BaAM in Canada's Capital for NHL All-Star Weekend
On Thursday, January 26, the NHL All-Stars took over Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, for a weekend full of hockey entertainment. BaAM was involved in many of the All-Star events at locations around the city.
BaAM supported IMG with set production and stage management for the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft at Casino du Lac-Leamy. We provided on-site production management, construction management, and technical direction for the NHL All-Star Skills Competition and the NHL All-Star Game.
Outdoors on the Rideau Canal, BaAM worked with the NHL and Canadian Tire to produce the Junior Skills competition finals. The exciting event brought young hockey players from across Canada to test their skills on one of the most iconic rinks in the world. Winners were presented during the All-Star Skills event at Scotiabank Place.
At Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence, BaAM provided production management for the press event held in support of the Hockey Education Reaching Out Society [H.E.R.O.S.] program. Hosted by George Stroumboulopoulous, the formal press conference included comments by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Gary Bettman, Eugene Melnyk, Norm Flynn and Will O’Ree, and was followed by a hockey skills presentation on the outdoor rink, featuring NHL team mascots and a visit from legendary NHL goalie Johnny Bower.
Both the Fantasy Draft and Skills Competition drew large crowds and broadcast audiences. Following the events, the NHL reported that 10.2 million Canadians tuned-in to some part of CBC’s All-Star coverage. If you do the math, that works out to be about 30% of the population.
It was a busy weekend with some unforgettable moments. It’ll be hard to catch everything in one post, but here’s our best shot:
VIDEO: The Ottawa Citizen recaps some highlights from All-Star Weekend
BaAM Travels to Philadelphia for 2012 NHL Winter Classic
The 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic entertained 3.74 million viewers on January 2. While planning and pre-production started months in advance, the webcam on-site recorded the install that saw Citizens Bank Park transform from a ballpark to a hockey arena.
From the picture-perfect weather to a penalty shot in the final 19 seconds of the game, this year’s match-up between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers kept hockey fans on the edge of their seats – or more likely up on their feet!
And the excitement didn’t end with the final buzzer. Here are some of our favourite NHL.com post-event media clippings:
VIDEO: "Bettman: Philadelphia was 'spectacular'"
ARTICLE: "Teams feel privileged to experience 'perfect' Classic"
ARTICLE: "Rangers, Flyers praise Classic playing conditions
BaAM Fuses Athletics & Art For Pan/Parapan Am Handover
The 2011 Pan and Parapan American Games have officially drawn to a close in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Pan Am Closing Ceremonies were celebrated in the sold-out Omnilife Stadium on October 30, followed by the Parapan Closing Ceremonies at Telmex Athletics Stadium on November 20. At both events, an 8-minute Handover Ceremony created by BaAM Productions symbolized the passing of the torch from Guadalajara to Toronto, ON – the host city for the 2015 Pan American Games.
BaAM produced the Handover Ceremonies, providing TO2015 – Toronto’s Pan American Organizing Committee – with full creative and technical services. The Handover Ceremony was comprised of a protocol-driven segment and a creative presentation signaling the countdown to Toronto’s 2015 games.
The BaAM team collaborated closely with TO2015 Senior Vice President, Marketing and Revenue, Katherine Henderson and Creative Director, Arts, Culture and Festivals, Don Shipley to develop all elements of the creative presentation. BaAM also worked alongside FiveCurrents, Producer of the 2011 Pan American Games Ceremonies, to seamlessly integrate the creative presentation within the Closing Ceremony programs.
The Handover Ceremonies were developed through a creative process led by BaAM and involved a cross-section of talented thought-leaders from Canadian arts and culture. The resulting creative brief was rooted in story and focused on sharing the heritage and culture of the Pan American spirit while highlighting the diverse cultural canvas of Toronto. Don Shipley of TO2015 remarked that, “This was an exceptional creative collaboration in its truest form resulting in a unique fusion of talent and complementary skills and a presentation that was world class in every respect for the Handover Ceremonies. The teamwork, attention to detail, and problem solving techniques employed by BaAM made the whole process creative and enjoyable from beginning to end.”
Download BaAM's official press release to learn more about the Pan and Parapan Handover Ceremonies and the incredible production team involved in the projects.
Downloads:
BaAM Produces 2011 Parapan Am Handover Ceremony
On November 20, the Parapan American Games were officially brought to a close at the Telmex Athletics Stadium. BaAM returned to Guadalajara to produce the Handover Ceremony within the Closing Ceremony program. The Pan/Parapan Closing Ceremonies begin the countdown to the next series of Pan Am Games to be hosted in Toronto, ON.
It was an unforgettable experience for our BaAM team and the talented Canadian artists that collaborated with us for this project. Click here to read TO2015's full press release covering the event.
Photo at Right: Pan/Parapan dancers rev up for the Parapan Handover Ceremony creative presentation.
Guadalajara 2011 Pan Am Games, Videos and More
The 2011 Pan American Games drew to a close in Guadalajara, Mexico on Sunday, October 30, 2011 in the sold-out Omnilife Stadium. As part of the Games’ Closing Ceremony, an 8-minute segment created by BaAM Productions symbolized the passing of the torch from Guadalajara to Toronto, ON – the host city for the 2015 Pan American Games.
Stay tuned for full details about the Pan Am and Parapan Am Closing Ceremonies. In the meantime, you can follow these links to some of our favorite coverage from the closing of the Guadalajara 2011 Pan Am Games.
