New Year's Planning from around Sports
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Jim Hennessey of the Nashville Predators Interview
Five questions with:
Jim Hennessey of the Nashville Predators
Gameops.com: How much time did you spend producing opening night?
Jim Hennessey: Our staff of five started to produce the game in July of 1998 for the Oct 10th opening night. This 5 person staff worked on all aspects of the production in addition to other retail and marketing efforts.
Gameops.com: Tell us about opening night.
Jim Hennessey: We started our fans' experience visit with a walk through a 40 foot ice cave. It was created around the main doors of the exterior of the building. The cave was decorated with paintings, special effects were added like howling wind, and the fans all entered on a red carpet. The players also used the entrance for introductions. Then we chauffeured in with Hummers.
The experience also included a 30 minute "Fang Training" prior to the game. The pre-game was hosted by Gary Chapman. The training taught the fans custom cheers and in-game interactives like:
- Get Bit Face-off: Before every face-off the two sides of the arena alternately chant "Get" and "Bit"
- Fang Fingers: Fans paw at the air to the theme from Psycho, an early crowd favorite
- Rolling Growl: A custom wave. Fans stand and paw at the air and growl in wave-like fashion
- Team Song: Blues-star Delbert McClinton sang the Predators team song.
We also introduced the team band. They play live at about 75% of our games. Our mascot was introduced for the first time, which included a rappel from the ceiling. The opening night featured a 90 second laser show to the song "Ready to go" by Republica. Later in the night, our Tiger Airship (blimp) was unveiled.
Gameops.com: Are there some vendors that you used to produce the show that you would recommend?
Jim Hennessey: PK Productions, a local video production house, created our 50 second introduction animation. Also Strictly Effects (Chicago) did our pyro and laser show. They also installed and operate our cyber lights. Strictly Effects also produces effects for the Islanders, Lightning, and Hurricanes.
Gameops.com: If you could do anything differently, what would that be?
Jim Hennessey: We would have started to plan earlier, like May '98. Also we did not hold any exhibition games at our arena. If we could do it again, I think that would help work any of the remaining kinks out.
Gameops.com: What elements have proven to be your fans' early favorites?
Jim Hennessey: The fans really like two things: The Fang Fingers. Some visiting NHL players are already calling this the most annoying feature in the league. The fans also really enjoy our in-arena Band. We put them in a prominent position and they play during intermission and walk-in.
Special thanks to Jim Hennessey and the Nashville Predators.
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