Best Act:

The touring act or halftime show that excels in providing quality entertainment for your fans. Touring acts, halftime acts and non-mascot performers are considered. Consider drawing power, entertainment quality, cooperation of the act, ability of act to promote appearances, added media exposure for team, act innovation and value.

Winner: TIE Christian and Scooby and Simon Sez Steve Max

Most of 2021 had some restrictions due to COVID. Some arena and stadiums were empty, limited seating and most court and field access was eliminated or restricted.  Most touring acts went dark.

Christian and Scooby

One industry leader explained how Christian and Scooby adapted “Having no access to the playing fields obviously had a huge impact on acts.  Christian and Scooby altered their show to be able to perform in a much smaller area, but did not sacrifice on the entertainment value. They draw you into the camera shot, and keep your attention regardless of where they are performing from.”

Tapping into his Vegas showcase roots, Christian was still able to execute his act on a small stage with a big presence.

Simon Sez Steve Max

Likewise Steve Max made pandemic-era tweaks to his show, including the launch of a Zoom-style video show to adapt to the limited court access realities.  Steve also continues to make his show flexible and interesting with his Simon Sez battles like Kids vs Adults, Firemen vs Police, and Light Vs. Dark.

This panel raved “The best part of it is that it really involves the fans. He has the ability to bring VIPS, donors, STHs, Team Officials and players on to the field/court to participate.”

#MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWarsDay @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/9NuKScC4H5

— Steve Max (@SimonSezGuy) May 4, 2021

Also see our Entertainment Act Pages featuring Steve Max – Simon Sez and Christian and Scooby.

Category Winners:

• Best of 2021 – TIE Christian and Scooby and Simon Sez Steve Max
• Best of 2020 – Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act
• Best of 2019 – Cameron Hughes
• Best of 2018 – Cameron Hughes
• Best of 2017 – Cameron Hughes
• Best of 2016 – Red Panda Acrobat
• Best of 2015 – The Amazing Sladek
• Best of 2014 – Red Panda Acrobat
• Best of 2013 – Simon Sez Steve Max
• Best of 2012 – Cameron Hughes
• Best of 2011 – Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey
• Best of 2010 – Remote Kontrol
• Best of 2009 – King Firecrackers
• Best of 2008 – Quick Change
• Best of 2007 – Red Panda Acrobat
• Best of 2006 – Red Panda Acrobat
• Best of 2005 – Bucket Boys
• Best of 2004 – Red Panda Acrobat
• Best of 2003 – Quick Change
• Best of 2002 – Quick Change
• Best of 2001 – Blue Man Group

Best Team Introductions:

Which team introduction is the best produced, executed, fresh and innovative. Consider creativity, value to fans, execution, quality of presentation, fan interaction and attention to detail. We level the playing field by considering budget constraints to minor league teams. The category will focus primarily on the standard introduction (opening night variations will be considered, but the focus is on the standard game production). Due to the category we will also rely heavily on video reviews (YouTube, etc.).

Winner: Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights continue to dominate the Best Introductions category.  They set the bar in their inaugural season and have not looked back, earning on-going national acclaim for their pre-game production. This is their fourth win in 5 years, only topped during the COVID-season where teams were unable to tap into fan energy with empty arenas.

Vegas treats games and series as part of their evolving story with the team and its history being told in storybook fashion. The cast of characters includes players, fans, and team entertainers enhanced with an industry-leading use of ice-projection that is unmatched.  Here is an example from the start of the 2021 season with the VGK introducing a new rival in their story.

The introductions set the tone for your event and Vegas’ notable showcase is has fans in the building well before the puck drops. “Encouraging fans to enter early is a challenge all over the country, and when you can do it by putting on an unforgettable show, even before the game begins, you are doing it right,” explained one envious executive panelist.

Another panelist summed up the show with “Best. Pregame. Ever.”

Category Winners:

• Best of 2021 – Vegas Golden Knights
• Best of 2020 – Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Boston Bruins
• Best of 2019 – Vegas Golden Knights
• Best of 2018 – Vegas Golden Knights
• Best of 2017 – Atlanta United (MLS)
• Best of 2016 – Saint Paul Saints
• Best of 2015 – Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Pistons
• Best of 2014 -Chicago Blackhawks
• Best of 2013 -Chicago Wolves
• Best of 2012 – Miami Heat
• Best of 2011 – Colorado Eagles
• Best of 2010 –  Portland Trail Blazers
• Best of 2009 -Wake Forest Basketball
• Best of 2008 -Philadelphia Flyers

Listen to the Best of 2021 Audio Round Table discussing all the categories and winners with out panel of Jon Cudo, Amanda Greco, Chris Grosse and Benjamin Hill. – December 2021 Party in the Back Podcast