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Missed the live broadcast on October 30? No sweat! Watch the CBCsports.ca broadcast here.
Click here for a great behind-the-scenes look of the Pan Am Handover Ceremony, brought to you by TO2015 TV.
Learn more about the ideas and themes behind the official Handover Ceremony between Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015. Follow this link to the TO2015 News feature!
Heres an album from Guadalajara 2011 dedicated to the Closing Ceremony celebration.
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2011 NHL Face-Off Winnipeg Drew Nearly 1 Million Viewers
On Thursday, October 6, the puck was officially dropped for the much-anticipated 2011/12 NHL season. The season’s opening night was celebrated with a free, family-friendly event in Winnipeg, Manitoba, home of the NHL’s newest team: the Winnipeg Jets. BaAM’s team of Project Managers and Designers collaborated with the NHL to produce this historic event. In the days leading up to the festival, BaAM was onsite at “The Forks” – a major gathering area for the City of Winnipeg set along the Red River – preparing for the event that would eventually draw thousands of fans over the course of six hours.
The 2011 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off TM Festival was a fan event dedicated to all things hockey with more than fourteen (14) sponsored activities and booths to give visitors a hands-on experience of every angle of the game. Attendees had the chance to test-drive EA SPORTS™ NHL®12 on PlayStation®3 entertainment systems, check out the latest Reebok gear in the Reebok Locker Room, skate on a Synthetic Ice Rink with their teammates, or compete with family and friends at XM’s Hardest Shot Interactive.
In addition to these interactive activities, Jets players Andrew Ladd, Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey, Jim Slater, Mark Stuart, and Tanner Glass were on hand to sign autographs and introduce Canadian rock legends Randy Bachman and Fred Turner for a live performance on the Scotiabank Stage. The festival included an entertainment line-up featuring Toronto-based rockers Three Days Grace, Winnipeg-born Inward Eye and Canadian rock legends Bachman & Turner. CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulis and Hockey Night in Canada’s Andi Petrillo emceed the evening for all those onsite at The Forks or tuning in from home. CBC later reported that the NHL Face-Off pre-game show drew an average of nearly a million viewers, which was a 66% increase in viewership compared to last season’s opening night.
Click here to read "Winnipeg Face-Off party starts memorable weekend" on NHL.com.
BaAM Returns to the State Fair of Texas
BaAM returned to the Lone Star State this fall for the 125th State Fair of Texas. Working with Jack Morton Worldwide and Chevrolet, BaAM provided interactive attractions including the Center Field Baseball Diamond and always popular soccer activity Kick to Score.
Remounting "Wanna Play?" for Game 3 of the World Series, for MLB
It was a beautiful day for the MLB "Wanna Play?" event at Rangers Youth Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, celebrating Game 3 of the World Series and just coming off a nail-biting Rangers win in St. Louis. BaAM provided our Center Field baseball diamond, Quick Ball attraction, MLB regulation batting cages, and Fastest Pitch attraction for this year's Game 3 "Wanna Play?" program. It was the second year we worked with Major League Baseball to create this event, and we had twice as many kids from the local Boys and Girls Club and RBI Leagues in attendance.
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation facilitated the clinics, once again, giving the young baseball hopefuls tips on sliding, fielding, pitching and hitting, as they rotated from station to station, with some help from Rangers’ alumni Curtis Wilkerson, Bengi Gil, and Tim Crabtree. At the main stage, they were treated to life lessons from Harold Reynolds and Ray Burris. It was a great perspective getting to work with the Rangers Foundation team again, and to see how the benefits of their first World Series experience last year resulted in a more confident staff and heightened awareness of what to expect from the hype of a Championship run.
BaAM at the Int'l Sports Heritage Association Conference
From October 12 – 14, 2011, the International Sports Heritage Association held its 41st Annual Conference in Oakville, ON, hosted by the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. This year’s conference theme was “Survive AND Thrive,” and it offered a number of round table discussions, workshops, and break-out sessions with topics ranging from Social Networking and The Foundation of Strategic Planning to Digitization and Online Photo Management.
Gary Myers, BaAM’s Vice President, Design Services, presented some of the latest tech developments during a round table discussion about New Exhibit Technology (see photo right). It was an idea-inspiring session that considered the exponential rise of smart phones, apps and mobile devices and the limitless possibilities for museums and halls of fame to incorporate them into their exhibits.
Photo provided by the International Sports Heritage Association.
Kids' World of Sport at the CNE
This summer BaAM was at the 133rd Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. We provided the CNE Kids’ World of Sport: an area nestled in the west end of the CNE dedicated to practicing and mastering the skills required to play some of the world’s greatest games. BaAM’s interactives included a Basketball Hoop Challenge, Homerun Derby, Kick to Score soccer challenge, and a Quarterback Challenge.
Our team provided project management, graphic design and production, and installation and dismantle supervision. To learn more about the CNE and its programming, click here.
BaAM Takes Part in Worldwide Day of Play
This past September, BaAM traveled to Washington, D.C. for Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play – a full day dedicated to getting kids outside and active. The September 24 event was the biggest Worldwide Day of Play celebration ever held to date. The event was setup on the Ellipse in President’s Park with various games and activities happening throughout the site. To help encourage families to get up and get active for Worldwide Day of Play, Nickelodeon went off-air and offline from 12pm – 3pm on Saturday, September 24. Stars from some of Nickelodeon’s shows like iCarly, Victorious, Big Time Rush and Supah Ninjas were there to join in the fun, along with several organizations, including MLB, PGA, Special Olympics International and Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign.
