Sep, 13
2023
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Toyota and Hang Media Partner to Offer a Grand New and Connected Way to Watch The HBCU NY Classic From MetLife Stadium

NEW YORK, N.Y -- Toyota, whose first‐ever 2024 Grand Highlander SUV touts "the best views from every row," will be offering fans the best viewing experience when Morehouse College faces Albany State University in the 2nd annual HBCU NY Classic football game at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 16. Teaming with HANG, the leading fan-athlete community, Toyota will be hosting a virtual watch party in which fans will mingle with athletes and celebrities in a video chat room while watching the action on TV. Howard University Class of '22 graduate and multiple Emmy nominee Anthony Anderson, and Morehouse alums Isaac Keys, the actor and former NFL star and Edwin Moses, the renowned track and field champion, will watch from a Toyota suite at the game.

Anderson will be flipping the coin at the start of the game, which Toyota is sponsoring for the second straight year. He'll then head up to a skybox to socialize with fellow alums for what will be his fourth HANG party, following two HBCU Celebration Bowl HANGS as well as the Kentucky Derby. Isaac Keys- an ex‐linebacker who appreciates every inch of extra space-will be showcasing the roomier‐than‐ever 2024 Grand Highlander at Toyota's pre‐game YardFest at MetLife.

Joining Anderson, Keys and Moses virtually will be HBCU legend Aeneas Williams (NFL Hall of Famer and Southern University alum) as well as current NFL standouts Grover Stewart (Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle and Albany State graduate), Joshua Williams (Kansas City Chiefs cornerback and Fayetteville State alum) and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduates Terron Armstead (Miami Dolphins four‐time Pro Bowl left tackle) and his protégé, Mark Evans II (New Orleans Saints rookie offensive tackle).

Hundreds of thousands of HBCU supporters are expected to join the HANG either on camera, via text thread or by watching the live stream on YouTube, Facebook Live or Twitch.

"Toyota and HANG are a natural fit," said William Moore, VP/Media Director with Burrell Communications Group. "HANG watch parties create a comfortable space for the whole family to enjoy an amazing experience-just like the new Grand Highlander does. We're thrilled to be hosting an HBCU 'family reunion' where committed alumni, students and parents across the country can join the HBCU NY Classic without ever leaving home, while asking questions and swapping stories with legendary classmates and heroes. There's room to spare in a HANG, and in a Grand Highlander."

"The entire media industry is eager to engage audiences directly, and HANG has been ahead of the pack in understanding the power of eliminating the middleman," said Jon Klein, HANG's co‐founder and CEO and the former president of CNN/US. "We've learned that the glue connecting athletes, fans and brands is love-the fans' love of their teams and favorite players; the athletes' love of getting out from under the helmet to reveal the fully‐formed person inside and everyone's love of products that make their lives easier and more fun."

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next‐generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America, who have contributed to the design, engineering and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 20 electrified options, with more in showrooms later this year.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

About HANG

Hang Media, winner of the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award for best production innovation, is the leading celebrity‐fan community, with nearly one million views of each virtual watch party around majors ports events including pro and college football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Since HANG's founding in September 2021, nearly 20 million sports fans have come face to face with their idols ‐ star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone watches the game on their own TV's. It's a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Coca‐Cola, Wells Fargo, MolsonCoors, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Pernod Ricard, and others.

Join the fun at https://letshang.live

MEDIA CONTACT:

LeslieAnne Wade

Hang Media

Lwade@wademediamanagment.com

917-751-7693

Related link: https://letshang.live/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Jun, 20
2023
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Chiney Ogwumike Joins Hang Media and is Named Co-Founder of HANG Academy

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN host and analyst Chiney Ogwumike has joined the team at Hang Media as Co-Founder of HANG Academy, a new women's mentorship initiative of HANG, the Cynopsis Award-winning streaming platform. HANG Academy will work with brands to provide athlete, influencer and expert-infused virtual in-person education adjacent to celebrated women's sports events.

The project is an extension of HANG's regular slate of brand-driven, celebrity-engaged second-screen experiences during the nation's largest sporting events. To date, the leading fan-engagement platform has connected nearly 20 million sports fans with their heroes, the majority 18-44 years old, nearly half of them women.

Inspired by the chance to "create a blueprint for the next generation," the LA Sparks power forward and host and analyst on ESPN's NBA Today and ESPN's NBA Countdown will convene female leaders in business, media, the arts, and of course, sports as featured faculty conducting virtual and in-person training sessions for young women enrollees. The inaugural Hang Academy will roll out at halftime of the NWSL Championship game in the fall of 2023 and will continue across a slate of programs in women's sports-related HANGS throughout 2023-2024.

