USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures Announces 2023 PLANTERS® brand legends Party With Hosts Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis

Featuring Multi-Grammy Award-Winning Musical Guest Artist Nelly

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, part of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announces the PLANTERS^® brand Legends Party presented by BetMGM and Smirnoff with the NFL Alumni Association and the USA TODAY Network. Hosted by former NFL Tight Ends Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis, with special guests Fox NFL Kickoff Host Charissa Thompson and actor and comedian Michael Rapaport, the event will take place on Friday, February 10 at 6 p.m. MST at Gila River Resorts & Casino - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ.

In celebration of the Big Game, the evening, sponsored by the makers of PLANTERS^®, begins with a pre-party including a meet and greet with NFL greats and special surprise guests. VIP attendees will enjoy red carpet entry, top-shelf cocktails, beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, music, and entertainment. The main event is a one-of-a-kind comedy “Roast and Toast” of former NFL alumni legends players. The evening will conclude with an exclusive afterparty featuring custom cocktails, exclusive giveaways and a special performance by rapper and music icon Nelly.

"I always have a great time partnering with USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures to host the Legends Party, and this year it's going to be even better with Vernon Davis added to the mix,” said Rob Gronkowski. “Spending time with my favorite NFL alumni while dancing to Nelly and serving as a ‘Roast & Toast’ team captain will make this year’s event legendary for sure.”

“It’s an honor to be back at the USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures Legends Party with Gronk,” said Vernon Davis. “I had such a great time attending last year’s event, and I'm excited to be a team captain and honor our Legends this year!”

Additional supporting sponsors include Aviation, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Don Julio, LaCroix Sparkling Water, 19 Crimes and Penfolds.

“When it comes to roasting, that’s something the PLANTERS^® brand knows very well,” said Robbie Koons, Brand Manager, PLANTERS^®. “Whether it’s roasting peanuts or roasting former professional football players, you can bet we’re gonna have one SHELL of a time at the Legends Party.”

To further celebrate the Big Game weekend, the NFL Alumni Association Celebrity Blackjack Tournament, presented by BetMGM and Martini Mates, will be held on Thursday, February 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. MST at Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the NFL Alumni Association’s charity, Caring for Kids. Limited seats are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We’re excited to be working with Rob and Vernon again to bring the PLANTERS^® brand Legends Party to the Phoenix community for the Big Game weekend,” said Jason Taylor, President, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. “We had an incredible turnout at last year’s Legends Party in Los Angeles including some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. This year will be even better with Charissa, Nelly, Michael Rapoport and more special guests and entertainment.”

PLANTERS^® brand Legends Party tickets are available for purchase today while supplies last by visiting legendsparty.com/football. For more details on how to participate in the celebrity blackjack tournament, visit legendsparty.com/football.

In conjunction with USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, the Legends “Roast & Toast” is executive produced by Henry Penzi, Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis.

USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures leverages sporting events with Legends branded experiences celebrating renowned athletes across the country. To learn more about Legends events, please visit LegendsParty.com.

ABOUT GANNETT

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally-focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer Prize-winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 45 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 150 local news media brands. Gannett also owns digital marketing services companies marketed under the LocaliQ brand, and runs one of the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

ABOUT USA TODAY NETWORK

USA TODAY NETWORK, part of Gannett Co, Inc. (NYSE: GCI), is the largest local-to-national media organization in the country, powered by our award-winning newsrooms and marketing solutions business. With deep roots in local communities spanning the U.S. with more than 200 local media brands, plus USA TODAY, we engage more than 120 million people every month through a diverse portfolio of multi-platform content offerings and experiences. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.

ABOUT USA TODAY NETWORK VENTURES

USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures creates impactful consumer engagements and experiences through world-class events, promotions, races and technology. We strive to exceed expectations, create unforgettable memories and drive value for our partners while leveraging our reputable institutions, including USA TODAY and more than 200 local media brands.