BaAM managed all aspects of MLB’s “Wanna Play?” presence at the event including The Center Field baseball diamond, batting cages and quick ball attraction with clinic programming provided by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Daniella Monet and Matt Bennett, stars of Nickeolodeon’s Victorious, shared their tips on staying healthy from the Center Field attraction. Watch the full video here.
The BaAM FanFest Awards
August 16, 2011
The BaAM FanFest Awards were announced onsite in Phoenix, AZ at the close of MLB's five-day fan event. The whole BaAM team was recognized for their hard work under the desert sun, but a few people walked away with some special honors. Congrats to all the winners!
And the winners are...
Rookie of the Year: Sarah Zeilstra*
*Click here for a firsthand account of MLB All-Star FanFest from a Rookie's persepective.
MVP: Kenny Roy
Greatest Save: Geoff Kay
Ambassador: Bruce Sweezie
Biggest Wow: Vince Morgan
Be the Ball: Mike Steenvoorden
Pictured Right: Bruce Sweezie is presented with the Ambassador Award by AMR.
MLB All-Star FanFest: A Rookie's Perspective
August 16, 2011
By Sarah Zeilstra
This year saw the 21st installment of MLB’s All Star FanFest; for me, it was my first…a Rookie!
There was a sprinkling of us rookies among the veterans, some who have returned year after year to a host of different cities across North America….all to bring the MLB FanFest experience to thousands of baseball fans of all ages.
This year: destination Phoenix, Arizona; an unexpectedly small downtown core consisting mostly of commuters from the surrounding suburbs. Though that wasn’t any gauge or indication on the crowds the MLB All Star FanFest would draw. They came in droves and took full advantage of the interactive modules and all that MLB offered at FanFest.
A day in the life of a technical supervisor began with our 6:45 am ‘Driver Dan’s’ bus ride to the convention centre for our 7:00 am meeting. Here we received our daily install jobs, binders of information and radios….then it was off down to the tool truck in the loading bay to collect tools and ladders. 7:50 am outside to meet our crew for the day.
8:00 am to 5:00 pm was spent supervising the crew installing flats, risers, cages, and graphics that transformed into walls, stages, and booths of the modules, each with a specific purpose for the baseball fan soon to be attending. Some modules were interactive where fans could test out their batting practice, be challenged at their pitching skills or practice their fielding. Other modules were information based which illustrated the amazing historical aspects of the game.
Our evenings were the occasional meal out, or trip to the grocery store but mostly they were spent by the pool, relaxing, chatting to fellow crew and the occasional water badminton tournament played with a beach ball!
There are many great things I will remember from my experience at FanFest…..trying to learn Euchre from quick and nimble experts, our trip to Target that became a race back to the hotel in an effort to keep ahead of the sandstorm, a tsunami of sand that was fast approaching Phoenix! Playing Golf in a 120 degree heat in the desert, and spending lunchtimes watching a slideshow of photos from the previous days…….But the most memorable of all has to be the last day of strike and the craziest renditions of British accents on radio!
As for winning Rookie of the Year….what an honour as I was among such stellar fellow rookies. I would like to think it was because I did the job well, got on great with everyone and held my own as one of the guys but I have a sneaky suspicion it was more to do with my British accent!
I feel very privileged to have worked with such a brilliant crew, managed by a great company who over 20 years have perfected the art of production managing such a large scale event with an even bigger impact on its audience.
CN Tower - 35 Years of Innovation
BaAM continues to work with the CN Tower as they celebrate their 35th anniversary! The updated guest experience features new content-rich graphics on the Glass Floor level and throughout the facility, focused on 35 years of Innovation.
MLB All-Star FanFest 2011 - Phoenix
More than 110,000 baseball fans came out to mark the first ever MLB All-Star FanFest in Phoenix, AZ. Packed with baseball interactives, memorabilia, trophies, celebs, hometown heroes, and even a wedding ceremony - MLB All-Star FanFest in Phoenix was a hit. Thank you to the BaAM site team – you made it a great event!
“2011 MLB All-Star FanFest is Officially Open” (article and video)
“First Ever MLB FanFest Wedding Goes off without a hitch!” (video)
Parks Canada
Check out BaAM’s work for Parks Canada at the Point Pelee National Park Nature Trail and Visitor Centre and the Commemorative Walk on and around the Commons in Niagara-on-the-Lake – one of the Niagara National Historic Sites.
Learn more about the Niagara National Historic Sites
NHL Entry Draft 2011 - Minnesota
BaAM was at the Xcel Energy Centre in St. Paul, MN where the Draft was broadcast live on June 24 and 25. Over the two-day event hockey fans tuned in to Versus, TSN, and the NHL Network to watch the newest NHL talent make it to the big time.
BaAM named Handover Ceremonies Director by Toronto 2015
BaAM Productions is thrilled to have been appointed as Director of the Handover Ceremonies for the 2011 Pan and Parapan American Games – from Guadalajara to Toronto – in October and November of 2011. The Handover Ceremonies take place during the Closing Ceremonies for the 2011 Guadalajara Games and consist of a protocol-driven segment featuring the official flag handover followed by a culturally-focused performance from the next host country.
