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Columbus Blue Jackets

Six from Six: Gameops.com Team Reviews

In 2006 Gameops.com will feature six game reviews from six teams around sports. We have selected teams across different sports, leagues, levels and markets to hopefully give readers a good variety of subjects.

For these game reviews, we visited each team for a game with one goal: Find six things each team is doing well and discuss how other teams can find similar success by following their lead.

The entire Six from Six Series is now available in a printable document on the Gameops.com Store.

Six from Six: Columbus Blue Jackets

Game Notes

This was the third home game for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2005-06 season, following the locked out 2004-05 season. The game was a challenge for the game presentation as the Jackets fell behind after a quick score 45 seconds into the game and another 90 seconds after that. The game was a virtual blowout as the Red Wings were up 4-0 after 15 minutes of play and the crowd had little to cheer for on the ice.

The team showed little fear related to their production as the deficit widened, and continued to move forward and take chances with their show. The game was reviewed by Gameops.com Editor, Jon Cudo, October 22nd, 2005.

Staff

Kimberly Kershaw - Director of Game Presentation
Also directs for the Arena Football Team (Columbus Destroyers) and has been with the NHL team for 5 years. Formerly with the Sharks and Lightning. Freelanced in Europe for 2 years prior to starting with Columbus.

They have some new staff this year due to the lockout. Many NHL teams lost staff during the lock out, some changed teams or sports.

David Bakalik - Manager of Video Production
Currently in his 3rd Season with Jackets video production. The Blue Jackets also have two full time editors in-house. They handle most of the broadcast editing and all of the in-arena video production.

Kate McShea - Assistant Game Promotions
The floor manager who directs the promotion teams and live contests/features.

The Lessons from Columbus

  • Lesson 1: Build Game Night Production and Promotions around a Theme
  • Lesson 2: Great Script Writing Makes a Great Show
  • Lesson 3: Listen to the fans
  • Lesson 4: Use Pre-Game to enhance your show
  • Lesson 5: Use time wisely
  • Lesson 6: Honoring fan participation

Lesson 1: Build Game Night Production and Promotions around a Theme



Lesson 2: Great Script Writing Makes a Great Show

It was obvious that attention was given to each word used in PA's. This is a lesson that is easy to overstate, but it matters. Phrases were carefully chosen. A "less is more" approach was evident in the writing and fans are left with all the information they need and little else.

For example: "Fans please stand for our National Anthem sung by Leo Welsch " is not the same as, "Fans remain standing for the national anthem sung by Leo Welsch." This acknowledges your fans are already standing and ready to get into the game.

Beyond the PA Scripting, there was some extraordinary writing done on the video projects. One video piece stood out as a writing masterpiece. The video element was simply a preview of the upcoming intermission hockey game between two mites teams (Future Jackets). The video was shot in the style of an NFL film preview looking at two player's preparation for the "big game." The writing (and voice over) work made the intermission game (which is a ticket-selling staple for many teams) feel like a world championship match-up. The writing elevated what would be a throw-away preview into one of the most memorable vignettes I have seen.



Lesson 3: Listen to the fans



Lesson 4: Use Pre-Game to enhance your show



Lesson 5: Use time wisely



Lesson 6: Honoring Fan Participation



You could tell this is a team that takes the entertainment seriously. Kimberly stressed how much they are trying to improve the "live" elements this year. Led by in-arena host Mike Todd. Mike Todd was very strong in his role and was well cast in the role. He showed a loyalty to his team, soft side (with kids) and was glib and funny at times.

They are aware of the balance between trying something new and doing what fans are accustomed to. "Maybe they just want what you've done in the past." Kimberly explained.

Some traditions in Columbus actually pre-date the Jackets and are tied to the former Columbus Chill (ECHL) team whose loyal fans now make up a part of the CBJ fan base.

The entire Six from Six Series is now available in a printable document on the Gameops.com Store.

  • Lesson 1: Build around a Theme (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 2: Great Script Writing Makes a Great Show (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 3: Listen to the fans (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 4: Use Pre-Game to enhance your show (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 5: Use time wisely (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 6: Honor fan participation (Blue Jackets)
  • Lesson 7: Music ties the show together (Blazers)
  • Lesson 8: Multiple openings keep the games fresh (Blazers)
  • Lesson 9: Allow flexibility in your game script (Blazers)
  • Lesson 10: Connect with the sport and league (Blazers)
  • Lesson 11: Use simple effects for bright results with lighting effects (Blazers)
  • Lesson 12: Position Yourself for Success (Blazers)
  • Lesson 13: Careful placement of elements (Shock)
  • Lesson 14: Be creative with your premium Items (Shock)
  • Lesson 15: Setting up powerful moments (Shock)
  • Lesson 16: Cultivate your staff into your best fans (Shock)
  • Lesson 17: Stand until you score, bonding your fans (Shock)
  • Lesson 18: Using Different Voices When Talking to Your Fans (Shock)
  • Lesson 19: Know your fans and connect with them (Rangers)
  • Lesson 20: Tell your fans about your players (Rangers)
  • Lesson 21: Shock your fans (Rangers)
  • Lesson 22: Customize the music you use the most (Rangers)
  • Lesson 23: Play off your competition (Rangers)
  • Lesson 24: Have a back-up plan for EVERY contest (Rangers)
  • Lesson 25: Spice up your most reoccuring elements (Pirates)
  • Lesson 26: Use different combinations of technology, performers and sponsorship (Pirates)
  • Lesson 27: Have fun with your contestants (Pirates)
  • Lesson 28: Sell yourboard first, then sell everything else (Pirates)
  • Lesson 29: Buidling on your success (Pirates)
  • Lesson 30: Profit from your elements (Pirates)
  • Lesson 31: Premiums that make a difference (Devil Rays)
  • Lesson 32: Make your building as interesting as possible (Devil Rays)
  • Lesson 33: REAL fans get the good stuff (Devil Rays)
  • Lesson 34: The pre-game matters (Devil Rays)
  • Lesson 35: Introduce your teams (Devil Rays)
  • Lesson 36: Keep an eye on the future (Devil Rays)

Six From Six Series from Gameops.com

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