IronPigs Fan-tastic – Live Red Carpet Debut

Wednesday evening brought the excitement of opening day to Coca-Cola Park. The air was brisk, Bill Butler had the field looking prime and the carpet was basted in plush IronPig red.

Tonight, PBS 39 in conjunction with the IronPigs Charities debuted the IronPigs Fan-tastic documentary on the big screen. Producer/Writer Laura McHugh and Executive Producer Amy Burkett of PBS 39 were on hand.

IronPigs GM Kurt Landes (click to enlarge)

IronPigs GM Kurt Landes who was instrumental in the creation of the documentary and the partnership with PBS 39 was up first on the mic.  Landes also urged folks to buy the DVD (or) Blu-Ray. Kurt was delighted to announce the team workout, the first on-field sighting of Coach Ryne Sandberg in 2012 and “the 2012 playoff bound IronPigs”. We’ll be sure to bring the Noise Kurt!

PPProducer/Writer Laura McHugh and the now famous Jimmy T (click to enlarge)

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The first celebrity sighting of the evening was up – live with co-host Laura McHugh. The Noise Nation’s own Jimmy T who is the Fan in Fan-tastic clearly illustrated his contagious enthusiasm, knowledge and love of all things IronPigs. The Nation is fortunate to have Jimmy T as a member and proud to have shared the ‘magic carpet ride’ of 2011 right along with him.

Guests continued to arrive on the red carpet, most notably the Morning Call’s Keith Groller, Jeff Schuler, and Bill White, The Express Times Michael LoRe, and The Voice of the documentary Mike Zambelli who all appear in the film.

Next up was The Voice of the IronPigs, Director of Media Relations Matt Provence. Matt discussed the impact

The Voice of the IronPigs Matt Provence (click to enlarge)

of Ryne Sandberg on both the team and the community. He also discussed the returning players including Rich Thompson, Dom Brown, Erik Kratz, and Michael Schwimer.  Provence offered a look forward to the newly minted Pigs and mentioned Austin Hyatt who went 12-6 with a 3.85 ERA in 28 starts with Reading last year. In addition, Matt mentioned Hector Luna (311 MLB games) and Joe Thurston (184 MLB games) obviously with many years of MLB service in their mitts.

The final celebrity of the evening was our own Nation founder Dan Kehl. Dan and Laura discussed the origination of the OinK board and he was relieved to learn any nose to digit contact will remain on the “cutting-room floor”.  Dan proudly discussed the history of the Noise

Noise Nation Founder Dan Kehl and Laura McHugh Live (click to enlarge)

Nation and memories of CCP over the years.  The Flower Patch and Gift Shoppe in Walnutport was kind enough to provide the Yellow Roses.

While enjoying the view from the Oasis’ four seat tables, the Nation spent a few moments with Kurt Landes discussing the now complete Red Robin Tiki Terrace where just a few minor touches are yet to come including a wind screen and surf boards. The 4 chair tables offer a great view with wait service. The Tiki Terrace has been well covered on The Horn & Bell and to see it ready for action was the culmination of months of anticipation.

There are actually (limited) single game tickets available for the Tiki Terrace. Click here to experience the most unique seating in all of sports for just $10! Get ’em quick!

The debut began to a die hard group of wind blown fans. Despite the blustery conditions the doucementary was sensinational! If you are reading this and you have not seen the piece, be sure to catch it on April 9th at 9:00pm – check your local listings. Better still, support Public Television and  point your browser here.

Sincerest thanks to Laura McHugh, PBS 39, and the IronPigs for the tremendous job chronicling  the organization  and for including the Noise Nation in the production. The Nation was fortunate to play a small part in the whole thing and it has already set this season’s tone and we are ready to Bring the Noise!

PIG OUT & PLAY BALL!

DiPro’s Dish