Downloads:BaAM is on its way to Phoenix
Only a little more than a month away, this year’s FanFest is heading to Phoenix, Arizona – home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The city of Phoenix will host the 2011 MLB All-Star events, including FanFest, the All-Star Game, the All-Star Futures Game, All-Star Legends & Celebrity Game and the Home Run Derby. This year, MLB All-Star FanFest is setting up shop for its 21st year and ticket sales are already soaring. The Phoenix Business Journal reported at the end of April that 90,000 FanFest tickets had been sold since they went on sale in February. It’s no wonder they're a popular item - the event spans across 5 days and gives baseball fans of all ages unparalleled access to players, games, personalities, trophies and more.
BaAM is Executive Producer for MLB All-Star FanFest and is responsible for project management and floorplanning the 500,000 square ft. event area. BaAM will also be onsite supervising the installation of all exhibits, graphics and interactives and the event’s subsequent dismantle.
Pictured right: The Collector's Showcase at MLB All-Star FanFest 2010 in Anaheim, CA
New Interactives Added to the BaAM Line-up
BaAM aims to keep sports fans connected to their teams and leagues through the most exciting means possible. With this in mind, we’ve been rolling out all new sports interactives for events across North America. These properties are proving to be a huge hit among fans from Dundas Square in Toronto to Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
BaAM’s unique line of sports interactives offer participants a hands-on experience designed around skill-building exercises. Hockey interactives like our Stick Handle Challenge allow fans to compete against each other and test their stick handling skills at the same time, while football interactives like BaAM’s Quarterback Challenge let players show off their QB skills by catching a football and collecting points for completing passes through tires.
Each activity can be customized with graphics, signage and logos so that it is a unique property wherever it travels. We’ve designed our interactives to be more than just static features at an event. Whether for hockey, baseball, football or soccer, BaAM’s interactives allow for game modifications and new programming throughout the day. Center Field, for example, puts baseball fans right in the middle of a scaled baseball diamond large enough to accommodate an entire game, fielding practice, clinic, batting exercises, or Home Run Derby.
The world of sports is just as fast-paced as the athletes we celebrate, so BaAM’s design team is always exploring and developing concepts for the next line of sports interactives. Feel free to contact us directly at projects@baamproductions.com for more information on our latest properties.
"Wanna Play?" at the 2011 Civil Rights Game
It’s been a busy spring season for the “Wanna Play?” program and a busy season for the BaAM crews who have been onsite for each of these recent events. Only a month after “Wanna Play?” took to the field in Houston, MLB and BaAM were busy again building excitement for local youth at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, May 14. As an event centered on igniting inner-city youth interest and participation in baseball, it offered everything from batting cages and pitching stations to BaAM’s Center Field attraction and a Youth Summit with former players and stars. The day also featured a wiffle ball game with such baseball greats as Jeffrey Hammonds, Bobby Bonilla, Tony Clark and Cliff Floyd, which proved to be a highlight for several young players.
In preparation for the big day, BaAM provided MLB with Project Planning, Project Management, Graphic Design, Site Planning, Security Planning, and Event Signage. As well, BaAM supervisors and project managers were onsite in Atlanta to provide event support and supervise the installation and dismantle.
The free “Wanna Play?” event was a precursor to the Delta Civil Rights Game played on Sunday, May 15 between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com remarked that, “The events and corresponding game are about remembering those who fought for key social issues on and off the field, but also about addressing the future…and that’s what Saturday’s Youth Summit put into action.” You can learn all about this year’s Civil Rights Game and related activities at http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/civil_rights_game/y2011/.
Wanna Play, Houston?
The Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program was active again in Texas, this time at the Sylvester Turner Park in Houston for the one-year anniversary of the Houston Astros MLB Urban Youth Academy. On April 9, 2011, representatives from MLB, former Houston Astros players and other dignitaries were in attendance to celebrate the Urban Youth Academy’s successes this past year. BaAM was also onsite providing interactive attractions like Batting Cages, Pitching Cages and the Steal Home Challenge. In addition to providing fun and games for the event, BaAM oversaw Event Design and Coordination, Project Management, Installation , Supervision, Signage and Graphics.
BaAM Nominated for Sports Business Award
Earlier this month the Sports Business Journal announced its 2011 Sports Business Awards nominees. BaAM Productions was among those nominated by the Journal in the category of Best in Sports Event and Experiential Marketing.
The awards ceremony honors “excellence in sports business” and is set to take place on Wednesday, May 18 at the New York Marriott Marquis at Times Square. BaAM congratulates all those nominated and looks forward to celebrating the great work done this past year in the world of sports.
View the official announcement here: http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Special-Content/SBA-nominees-video.aspx
NHL Outdoor Games Set New Records in 2011
So far this year, BaAM Productions has been involved in creating back-to-back “Classics” for the National Hockey League. On January 1st, the 2011 Bridgestone Winter Classic was presented at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, with a 22% increase in viewership for the US broadcast on NBC. The record-breaking 2011 Tim Horton’s Heritage Classic debuted on February 20th as another cornerstone of the NHL’s big event strategy, setting an NHL event record for both total sponsorship revenue and activation. The event also led NHL.com to its best Sunday performance of the season, with web traffic up significantly in the US, Canada and internationally over a typical regular-season Sunday and was the no.1 trending topic on Twitter in Canada throughout the entire game and peaked at the No.3 trending topic worldwide.
