R-Phils game operations among top four of over 500 teams reviewed 

Reading, PA – The Reading Phillies received an honorable mention for “Best Team Operations” in GameOps.com’s Best of 2008 awards. Jon Cudo, GameOps.com Vice President, said over 500 teams in all sports at the Major, Minor, College and Independent level were considered. 

There was a tie for the top spot between the Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Pacific Coast League, S.F. Giants) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL). The R-Phils (Double-A Eastern League, Philadelphia Phillies) and Washington Capitals (NHL) were co-runners up. 

The “Best Team Operations” category honors the teams that do the best job in their game operations and game presentation. They considered creativity, value to fans, overcoming sport and budget limitations, quality of presentation and attention to detail. 

GameOps.com’s annual review of all things operations was done by polling 12 non-biased industry professionals. “The Reading Phillies operate on an elite level,” an anonymous panelist stated on the company’s web site. “And they have a mascot band.”

Also awarded in 2008 were: Best Act (Quick Change), Best Game Promotion (World’s Largest Pillow Fight – Kane County Cougars and Fan Bailout Plans – St Louis Blues), Best Contest or On-Field Promotion (Chuck-a-Puck – Fort Wayne Komets), Best Mascot (Timber Jim – Portland Timbers, with the Phillie Phanatic as runner-up), Best Entertainment Group (Scream Team - Cleveland Cavaliers), Best Team Introductions (Philadelphia Flyers). The Best Of awards started in 2001. 

The R-Phils received GameOps.com’s trademark “Golden Steagle” bobble-trophy to commemorate their honorable mention. 

Past winners in the “Best Team Operations” category have included: the New Orleans Hornets (NBA), Miami Heat (NBA), Lakewood BlueClaws (MiLB), Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), Atlanta Thrashers (NHL), Dayton Dragons (MiLB), St. Paul Saints (IND), Houston Comets (WNBA).

GameOps.com has been a resource web site designed to connect teams and event producers with ideas and tools that enhances the entertainment value of their events. It began in 1998. GameOps also offers consulting services and products many teams use at their events like T-shirt launchers and various props. The company’s headquarters are in Lakewood, OH. 

The R-Phils open the 2009 regular season on April 9 vs. the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 PM. The first 2,500 adults get a Phillies World Series Champions fleece blanket thanks to Meadow View Farms. Tickets can be ordered here. 

This story was posted on March 18, 2009