Best of 2004: The Gameops.com Review
Debra Belinsky & Cheryl Benson-Guanci of DCB Productions
Game Ideas from Gameops.com Readers
The Famous Chicken Talks Mascotting
Window Wavers
Punch List
Steven Dobo with Zenith Pyrotechnology
Five questions with Steven Dobo
President, Zenith Pyrotechnology
Gameops.com: In your opinion, what are the most effective uses of pyrotechnics in sports and why is it a valuable resource?
Steven Dobo: The most effective uses for pyrotechnics in sports are to enhance player introductions, scoring by the home team and half-time festivities. It has been our experience that pyro lends a palpable adrenaline rush for both the audience and the players -- it heightens the experience for everyone, making the moment that much more exciting. The other element that I believe is important is that pyro very much increases the perceived value of the event for the fans in the audience and also for those watching at home -- it very much says to fans that the team appreciates your loyalty and wants to enhance your experience as a fan as much as they possibly can.
Gameops.com: For teams who currently do not use pyro, what are the steps in order to research and source a vendor?
Steven Dobo: Locating vendors can be as simple as a search on the Internet or even browsing through the Yellow Pages. Qualifying a vendor is a trickier process -- most of our sports clients have come through referrals from one team to another. We also refer prospective clients to our website, where we feature actual photos of our sports pyro -- this ability has proven very helpful in providing instant visual feedback.
Gameops.com: What are the time lines involved with contracting pyrotechnics for an event?
Steven Dobo: Time lines for contracting pyrotechnics have several variables -- Is it for the entire season? A home opener? How elaborate is the display? These are all important elements. Is there sufficient time to secure a permit? Most permits require two weeks' lead time or even a month in some cities, so this can be a factor. For us, a month is ideal for a basic show, although we have had displays with only one or two days' notice -- it's not impossible, but it's certainly not preferable.
Gameops.com: What are the steps you take to ensure safety for your clients as well as balance value and quality? 
Steven Dobo: Safety is paramount for us -- it is the key to our reputation, so each display is designed with the audience and players in mind and their proximity to the pyrotechnics. Another element is the products themselves -- we only use products from a select group of manufacturers to ensure consistency and control. Product selection also plays a big part in quality -- teams are obviously concerned about the effect of pyrotechnics on the playing field -- the NHL has very strict rules about ice conditions, smoke output can be a big factor and the last thing you'd want is a fine for the team because of game delays. We also invest quite a bit in our equipment -- this past year we've relied heavily upon computerized firing systems that can synchronize with sound tracks and video tracks, which have proven very effective for teams that feature pre-game videos or sound tracks where the pyro hits can be fired to the time code of the music.
We always strive to provide the best value for our clients and will work within their budgets. I think value is assured when everyone sees the show and walks away thinking it was great, no matter what the budget. We've also introduced other special effects elements into our repertoire that have worked well in sports, specifically confetti units that fire continuously for approximately a minute or more -- the material can be team colors, and the fan reaction has been overwhelming.
Gameops.com: What do you see as the future of the pyrotechnics industry in sports?
Steven Dobo: Pyro in sports has grown tremendously just over the past few years, and it is a trend that I believe will continue. Fans have come to expect high production values from their teams, and I believe they appreciate the creativity of the Game Day coordinators in putting together a pre-game or half-time extravaganza -- even if the team doesn't win the game, fans have been given that extra excitement, the feeling that they've gotten a bit more for the price of their ticket. If the team wins, then the pyro simply heightens that experience.
Special thanks to Steven Dobo and Zenith Pyrotechnology.
Fireworks Glasses
Best of 2004: The Gameops.com Review
National Anthem
Schedule Pens™
Floor Mats