The BaAM team supports the NHL to make events like these happen, converting outdoor football and baseball stadiums to fully-functional NHL game venues. In a fast-paced and solution-driven environment, BaAM balances creative thinking with solid project management experience. Our creative team pulled together a mass of information and organized it to provide design solutions that integrated the needs of broadcast, entertainment and fan services. Our project services group worked alongside the NHL during the months of planning, focused on overall logistics including detailed schedules, budgets, and then sub contracting all the work required to make the massive conversion happen. Given that the two events moved across an international border between host cities where the average temperatures differ by about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this was no easy task. All of this detailed planning allows the BaAM team to shift their focus on-site to supervising installation and supporting all groups as the go-to resource for responding to the inevitable challenges.
“The Heritage Classic was a tremendous triumph for the NHL and it was gratifying to see our fans and the business community embrace the event so enthusiastically,” said NHL COO John Collins. “Our big event strategy is activating our fan base like never before,…”
And NESN said: “The idea to bring NHL games outdoors has been the best and most innovative idea a major sports league has had.”
BaAM President Annemarie Roe couldn’t agree more and speaks for all BaAM staff when she says that “The BaAM team is thrilled to be a part of the NHL’s 'outdoor adventure'.”
Pictured right: Members of the BaAM crew at center ice in McMahon Stadium.
BaAM Reports Back from the 2011 Winter Classic
January 21, 2011
More than 6.6 million viewers tuned in for the 2011 Winter Classic on January 1. The event marked the fourth year that BaAM has been involved with the NHL Winter Classic. BaAM was responsible for converting the venue into a functioning arena while supporting game, broadcast and entertainment requirements. BaAM also created the master logistics plan ensuring all aspects of the rink set-up were considered and efficiently executed.
No matter the city, we’ve learned that each outdoor game delivers an unforgettable experience for hockey fans while presenting new obstacles for our production team. The 2011 Classic upheld such a tradition. Over the course of eight days Pittsburgh saw major rainfall, uncharacteristically warm temperatures, and even a bit of sun – all of which make building an outdoor rink a very tricky situation. Despite the uncontrollable weather, BaAM’s crew persevered to ensure that the ice was ready for the official puck drop.
Do we have any tricks up our sleeve? Maybe. We asked a few members of the BaAM team to share their Winter Classic survival secrets. Read on and you might unravel a few hints – or at the very least you’ll learn why people are crazy enough to withstand Mother Nature for the good of the game...
Annemarie Roe (AMR)
President, BaAM
1. What tool or piece of equipment would you most likely be caught using at the Winter Classic?
My clipboard. No matter how technical the production world goes there is nothing as certain as a note on the clipboard. Real-time scheduling!
2. Using only 5 words, how would you describe the days leading up to the main event?
Early, late, busy, cold, warm.
3. What’s the best way to stay warm (or dry) at the Winter Classic?
Keep moving - fast.
4. If you had a Winter Classic highlights reel of your own (from any year), what would you put in it?
The helicopter fly over in Buffalo, the fans on the roof tops at Wrigley, the look on the faces of everyone as they stepped onto the field at Fenway, the time lapse of the first 36hrs at Heinz Field and a pan of the fans just before puck drop in every city.
5. Why do you do what you do?
Being a part of an event that has an impact on so many people and gets so many people working well together keeps me believing that anything is possible.
Pictured right: AMR and Chris Dowling take a break at the 2010 NHL Winter Classic held at Boston's Fenway Park.
Megan McCarthy
Production Coordinator, BaAM
1. What tool or piece of equipment would you most likely be caught using at the Winter Classic?
My blackberry - even if I'm on the run I have to be in touch and ready to switch gears.
2. Using only 5 words, how would you describe the days leading up to the main event?
Mother Nature- a controlling woman!
3. What’s the best way to stay warm (or dry) at the Winter Classic?
Multiple pairs of backup socks.
4. If you had a Winter Classic highlights reel of your own (from any year), what would you put in it?
Boston - The view from field-level during the pre-game events and the roar in the ballpark after the Bruins' Game Winning Goal. Pittsburgh - The time lapse footage of the install (music included) and 70,000 Passionate fans ignoring end of the game rain.
5. Why do you do what you do?
It's a privilege to work with an incredible team on an event that has such a huge impact on the citizens of each city it travels to. Each game is a brand new experience with it's own set of challenges and thrills. It's impossible to get bored!
Pictured right: Megan at the 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh, PA.
BaAM Gives Back to the People Who Inspire Us
January 17, 2011
Over the holiday season BaAM sponsored raffle drawings among staff, friends and family in support of a local charity. We raised more than $1000 and donated all funds to Variety, the Children’s Charity - a charity dedicated to providing specialized sports and recreation programs to children and young people with special needs. In addition to Variety’s programs, Variety Village located in Scarborough, ON offers six-acres of accessible indoor facilities and remains the largest sports training and fitness complex for children with special needs in North America. Variety’s mandate is based on the inclusive principle of fostering opportunities for all abilities: “All members, both with special needs and able-bodied, fully support this and wouldn’t want it any other way. They understand that integration is vital to create the right and supportive environment young children need to develop confidence and leadership skills.”