"I'm doing this for my little sisters, and everyone else's," said Ogwumike, who appeared in HANG's watch party for the NCAA Women's Final Four in March which attracted 1 million viewers. "The explosion of interest in women's sports is so gratifying, but now it's time to translate that awareness into impact. I'm living proof that sports can profoundly change women's lives, but I lucked into it. HANG Academy will provide millions of girls out there with an actionable plan for managing their careers, their finances, and their personal growth."

"HANG is all about human connection, face to face - and no one connects better than Chiney," said HANG co-founder and CEO Jon Klein. "The idea for HANG Academy jumped out during our Women's Final Four HANG, when Chiney spontaneously began counseling a mom about the many off-the-court paths open to her daughter who is hoping for a career in the WNBA, whether in finance, marketing, analytics, or coaching. That combination of expertise and authentic concern will be the hallmark of HANG Academy."

The daughter of a school superintendent in her native Houston, Texas, Ogwumike is deeply committed to education and public service and has long been a trailblazer. In 2020, she became the first Black woman and first WNBA player to host a daily national radio show for ESPN. She was one of the first and youngest ever to serve simultaneously as a full-time broadcaster for ESPN while a professional athlete. A graduate of Stanford University, she played in three NCAA Division 1 Women's Final Fours. She was elected Vice President of the WNBA player's association in 2016. She is a two-time WNBA All-Star and was WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About HANG:

Hang Media, winner of the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award for best production innovation, is the leading celebrity-fan community, a magnet for the elusive Gen Z audience. Each HANG event attracts nearly one million users - 60% of them 18-44 - to virtual watch parties around sports events including pro and college football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Since HANG's founding in September 2021, nearly 20 million sports fans have come face to face with their idols - star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone watches the game on their own TVs.

Fans stay for an average of nearly 90 minutes per session, because HANGS is a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, United Airlines, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Pernod Ricard, and others.

Join the fun at https://letshang.live

Related link: https://letshang.live/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

May, 03
2023
Advertising and Marketing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

HANG Doubles Down on Programming and Brand Engagement for Women’s Sports, Expands Sales and Marketing Team with Industry Vets Sara Gotfredson and Ashley Rutledge

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Fresh off attracting more than 1 million viewers to its NCAA Women's Final Four viewing party, HANG, the award-winning fan-athlete community, is welcoming two women steeped in sports and digital marketing to lead a deeper push into women's sports programming, brand engagement and marketing.

With nearly 20 years of digital, traditional media and brand building experience with ESPN, the Walt Disney Company, and CBS Sports, Sara Gotfredson brings to HANG the proven expertise of her Trailblazing Sports Group, a mission based, female-founded sports marketing company focused on elevating women's sports via storytelling and partnerships. While at ESPN, Gotfredson worked with numerous Fortune 100 brands creating powerful partnerships which are recognized as game changers in female-focused marketing investments.

Ashley Rutledge has spearheaded hundreds of storytelling brand relationships and strategic team building initiatives at Snapchat, Facebook and CNN. She is recognized for creating innovative digital opportunities for traditional brands including GE, Diageo, Macy's and Unilever. Her career spans branding and digital media businesses in the US and Canada.

"Of the tens of millions of fans who flock to HANG's second-screen experiences, half are women, and we're committed to connecting them directly to the iconic personalities they feel most passionate about," said Jon Klein, HANG co-founder and CEO. "Sara and Ashley are unmatched in understanding the power of women as purchase decision-makers, and how to harness that energy on behalf of brands via sports."

Gotfredson and Rutledge will collaborate closely with HANG's Head of Marketing and Customer Success, Liz Poerner, and Head of Sales Evan Messinger.

About HANG:

Hang Media, winner of the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award for best production innovation, is the leading celebrity-fan community, with nearly one million views of each virtual watch party around major sports events including pro and college football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Since HANG's founding in September 2021, nearly 20 million sports fans have come face to face with their idols - star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone watches the game on their own TV's.

It's a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, MolsonCoors, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Pernod Ricard, and others.

Join the fun at https://letshang.live, or contact LeslieAnne Wade at Lwade@wademediamanagement.com for more information.

Related link: https://letshang.live/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Apr, 24
2023
Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Phil Simms, Marshall Faulk, Michael Fabiano, Tyler Smith, Tony Richardson, Justin Watson Join HANG Draft Virtual Watch Party Sponsored by Academy Sports + Outdoors

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Former first-round picks Phil Simms - the Super Bowl MVP and CBS Sports broadcaster, Marshall Faulk - the NFL Hall of Famer, and Tyler Smith of the Dallas Cowboys, along with fantasy football guru Michael Fabiano join HANG on Thursday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET, to connect face to face with fans during early opening round action of the 2023 NFL Draft. Also joining live from the Draft's venue at Kansas City's Union Station will be former Chiefs great Tony Richardson and current Chiefs receiver Justin Watson, along with potential first-round picks sweating out the selections. Former Chief and current San Francisco 49ers receiver Chris Conley hosts along with Dallas broadcaster Lady Jade.

