Our very own DiPro’s Dish was hard at work tracking down more information on the IronPig’s urinal games. The topic has been widely covered over the Nation since announced yesterday. Major news outlets, radio stations, bloggers galore and everyone else seems to be talking about this!
Digging DiPro got in touch with Captive Media, the founders of the urinal games for a quick QA session. Cambridge grad Mark Melford ,one of the UK founders of Captive Media was kind enough to our questions and his excitement was quite evident.
When did you begin working with the IronPigs on this installation and what (if any) were some of the hurdles encountered?
Iron Pigs contacted us originally back in November last year. The hurdles we have faced have included redesigning our product to work in all countries outside the UK. Iron pigs have the second generation of the “X-stream” device, capable of functioning with US urinals with their larger dimensions.
What is Captive Media’s reaction to the firestorm brought on by this announcement and what may the future hold?
Photo courtesy of Captive Media Ltd.
We’re pleased at the interest, and pleased for IP. It underpins the huge buzz our product generates wherever it goes. Last week, we showcased the technology at the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas … where the reaction was amazing. To see a sample of the TV coverage which accompanied our initial launch, click here. Nonetheless, Iron Pigs is reaping the rewards for being first in its sector – and we congratulate them for that! As innovators ourselves we salute all those who dare to be different and try something before anyone else! The technology is brand new though, and we are very excited about its potential in the US. We already have enquiries from sectors ranging from bars to cruise lines. Last week, we showcased the technology at the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas… where the reaction was amazing.
Would you please say a few words on what it has been like to work with the IronPigs’ organization?
Photo courtesy of Captive Media Ltd.
A pleasure. For us, and with such an unusual product, its hugely valuable to work with clients who “get it” and share the same enthusiasm for the technology we do. That means both the pure boyish excitement about the fun nature of the games PLUS the more serious appreciation of their power for good – in this case raising awareness of Prostate health. That’s a central part out Captive Media’s mission as a company – to use fun and engagement to get messages across to a hard-to-reach audience (young males). In the UK we’ve developed quiz games for the responsible drinking foundation “Drinkaware”, and run campaigns for the MacMillan Cancer charity, who have seen 20-40% increases in awareness as a result. We’ve also promoted brands such as Asahi, Corona or Tiger beer, who have seen their share of market on site rise as a result. It really is a very powerful medium for engaging in this way, and there is stacks of research with stats on impact here.
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The good folks from Captive Media confirmed that a representative will be in attendance for Opening Day next week and that they will hold a formal US launch in NYC later this summer. They also hinted that a major US restaraunt chain might be adding these in the near future as well. If it is as fun as it sounds, I’m sure you will find these games popping up around the country soon!
These games will certainly add to the Mystique of Coca Cola Park and the IronPigs as they continue to lead the way for Minor League Baseball promotions!
OinK!
Links to some fun stuff about the Urinal Games and Captive Media:
HD videos and photos of the product you can down load here.
Product brochures with more info on the product here.
Video clips of UK venue owners talking about their experiences of Captive media here and here.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
If there are significant lines to use the ONE urinal that will be equipped with this screen in each of the four CCP men’s rooms, this will have a been a good deal… but seriously, when I told my dad about this deal, he immediately expected the screen to be carrying on-the-field activity, be it the game or between-innings stuff… I’ll bet that’s news to Service Electric…
Yeah, as far as on-field stuff, it’d be great if I could control Michael Martinez’ play with my stream, but I’m not sure how that would work. 😉
While I was initially a bit disappointed that only one urinal per the four main rest rooms would be equipped, ultimately, it will be better to avoid the lines if you’ve just gotta go. Sometimes I don’t need to play games, you know?
Advertising is the big deal, though. And all due respect to the nice LVH Urology folks, but if you can prove to, say, Budweiser, that they can sell more beer with this? Golly. It’s going to be crazy.
This can be a great tie-in for their advertising campaign: “Urine for a treat at Coca-Cola Park!”
Might have known its from Europe. Sort of EUROPEEAN, so to speak.