BaAM has had the good fortune to collaborate with Variety at the CNE’s Olympic Spirit exhibits in 2008 and 2009, celebrating Canada’s Paralympics athletes – many of whom honed their skills at Variety.
Pictured right: Megan McCarthy and Aimee Roy of BaAM Productions with members of Variety Village.
BaAM Gears Up for Winter Classic 2011
December 23, 2010
Christmas Eve is just around the corner and while it usually means plenty of gift-wrapping and eggnog for most people, for BaAM it means it’s time to don a toque and gloves and get ready for the Winter Classic. This year our crew is traveling to Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field to get ready for NHL’s outdoor tradition. They’ll be working around the clock between now and New Year’s day to get the ice ready for the Penguins and Capitals who face-off on January 1. Click on the following link to visit the NHL’s Winter Classic webpage and get a behind-the-scenes look and up-to-date info on everything Winter Classic: http://www.nhl.com/ice/eventhome.htm?location=/winterclassic/2011
Happy Holidays to All from BaAM
BaAM Productions wishes everyone a very merry holiday season and a happy New Year!
BaAM Hits Grand Slam with RBI's 'Wanna Play?' Clinic
BaAM’s outdoor baseball interactives and graphics created every future major leaguer’s most hoped-for training facility with batting cages, pitching cages and a mini baseball diamond open for practice at the Rangers Youth Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The various elements were installed in coordination with the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) “Wanna Play?” clinic. The program reaches out to local youth and encourages boys and girls between the ages of 6 – 12 to increase their overall fitness and nutrition education through the sport of baseball.
More than 500 local children attended the event held on the same day as Game 3 of the World Series. They were joined by former Texas Rangers Jeff Russel, Pete O’Brien and Steve Buechele. Also attending the event was Orlando Hudson, who met with a number of the clinic’s participants for his Around the Mound talk – sharing past experiences and bits of advice.
In advance of the event, BaAM provided project planning and designed site layouts incorporating our various interactives. BaAM’s crew then oversaw the installation, daily events and final dismantle to ensure every step of the day ran smoothly.
New BaAM Interactives Featured at NHL Face-Off 2010
October 14, 2010
It was every fan’s dream as BaAM joined the hockey crowd at Toronto’s Dundas Square to celebrate the NHL’s official season opener on October 7. Fans had a chance to try out BaAM’s all new hockey interactives inspired by hockey’s elite players and their training techniques. It was a free opportunity for players and enthusiasts alike to step into the net, break daily records for hardest shots, stickhandle through an obstacle course and shoot pucks at dryers a la Sid the Kid.
Concept Development is Underway for a New Interpretive Trail
September 28, 2010
Many know Point Pelee as the southern-most point in Canada, however some may not be as familiar with the expansive National Park that also occupies the area. Described as a “lush Carolinian forest,” Point Pelee National Park contains a rich natural history and is home to more than 370 species of birds. BaAM Productions is currently working in cooperation with Parks Canada to create a new interpretive trail to connect visitors with the area’s unique heritage.
BaAM Joins LA Kings at 2nd Annual HockeyFest
September 17, 2010
This past weekend BaAM was onsite at the second annual Los Angeles Kings HockeyFest held at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, CA. Fans had the opportunity to test their skills at Slap Shot and Goalie Challenge games, try out the latest PS3 and Nintendo games from EA Sports, get autographs and participate in Q & A sessions with coaching staff, current and former players.
In addition to providing hockey interactives, BaAM was responsible for all aspects of site planning and site management for installation, event operations and load out.
NHL Announces the Winter Classic and Heritage Classic
September 2, 2010
Although the NHL’s press conferences in Pittsburgh and Calgary were under the bright warm sun, thoughts were looking ahead to the ice cold hockey games now set to hit Heinz Field and McMahon Stadium in 2011. BaAM was onsite in both Pittsburgh and Calgary this summer to set the stage (and turf) for the official announcements of the NHL’s outdoor games.
The press conference in Pittsburgh at the end of July confirmed what many had hoped to see: the ultimate match-up, Crosby vs. Ovechkin. Hockey fans were reassured that the Winter Classic will maintain its New Year's Day tradition, this time in the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to the podium highlights, the Pittsburgh press conference had such players as Sidney Crosby and Brooks Orpik aiming to shoot a field goal hockey-style (some actually made it).
In Calgary, only a week after the Pittsburgh announcement, the Heritage Classic was presented to the public. The Heritage Classic will be the NHL’s second outdoor hockey game in 2011, to occur on February 20 at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium. The Montreal Canadiens will face-off against the Calgary Flames at the first regular-season NHL outdoor game played in Canada since the Heritage Classic in 2003.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Horner | Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Northern Edge Hockey on Wheels
August 30, 2010
BaAM Productions has been collaborating with Northern Edge Elite Hockey School, based in Wildwood, Missouri, to develop a concept and design direction for a Mobile Team Center. Northern Edge's Mobile Team Center will be a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with the latest training tools giving hockey players a chance to strengthen their skills. The various elements can be stored, setup at a temporary site and housed within the vehicle itself - allowing the facility to reach-out to wider audiences anywhere a road may lead.
