SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Wednesday, ESPN and StubHub announced the inaugural class of the Hall of Fans. Vancouver Canucks fan and legendary Green Man “Sully,” Baltimore Ravens icon “Captain Dee-Fense” and the University of Alabama softball team’s beloved Emily will be the first inductees into this new institution celebrating extraordinary fandom. Nearly 50,000 votes were cast in the first year of this contest.
Sully, one of the famous Green Men, began his routine at a Vancouver Canucks game in 2009 by wearing a green suit to distract opposing players with his fellow green fan, Force. Since achieving celebrity status, the Green Men raised over $15,000 for charities but continue to cheer on the Canucks while wearing the now famous costumes.
Larry, a Baltimore Ravens fan known as Captain Dee-Fense, is a military veteran of 24 years who frequently spreads his Ravens spirit at community events. He’s participated in 300 charity events, already 70 this year and has yet to miss a Ravens home game. His costume includes a spiked belt, chains, gloves, sunglasses and a purple captain’s hat.
Emily is the heart and soul of Alabama softball. She can be spotted supporting Alabama’s softball team in a pink sombrero and crimson and white striped overalls. The university’s first Crimson Tide school spirit award recipient in 2005, her chants and dugout cheers are legendary.
The fans will be inducted in a ceremony on ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. campus on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The presentation will include remarks by ESPN president John Skipper and SportsNation’s Charissa Thompson will serve as the emcee for the program.*
Three vintage stadium chairs will represent the three inductees with individual plaques which immortalize their names. They will also be presented with a $1000 StubHub gift certificate during the unveiling on the ESPN lawn. In future years, the plaques will be replaced with each new class but there will be a display of the Hall of Fans legacy nearby.
Each of the fans will also be profiled in ESPN The Magazine in an upcoming edition due on shelves October 5.
Beginning at the 2012 ESPYs, a robust television, print, digital, social and radio campaign across ESPN platforms and on StubHub.com supported the contest.
*Subject to change.
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