ESPN unveils renovated flag football field at John Hope Envision Center in Atlanta

ATLANTA—ESPN, in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and local youths celebrated the grand opening of a newly-renovated flag football field at the John Hope Envision Center in Atlanta on Jan.17.

This project was made possible by the support of the College Football Playoff Foundation, a key contributor to its success. The Jan. 17 unveiling coincided with events leading up to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, providing young people with a unique opportunity to engage with football at its highest level and inspire their dreams.

Set against the dual backdrop of the College Football Playoff National Championship and Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the grand opening underscored the transformative power of sports.

“ESPN is committed to providing access to sports for youth, especially those with fewer opportunities, such as the young people in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “As part of our newly-launched youth sports initiative, we’re proud to collaborate with the College Football Playoff Foundation and love.fútbol to leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

The event was emceed by LaChina Robinson, ESPN’s WNBA host and analyst, and featured a variety of activities, including flag football games on the renovated field, a surprise DonorsChoose contribution to Booker T. Washington High School, and a gift of sports equipment to the John Hope Envision Center from Riddell Sports.

“ESPN has been an incredible partner and leader in expanding access through the power of sport,” said Mano Silva, chief operating officer at love.fútbol, the global nonprofit that spearheaded the field’s transformation. “By mobilizing the community and ensuring quality programming, this space will now serve as a hub for local residents, helping young people thrive for years to come.”

“Every year, we aim to leave a lasting impact on the host city of the College Football Playoff National Championship,” said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. 

“Thanks to our partners at ESPN, we’ve deepened that commitment in Atlanta by providing access to resources and creating positive environments inside and outside schools, allowing young people to thrive. This flag football field, along with our recognition of teachers and coaches, underscores the value we place on their contributions to our communities.”

“This field is about more than just flag football,” added William Oliver, director of the John Hope Envision Center. “It serves as a gateway to opportunity, enabling young people and their families to engage in the diverse programming we offer here at the center. Being just blocks away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium also allows our youth to dream bigger and envision their futures.”

The John Hope Envision Center plans to launch a new flag football league for both girls and boys using the dedicated field. Additionally, ESPN and love.fútbol will unveil a newly-renovated soccer field at the center later this spring. Further details about the soccer field and the partnership with Soccer in the Streets will be announced soon.