Hallmark has produced two notable projects here in Independence that intertwine romance with football and feature locations on the Square: the promotional trailer Falling for Football and the movie Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
Premiering during Hallmark’s 15th Annual Countdown to Christmas in 2024, this movie is a collaboration between Hallmark Media, the NFL, Skydance Sports, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the businesses of the Independence Square. The film stars Tyler Hynes as Derrick, the Chiefs’ Director of Fan Engagement, and Hunter King as Alana Higman, a devoted Chiefs superfan competing for the “Fan of the Year” title. Ed Begley Jr. portrays Alana’s grandfather. Filming took place in July 2024, with significant scenes shot at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and various locations in Independence, Missouri. On Independence Square, Wild About Harry was transformed into the “KC Corner Store and Fan Cave,” the Higman’s family-owned store, while Square Pizza became “Norma and Nic’s BBQ,” a local barbecue restaurant managed by none other than Donna Kelce. The Historic Truman Courthouse and surrounding areas were decorated with Christmas lights to capture the holiday spirit. You can even see our theater in many of the shots!
Falling for Football
Released in January 2024 as the Kansas City Chiefs entered the NFL playoffs, “Falling for Football” is a Hallmark-style promotional trailer that playfully mimics the network’s signature holiday romances. The Kansas City Chiefs teamed up with Funny or Die director Parker Seaman and SNL Digital Shorts editor Ryan Spears to create a “Hallmark Movie” about the postseason. The trailer stars Janel Parrish and Tyler Hynes as the romantic leads, with appearances by Chiefs players Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Tommy Townsend. Notably, Donna Kelce, mother of Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, features as a diner employee offering sage advice. The production was filmed primarily in Independence, Missouri – right here on the Square! Local businesses were transformed for the shoot: Wild About Harry became “Kingdom Keepsakes,” and Up Dog was rebranded as “Lenny’s.” The Courthouse Exchange restaurant can also be seen at the very start of the trailer where Janel’s character sits at the bar. The Historic Truman Courthouse also serves as a backdrop, adorned with festive Christmas decorations.
Photos from Holiday Touchdown
Photos from the Set of “Falling for Football”
