Symphonic conductors directing the Express train

 

(This article was originally published on Jul. 24, 2020.)

The average fan at a BCHL hockey game may take a lot for granted when entering the arena. They are there to see two teams battle it out on the ice with the goal of victory and two points in the standings. What they may overlook is the efforts of the game night team working like a well-oiled machine to enhance the on-ice product and generate a positive fan experience. Along with success on the ice, this ultimately leads to fans returning to the arena and thus more wins for everyone.

Success in game night relies heavily on the shoulders of many dedicated volunteers and individuals working as a cohesive unit. There are four main positions in game operations that play a vital role in creating favorable results and a well-executed game presentation off the ice, in addition to the one on the ice created by the players.

The disc jockey

From the moment the doors open to the music playing as happy fans exit the arena, the game night DJ  sets the mood and tone of the audience with great music selection and audio pieces for all ages.

It’s the loud, energizing goal song after the home team scores or the music that is often deemed too loud during player warmups. It’s that epic, historic organ piece before a key defensive zone draw and a crowd pumping, energy intensifying power play anthem. It’s electrifying music to get fans on their feet and cheering in a tight game, and it’s all part of a great game night vibe.

Alright your @BCHLExpress continue to steam down the tracks. Next up the PG Spruce Kings roll into the station known as the Palace on Poirier for 2 tilts this https://t.co/frf9xrzV9m who has some 🎹 requests for me?

— Kyle Rutherford (@KRutherforddj) October 18, 2018

There is more to being a game night DJ than sitting in the booth, picking songs, and hitting play. Like any profession, the role of DJ is one that is ever-evolving, from game to game, period to period, shift to shift even. It is up to the DJ to assess the crowd and play music appropriate to their observation of what’s happening in the stands. Is it an older crowd at a midweek game? Is it Saturday night and there are a ton of families out? Is Halloween or Christmas around the corner?

These are all questions a DJ should be asking themselves while determining what should be played and when. In not-so-happy home games where the visitors are dominating, many fans feel the music is the only thing that is good, and in those cases, the last line of defense is in the hands of the DJ.

The DJ has several tools to help them interpret just what it is that they should be playing. Their eyes are obviously a key piece to the puzzle but by no means the only option open to them. Suggestions from the game day coordinator, team staff, and the players are always welcome. I often pay attention with my ears at other sporting events, scouring the internet for that next big tune or sourcing out requests prior to the game on social media or with a request sheet in the arena.

The public address announcer

While the DJ is busy looking after the audio needs of those in attendance, the PA announcer contributes equally to a successful game night experience. Working hand in hand with the DJ, the announcer is the undeniable director of information during a game.

Be it the call on all in-game results on the ice, statistics,  50/50 ticket sales, sponsor reads, intermission activities, stars of the game, and the ever-popular next game, the announcer is the most reliable source of data during the game.

@BC_Leafsfan sorry, couldn’t resist 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/kNqLbDFcv4

— Charlie Black 🎙 (@CharlieBlackYVR) February 18, 2019

In several arenas, the announcer and DJ often sit side by side, or else usually the DJ up top in a booth and the announcer at ice level in the timekeeper’s box. For numerous organizations and clubs, the DJ and announcer are roles held by the same person.

Regardless of where each person sits or if it is a solo or dual operation the DJ and announcer must have dynamic execution for the game night presentation to be any kind of success. A great example of this duo in motion is when the announcer promotes a contest and the DJ tags the announcement with a thematic audio piece after. Utilizing a scenario from the past, the announcer reads out the details of an upcoming Vegas draw, and the DJ tags the ad with “Viva Las Vegas” by ZZ Top once the read is complete.

Thoughts from an experienced PA announcer

Charlie Black is the public address announcer for the Surrey Eagles and Coquitlam Express. He stresses the announcer plays an integral role in successful game night execution.

“Any PA announcer worth their salt needs to be able to communicate a lot of different information in an engaging way. From reminding fans to renew their season tickets, promoting sponsors, announcing complicated penalties after a line brawl, and so much more, all of these have to be done with distinct energy that cuts through the din of the game,” explains Black.

“Not all events are created equal, and it’s certainly more fun to announce your own team’s goal than it is to read off a blurb about ‘So-and-so, a proud supporter of your hometown team.’ for the billionth time, but every possible event that can be announced needs energy behind it. Be clear, be concise, be energized.”