project,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.
“As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand and connect with new audiences.
“This partnership unites two passionate fan bases and gives us the opportunity to showcase the energy and tradition of Chiefs Kingdom on one of the most-watched channels of the holiday season.”
In “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” Alana Higman (Kings) is convinced that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them the frontrunners to win the team’s Fan of the Year contest .
Derek (Hines) is the Director of Fan Engagement and is tasked with evaluating Alana and her family against the other two finalists.
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As the two spend some time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them, but then her grandfather’s (Begley Jr.) old-fashioned, good-luck winter hat goes missing.
Alana begins to question everything she believes about fate and fate, even questioning her future with Derek—unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can deliver a Hail Mary.
In addition to Hines and King, the previously announced cast of stars and guest stars is even more star-studded.
Versatile talents such as Jenna Bush Hager, Donna Kelce, Diedrich Bader, Megyn Price, Richard Riehle, Christine Ebersole, Richard Christie and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will appear, along with many standout players from the Kansas City Chiefs, among others.
The film marks the ultimate celebration of the long-running collaboration between the two pioneering Kansas City-based brands, officially uniting Hallmarkies and Chiefs Kingdom in an unprecedented way.
With planning underway for match day events, unique co-branded merchandise and live streaming, social and digital promotions, the multi-faceted partnership will engage a broad audience on and off the pitch.
What’s more, the film will drive ratings crossover among Christmas countdown enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
In fact, more than 50% of Hallmark Channel viewers also watched sports during the countdown to Christmas 2023, making the film the perfect festive occasion.
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Skydance Sports serves as executive producer of “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.”
Skydance Sports is a new joint venture between Skydance Media and the NFL to create high-end sports content studios and expand multi-platform sports programming in multiple formats.
Tonight, starting at sunset, the downtown Kansas City skyline will light up purple and red to celebrate the unique local partnership between the two organizations.
Hallmark has announced the premiere date for the new movie, taking advantage of football season during one of the biggest football weekends of the year – Thanksgiving weekend!
“This holiday season, Hallmark is committed to bringing joy to the world,” Abbott shared.
“Our new partnership with the NFL and Chiefs is unique in finding universal ways to spread joy, tell touching stories and bring excitement to our cherished hometown brand during this very special time of year. .
“We are extremely grateful to the entire Hallmark team and the unique hometown partnership that has been forged around our two brands and this film,” said Donovan
“With football season kicking off and the holidays right around the corner, there’s no better way to highlight this partnership and announce a premiere date than taking advantage of one of Kansas City’s biggest parties – Chiefs game day!”
Fans will experience the joy of Christmas throughout the season through Hallmark-branded in-cinema promotions. Hines and King have announced the latest details for “The World’s Biggest Tailgate: The Tailgate Game.”
As part of the countdown to Christmas, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” will air on November 30 at 8:07 a.m. on the Hallmark Channel.
Kansas City fans will get a unique experience as the Hallmark x Chiefs in-stadium celebration will unite crowds and enhance their game experience, bringing the spirit, joy and warmth of Hallmark’s iconic Christmas movies to life.
They are creating a one-of-a-kind experience, including custom Hallmark Channel holiday branded LED screen animations, activations, giveaways and more, proving that a partnership with Hallmark will be truly special.
While most of the festivities take place at Chiefs Stadium, the rest of us can be excited to get items featured in our next favorite Hallmark Christmas movie! (Now that is touchdown.
Here’s your first look at the upcoming movie!
