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FanFest Recap
Written by Colin on January 14, 2008 – 10:51 am|
It’s time for our comprehensive review of this year’s FanFest. We went both days, spent significant time participating in activities, and yes, Rue wants me to mention, once again, that she got her picture made with Buddy Carlyle, even though the rest of the BravesBlast staff can’t quite figure out the obsession. So after many hours spent, we feel we can offer our opinion on FanFest and the craziness within. |
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The Good:
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The interactive activities. Seeing John Smoltz and Sid Bream pitch batting practice to little leaguers, and watching kids running sprints, hitting batting practice, playing home run derbies, and testing their throwing arm had to be the highlight of yesterday. The lines moved relatively quickly and I think everyone could have gotten in on this action. (click on the picture to enlarge) |
- The Photo Booth. This line moved quickly as well. Only downside here is that you had no way of knowing which player you’d end up taking a picture with.
- Running into friends. We met McCann’s Cans and a couple fans of the site (and friends on MySpace).
The Bad:
- The autograph stations. There weren’t enough of them and they were poorly managed. Only Sunday did we receive a sheet mentioning who would be autographing at which stand – and even then it didn’t include times. With only two stands, the lines were bad even with the smaller crowd yesterday.
The Ugly:
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Lines on Saturday were downright nasty. Sunday was significantly better than Sunday, but the number of people in that building on Saturday was absolutely outrageous. There need to be more autograph stations to spread the crowd out. When you see people standing in line by a “5 hours from this point” sign – at an event that is only open for 7 hours – it’s a little bit sad that they’ll spend most of the event waiting for an autograph – and it may be Jair Jurrjens, who may be a great guy, but he’s not Smoltz or Glavine |
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Posted in FanFest, General | 14 Comments »
By Derek on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I agree the lines for saturday was outrageous! We had tickets to go sunday but didn’t go, because we thought it was the exact same way as saturday. I was very disapointed how the autograph sessions were set-up. In my opinion, i thought the autograph part of the fanfest was pathetic. The 2007 fanfest held at turner field was a whole lot better. At the 07 fanfest i got nearly ten autographs, while at this fanfest i got one autograph. My opinion is i rather be cold and get plenty of autographs rather than sweat inside a building and get one autograph. I came for a specific reason to get mccann’s autograph on a very nice picture,but didn’t get it. I was pretty mad about that. I hope with enough complaints that they’ll change back to the way it was last year.
By Rue Grant on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
come on, i’m not THAT bad.
(ok fine, i am) let me be, you know i don’t ever obsess over anything, and in 3 days i will be bored of it.
By Stephen Gray on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
I had my picture taken with Rafael Belliard after I caught his only home run as a Brave. I gave him the ball and he gave me some autographs and some signed balls and a bat.
By Stephen Gray on Jan 14, 2008 | Reply
Not Really I made that up
By Amir Ali on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
I agree also… my girlfirend and I waited in line for four and a half hours to get an autograph…. Chipper came to our station and was there for quite some time, even though i was in the middle of the rows, i thought there might be a chance for me to meet my idol. All of a sudden, Chipper got up and walked out and out came charlie liebrandt (pitcher in the 1991 WS with atlanta; don’t worry, i didn’t know him either). What a waste.
By Jonathan on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
I agree with you Amir that the autograph station layout needs to be changed. I’m not 100% sure on what the best way to do it will be, but I think there needs to be more autograph stations available to the fans. This would help disperse the lines a bit and give more fan access. Also, maybe seperate lines for current players and Braves alums.
By Rue Grant on Jan 16, 2008 | Reply
Lets make the event three days, and put them the way they were for pictures. That line moved FAST. sure, that’s not feasible in some venues, but i feel it IS feasible at the world congress center. maybe.
By Joey Smith on Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
1) I’m very thankful that the Bravos put this event on for us. What a great way to keep the fire burning during the off-season.
2) Indoors is much better.
3) Loved the Braves museum display. Any chance I can get to be near a Dale Murphy jersey!
4) The venue was a bit too small. Saturday it was elbow-to-elbow.
5) I am not an autograph hound, but the whole “treasure hunt” thingy was a total bust. I would rather set my hair on fire and put it out with a hammer than wait in line for 4 hours for *maybe* someone’s autograph….unless you are Jesus, Chuck Yeagar, or Dale Murphy.
Blessings,
Smitty
By Derek on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I agree the lines for saturday was outrageous! We had tickets to go sunday but didn't go, because we thought it was the exact same way as saturday. I was very disapointed how the autograph sessions were set-up. In my opinion, i thought the autograph part of the fanfest was pathetic. The 2007 fanfest held at turner field was a whole lot better. At the 07 fanfest i got nearly ten autographs, while at this fanfest i got one autograph. My opinion is i rather be cold and get plenty of autographs rather than sweat inside a building and get one autograph. I came for a specific reason to get mccann's autograph on a very nice picture,but didn't get it. I was pretty mad about that. I hope with enough complaints that they'll change back to the way it was last year.
By Rue Grant on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
come on, i'm not THAT bad.
(ok fine, i am) let me be, you know i don't ever obsess over anything, and in 3 days i will be bored of it.
By Amir Ali on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I agree also… my girlfirend and I waited in line for four and a half hours to get an autograph…. Chipper came to our station and was there for quite some time, even though i was in the middle of the rows, i thought there might be a chance for me to meet my idol. All of a sudden, Chipper got up and walked out and out came charlie liebrandt (pitcher in the 1991 WS with atlanta; don't worry, i didn't know him either). What a waste.
By Jonathan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I agree with you Amir that the autograph station layout needs to be changed. I'm not 100% sure on what the best way to do it will be, but I think there needs to be more autograph stations available to the fans. This would help disperse the lines a bit and give more fan access. Also, maybe seperate lines for current players and Braves alums.
By Rue Grant on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Lets make the event three days, and put them the way they were for pictures. That line moved FAST. sure, that's not feasible in some venues, but i feel it IS feasible at the world congress center. maybe.
By Joey Smith on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
1) I'm very thankful that the Bravos put this event on for us. What a great way to keep the fire burning during the off-season.
2) Indoors is much better.
3) Loved the Braves museum display. Any chance I can get to be near a Dale Murphy jersey!
4) The venue was a bit too small. Saturday it was elbow-to-elbow.
5) I am not an autograph hound, but the whole "treasure hunt" thingy was a total bust. I would rather set my hair on fire and put it out with a hammer than wait in line for 4 hours for *maybe* someone's autograph….unless you are Jesus, Chuck Yeagar, or Dale Murphy.
Blessings,
Smitty