The HANG virtual watch party platform, offering free access, is averaging over 800,000 viewers per game and is recognized as the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award Winner for best production innovation.

The event is sponsored by Academy Sports + Outdoors, and is accessed at https://letshang.live/.

Simms, who says Bryce Young of Alabama will be the #1 draft pick and suggests possibly CJ Stroud of Ohio State will be No. 2 says, "The third one will be interesting. Could it be Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson? That's what makes it fun to watch and talk about. We know Bryce Young goes first as he canceled all his visits and that tells me he knows he is going first in the draft. If you are a quarterback in the NFL right now, you better keep working because there are a lot of good quarterbacks coming out and more right behind them."

About HANG:

HANG, winner of the 2023 Cynopsis Sports Award for best production innovation, is the leading celebrity-fan community, with 16+ million users taking part in virtual watch parties and IRL gatherings around major sports events including pro and college football, MLB, and both men's and women's basketball and soccer. Fans come face to face with their idols - star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone is watching the game on their own TV's. It's a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Miller Lite, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Pernod Ricard, and others.

Join the fun at https://letshang.live, or contact LeslieAnne Wade Lwade@wademediamanagement.com for more information.

Related link: https://letshang.live/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Apr, 05
2023
Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Orange Blossom Classic Partners with HANG Media in Creating National Watch Party Featuring Exclusive Connections to Conversations with Star Athletes and Celebrities

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- One of the country's most historic college football games, the storied Denny's Orange Blossom Classic presented by Ready Life, is poised to continue shining light on its bright future. Fans are invited to join a national watch party, which includes the opportunity to discuss an array of topics while viewing the game with sports heroes and celebrities through online channel, HANG Media.

Kendra Bulluck is the executive director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee (OBC). She is one of only a few women who own rights to a major sports property. Today she is thrilled to announce a partnership with New York-based, HANG Media. Together, they will provide a live game co-viewing experience in an effort to bring HBCUs and the community together. Fans will have the opportunity to mingle with HBCU legends and supporters, which includes current NFL players and entertainers. In addition, the partnership creates a new and national media platform for brands to connect directly with consumers through bespoke association with the OBC.

Founded in 1933 ran consecutively through 1978 and after a 43-year hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic was re-established by Bulluck in 2021. Its historic importance in the college football landscape and HBCU experience is significant. 2023 marks the third year of the Orange Blossom Classic and the big game will be held on Sunday, September 3 at Hard Rock Stadium. With fans, alumni, HBCU students, and sports enthusiasts ascending on the city of Miami Gardens, this year's theme has been dubbed "The Reunion."

"At its inception, The Orange Blossom Classic created opportunity and inspiration under strict segregation laws. To see this property return on new stages with new platforms in what we trust is a new media world, is an honor and a responsibility," said Jon Klein, HANG ceo and co-founder. "We are thrilled to be working with Kendra and her team to elevate conversations around the Orange Blossom Classic and increase its connections with real people and supportive brands who honor and value the HBCU missions of education and opportunity."

"As the buzz around HBCUs continues to grow, we are proud to partner with HANG in hosting the watch party of the year. We are so proud to bring fans, legendary football players, and entertainers together in what's sure to be a memorable experience for all. Bringing members from across all spectrums of the community together is our top priority. This star-studded watch party is sure to do just that," stated Kendra Bulluck, Orange Blossom Classic Committee executive director.

Denny's Orange Blossom Classic Presented by Ready Life will also be televised on one ESPN's family of networks.

About Orange Blossom Classic:

Founded in 1933 by the son of Florida A&M University's president, J.R.E. Lee Jr. The inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to the "blacks-only" ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where FAMU beat Howard 9-0 and successfully established the foundation of HBCU classics. After a 43-year hiatus, The Orange Blossom Classic was re-established in 2021 with a mission to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges & Universities.

In its second year, the OBC attracts thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and family members, highlighting interest in HBCUs and their roles in educating aspiring professionals and developing future leaders. However, its main goal remains to raise scholarship funds for the participating schools for years to come, helping to support the knowledge and experience offered by the discipline, commitment, and dedication it takes to be a Historically Black College & University student.

About HANG:

HANG is the leading celebrity-fan community, with 13+ million users taking part in virtual watch parties and IRL gatherings around major sports events including pro and college football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Fans come face to face with their idols - star athletes, performers, and influencers - while everyone is watching the game on their own TV's. It's a dream come true for sports lovers, who get to have fun and frank conversations with their heroes about life on and off the field, play trivia contests, and sample products delivered by top sponsors including Coca-Cola, Dave & Busters, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Pernod Ricard, Twang, and others.

Join the fun at https://letshang.live.

Related link: https://letshang.live/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022