BaAM Produces 20th Annual Edition of MLB All-Star FanFest
August 23, 2010
For five days in July, the Anaheim Convention Center was converted into Baseball Heaven on Earth as MLB All-Star FanFest 2010 provided fans with access to more than 500,000 sq. ft of baseball memorabilia, all-star signings, Q & A sessions and skill-testing interactives. In addition to the 118,429 fans on-site for the event, such baseball greats as Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria and Heath Bell were also in attendance. They were joined by Hall of Famers like Rod Carew, Bob Feller, Tony Gwynn and Rickey Henderson.
New this year for BaAM was the “Steal A Base, Steal A Taco” interactive sponsored by Taco Bell where each player has the opportunity to select a famous MLB play and run to base before the onscreen play is complete. Every player got a free taco for their efforts.
Cupids Legacy Centre Officially Opens
August 16, 2010
This week the Cupids Legacy Centre will officially open in Cupids, Newfoundland as part of the Cupids Cove week-long soiree, August 17 – 22, 2010. The Cupids Legacy Centre commemorates the site where the first English settlement in Canada was built 400 years ago. The Legacy Centre is a new state-of-the-art facility incorporating exciting media and interactives to tell a very powerful story. It aims to preserve the memory of the Cupids community and to generate visitors’ own knowledge of their ancestral history, their understanding of Canadian history, and their place in the world.
BaAM was honoured to take part in the project and to share in its contribution to preserving a Canadian legacy. We collaborated with Marian Macaulay and the Cupids 400 project team as Lead Designer and Design Build Contractor for the Cupids Legacy Centre. The BaAM team was responsible for a variety of aspects, including exhibit design, content and media development, graphic design, site supervision and installation.
For more information about the Cupids Legacy Centre, visit http://www.cupids400.com/english/legacy/index.php.
BaAM Sets the Draft Stage in Los Angeles
Since 1995 in Edmonton, BaAM has been setting the stage for the NHL Entry Draft.
This year continued the tradition at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. On June 25th and 26th, the Draft was ready for its close-up.
Round 1 of the seven round Draft is televised by TSN and its affiliated stations throughout the USA and Canada as well as being available on the NHL Network. This year’s Draft was a great success with two days recognizing the finest of NHL’s prospective athletes. The BaAM team is already looking forward to the next Entry Draft slated to be in Minnesota in 2011.
BaAM SLaAM - Best Results Ever
We wanted to wait for our first win to do an item on our BaAM Baseball team, but after three games of consistently improving, we thought it was time to show off our colours. Wednesday nights have become a real break from the hard work we've all been doing in the office. BaAM joined the Toronto Sport and Social Club, and is quickly making a name for itself for both its hitting power and spirit point accumulation! Wednesday night we lost by our smallest margin ever, against Don't Stop Believing. Look out More Cowbell...
Ford Field Returns to Turf With Dismantle of NCAA Hockey Rink
April 19, 2010
BaAM helped turn the Detroit Lions' football field into the site of the NCAA Men's Hockey finals and back to turf again. The ice was host to a five-day events schedule, including team practices, a skills competition and the presentation of the Hobey Baker award to the league's top player, won by Boom Boom Geoffrion's grandson, Blake from the University of Wisconsin. Boom Boom played for the Canadians and Rangers in his career spanning the 50s and 60s. Boston College won the title on April 10th.
Transforming a football field instead of a baseball diamond into a regulation hockey rink had its own unique challenges, including the addition of an extra 700 ft of piping needed to connect ice pans to the custom trailer, outfitted with a pumping system for the 6,000 gallons of glycol needed to keep the ice frozen. Once again, BaAM was honoured to work with Dan Craig and his fantastic ice crew, and with Ford Field and the NCAA.
Pictured: Chris on practice day
BaAM Goes for Gold with Sunny View P.S.!
Over the past few weeks Sunny View Public School, a special education setting for children with physical and health needs, has hosted “Sunny View Goes for Gold!”. This series of events honouring the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics have given the school’s 135 students, aged 4-15, a unique opportunity to connect personally with the events in Vancouver and is designed to inspire children of all abilities to strive for their best every day.
On March 4, 2010, these activities culminated in a school-wide celebration which included a roller sledge hockey game for staff and students, as well as appearances from the Maple Leafs' Carlton the Bear and inspirational wheelchair basketball player Shayne Smith. BaAM was honoured to be a part of these incredible events by lending some equipment and decor and by helping to turn their gymnasium into a Winter Games wonderland. Highlights from the game were featured on Rogers Daytime Toronto and the Global National.
Written by: Megan
BaAM Helps Ottawa Welcome Both Torches
Paul Shaw returns once again from Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, where he produced and directed the Paralympic Torch Relay Opening for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, following his successful direction of the Olympic Torch Relay Ceremonies on The Hill, December 12, 2009.
Aboriginal Chiefs and Elders, Choirs, City Mayors, gifted entertainers, VANOC’s CEO and the Right Honorable Stephen Harper acknowledged the courage and determination of the Paralympians from every province and territory. They all celebrated and paid respect to this movement that urges us all to carry the flame inside us as we strive to make a difference.
Pshaw was proud to be a part of this amazing testament to the Canadian human spirit.
Photo from left to right: Pshaw, Randy Ferguson (OTR host right across Canada), and stage managers Dalelle Mensour and Cathy Mitchell
The Power of the Human Voice at Luminato
In 1848, in what is now Iran, a poet and teacher known as Tahirih, or “The Pure One”, dared to appear in public without a veil. She was arrested and subsequently put to death.
