On Track With the Cleburne Railroaders

Douglas Fenyes, Production Manager.

Installing a new display can have a big impact on the fan experience, but it can also change the process behind the scenes. The Cleburne Railroaders installed a new Daktronics display in 2017, and have been working with Daktronics Professional Services to get up to speed on their new gear and ensure they are maximizing the impact of the new technology.  This week, we sat down with Douglas Fenyes, Production Manager for the Railroaders, to talk game-day production from his perspective.

How does your new Daktronics display impact your production?

“It allows us to think creatively about new ways to engage the fans and improve the overall game-day experience. Being able to show player head shots helps the fans get to know the player’s faces and feel involved with the team. The display has also created new ad space for further sponsorship opportunities.”

How has the use of DakStats impacted the fan and player experience?

“DakStats is a new addition for us this year and it has drastically improved our production value. The ability to pull player head shots from DakStats automatically with live updating stats has streamlined our pregame routine. Using DakStats with the AllSport CG has also allowed us to add a score bug to our online live stream without the need for an additional operator.”

How has Daktronics Creative Services helped you with the production?

“Our Creative Services representative, Brett Hansen, has been a big part of the improvements we made this year. He has helped me create custom content and work with me on which catalog options will work best in our show. Brett has come out to one of our games and sent me notes on how to improve and still sends me suggestions and ideas. He’s dedicated to helping us put on the most impressive show that our budget can afford.”

How have the Daktronics Control System Specialists helped you with your production?

“Our Control System Specialist, Rebecca Priebe, came out to our facility to train me and a small group of my staff. Working in a small group, face-to-face, helped my team better understand the equipment they are working with. They are each able to train others on their station and make fewer mistakes compared to last year’s production.”

We were excited to have you join us in Brookings, SD, this year for our Baseball User Group seminar. Did your attendance at the seminar impact your game-day production?

“The Baseball User Group is what made our current production possible. Once I learned what Show Control is capable of and how to better utilize it, I was able to work with Brett Hansen in Creative Services to put together a more professional layout. The Baseball User Group is also where I learned how powerful DakStats is and how I could incorporate it into our production.”

How has your new display enhanced the fan experience? What seems to be some of the fan favorites on the display?

“We’ve had the display since we opened in May of last year and it definitely helps keep the fans engaged and creates a more exciting atmosphere. All of our fan cams and noise-maker graphics have been big hits and help make the fan experience interactive.”

Cleburne Railroaders Production Crew

To learn more about the Professional Service we offer, contact our team today!

Written by Kolton Michalski, LE Sales and Marketing.