This event provides the inspiration for a new drama commissioned by Luminato: Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity and produced by Erika Batdorf in association with BaAM Productions.
Weaving dance, poetry, music and song into the fabric of theatre, a dynamic and culturally diverse ensemble of creators challenge us all to find our own authentic voice and our own courage to speak.
Toronto June 10 – 14, 2010
Excitement Over 2010 MLB All-Star is Growing
Tickets just went on sale for FanFest, but we are already in our eighth month of planning for this 19th annual fan paradise. Hall of Famer and former California Angel Rod Carew has just been named FanFest Spokesman, and if Anaheim fans are anything like the ones in St. Louis, there will be a sea of California Angels red at the Anaheim Convention Center this July.
Learn More About FanFest
Watch Rod Carew Video
Visit FanFest Website
25th Cubs Convention Includes History and Interactives
BaAM was honoured to participate in the 25th Annual Cubs Convention in Chicago, the oldest fan event in the Major Leagues. To complement the popular autograph sessions and panel discussions with players, coaches, and new owners, the Ricketts family, BaAM designed and installed the Cubs Corner and Interactive Zone, featuring a Cubs history timeline, displays of locally-provided Cubs artifacts, and a collection of batting and pitching cages for both adults and kids.
Cubs fans truly bleed blue and span all generations, with line-ups starting long before opening. Even the Cubs veteran organist, Gary Pressy, was on site entertaining fans as they filed into this unique event.
Written by: Louis
BaAM Participates in the Royals FanFest
BaAM’s collaboration on this year’s 2010 Kansas City Royals FanFest was a hit!
The cold Missouri winter weather could not keep the fans away from the 2-day event that took place on January 14 & 15, 2010.
A host of interactive games and activities gave everyone a chance to bat, pitch, or race against the clock and the BaAM Baseball Pyramid provided the perfect backdrop for a family photo op.
With enthusiasm that can only be described as true blue, the loyal fans kept BaAM Operations hustling and all 3 autograph stages bustling.
The Kansas City Royals Event Presentation and Production team produced a stellar event. Their Main Stage programming had fans dancing in the aisles or glued to their seats taking in every word during the player Q&A sessions.
The BaAM team is proud to have participated in this year’s successful event and we look forward to next year.
Written by: Maria
BaAM Survives the Cold at the 2010 Winter Classic
January 6, 2009
BaAM is honoured to have been part of the Winter Classic in Boston!
The support of all the NHL Events group, Ice crew, Boston labour, our friends at the Red Sox, and the Boston area suppliers made this such a fantastic experience for all of us.
Long hours went into the engineering, planning and installation of the ice rink and its support infrastructure, and seeing the success of New Year's Day and the excitement throughout Boston made it all worthwhile.
Ice is Growing at Fenway
December 15, 2009
BaAM is on its 6th day of install for the upcoming 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston, taking place January 1, 2010. This is the 3rd Winter Classic installation for BaAM President Annemarie Roe and her team, who work closely with the NHL, Fenway Park, Dan Craig and over 20 partners and suppliers to convert the historic baseball field into a regulation NHL rink.
Twitter search: #nhlwinterclassic
Trekking, tundra-style
On August 1, 2009, the Toronto Zoo opened its new, 10-Acre Tundra Trek Exhibit. This first stage in the north site’s redevelopment takes an innovative approach to animal housing and interpretation. Landscape architects CLRdesign worked with Zoo curators to create exhibits whose vegetation, rockwork, and design reflects the animals’ natural tundra habitats. BaAM created the initial interpretive design package for the exhibits and collaborated with content experts from the Zoo and Science North to develop interior and exterior signage.
Visit http://www.torontozoo.com/tundratrek.asp for more details.
UPDATE (October 2009): The Tundra Trek exhibit at the Toronto Zoo is the recipient of the Baines Award for outstanding achievement. Described as “the premier award of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums”, the Baines Award recognizes the exhibit’s design which maximizes the overall visitor experience. BaAM’s interpretive design for interactive exhibits, displays, and interior/exterior signage incorporates native traditional knowledge and nature’s spectacular animals. The result connects Toronto Zoo visitors with the changes occurring in the Arctic and the role each person plays in the environment.
Daring to be different
This summer, BaAM worked with Destination Cinema to update and expand an existing Daredevils Exhibit at their IMAX Theater in the heart of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The revamped exhibit opened Canada Day weekend to visitors curious to see the largest collection of original daredevil vessels – including barrels, boats, and a mass of inner tubes called “The Thing”! Video, audio, and tabloid-style graphics convey the stunts in all their heart-stopping detail.
To read a review of the exhibit, visit http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1628255
For more details about the IMAX Theater in Niagara Falls, visit http://www.imaxniagara.com/IMAX-theater/index.cfm
A Feast of Kings
At the height of Southern California’s heat wave, hockey was on the minds of Kings fans! Autograph sessions, Q&As with Kings greats, interactive games, and a feast of Kings memorabilia made for a successful LA Kings Hockey Fest at LA Live.
BaAM joined with the Kings on this inaugural festival, providing event design and operations for the three-day event.
To read more about the event, visit http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=490690 or visit the LA Kings website at http://kings.nhl.com.
BaAM has new digs!
It's official - BaAM has now moved to 55 Fieldway Road in Toronto, ON. Click here to see a map of our new neighbourhood.
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