The Party in the Back Podcast holds a Roundtable Discussion regarding the Best of 2019 Awards on Gameops.com. Host Jon Cudo is joined by three industry giants who take the party to the next level. The Guest List includes:

• Game Operations Maven and former Director for the LA Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and veteran of the Olympics and NCAA Tournament Amanda Greco.
• MILB's best writer and the Boss at Ben's Biz, Benjamin Hill.
• The President of 3 Point Productions Pat Walker

This crew talks about the winners and best of the rest from 2019 in seven categories.

Hear what they had to say about The Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Flyers, Lake Elsinore Storm, Hartford Yard Goats, Cameron Hughes, The Firecrackers, Florida Men, the Tampa Bay Lightning and more.

In this episode of The Party in the Back Podcast, host Jon Cudo announces an exciting new chapter for the long-running GameOps.com Best of Awards. After years of recognizing excellence through a competitive ranking system, the awards are evolving into a more celebratory and inclusive format — the “Cudos To You” Awards. This refreshed approach shifts the focus from competition to appreciation, shining a fun and positive spotlight on the people, promotions, and ideas that make the sports entertainment industry so creative and memorable.

Joining Jon to discuss the change is Ben Hill, the beloved chronicler of minor league baseball’s quirkiest and most heartwarming traditions. Known for his long-running “Ben’s Biz” coverage and deep love for the culture of the minors, Ben brings his trademark enthusiasm and storytelling flair to the conversation. Together, they unveil Ben’s new role in the “Cudos” program, where he’ll lead a category celebrating the Best Promos in Minor League Baseball — recognizing the imaginative fan experiences that make the minors so special.

Ben also shares stories from his travels, revisiting some of the unforgettable characters who have brought color and charm to ballparks across America — from Reading’s Crazy Hot Dog Vendor and Buffalo’s Conehead beer man to Spartanburg’s roller-skating Jay Sparkle and San Jose’s legendary Churros Man.

The conversation reminds listeners why these one-of-a-kind personalities matter: they turn games into experiences, foster community identity, and keep fans coming back for more.

In this episode, we sit down with Keb Pound, creator of The Stupid History Minute, to explore how short-form comedy storytelling can supercharge sports entertainment. Keb’s 60-second history lessons prove that brevity doesn’t mean sacrificing impact — it can sharpen it. By “flipping” common narratives, zeroing in on quirky details, and applying stand-up timing, Keb creates memorable, shareable content that resonates with listeners. His disciplined content structure and consistent branding have built a loyal audience of thousands, showing how tight formatting and clear voice can make big waves in a crowded media space. Rob Wicall, industry veteran, mascot expert and author of Furlosphy joins Cudo to connect these storytelling techniques to real-world fan engagement. From the viral Yo-Yo Cam at Arizona State to Slugger’s “Trash Trash Baby” skit in Portland, Rob and Cudo highlights how creativity and planning turn fans and mascots into the stars of the show. Whether through scoreboard features that reward fan participation or comedic skits that deliver messages without preaching, these moments transform spectators into active participants. Rounding out the conversation, we discuss MascotLink tools which streamline mascot appearances and unlock new revenue streams by taking care of the logistical heavy lifting. Together, these conversations show how precision storytelling, humor, and smart strategy can elevate both podcasts and in-venue sports entertainment, proving that 60 seconds, a camera, or a well-timed joke can be all it takes to create unforgettable fan experiences.

We are talking Ghostbusters on the April 2024 Party in the Back Podcast. President of Business Operations from the Fort Wayne Komets Scott Sproat and Jon Long Manager the Event Presentation & Creative Content for the Edmonton Oil Kings join the podcast to talk about their success with this Movie theme night.

Scott and Jon drop insights on all aspects of their promotion, including:

• Approvals and support from movie studio and rights holders
• Leading their team's creative effort
• Popular fan elements for their Ghostbusters Night
• Social Media elements
• Scoreboard additions
• Jersey Auctions, like the Komets $13,000 charity jersey auction
• Music and bumpers, including a one night change in the Oil Kings Goal song
• Sponsor integrations and more...

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Meers as he reflects on his incredible 35-year journey as KC Wolf, the beloved mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs.

From humble beginnings as Truman the Tiger at the University of Missouri and a season as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals, Dan shares how he transformed KC Wolf from a game-day entertainer into a symbol of character, faith, and community impact. Now stepping back from the full-time role, Dan talks about what’s next—including staying on as a backup mascot and shifting focus to speaking engagements. Dan offers a fascinating behind-the-mask look at the evolution of mascot work—from the wild west of the 90s to today’s tech-integrated, family-friendly performances. He discusses the physical demands of the role, sharing his dedication to fitness, creativity, and continual reinvention. With appearances skyrocketing after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl success, Dan kept KC Wolf fresh with a rotating cast of costumes, heart-pumping cardio, and a commitment to fun.

More than just laughs, Dan reveals how the KC Wolf platform became a tool for lasting impact. His out-of-costume school programs grew from elementary assemblies to corporate keynotes, all built around themes like character education, health, and leadership. Whether in fur or a suit, Dan’s mission remains the same: to make a difference in people’s lives—with heart, humor, and purpose.

Don Costante has spent more than 30 years shaping the way fans experience live sports, and in this episode he shares insights from his groundbreaking book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation. From NBA Finals to World Series moments, Don’s career has been about more than games—it’s been about creating unforgettable memories for fans, teams, and sponsors.

We dig into why game presentation matters far beyond the scoreboard. Don explains how smart event planning can transform casual attendees and first-time visitors into lifelong fans, and how a strong presentation elevates the value of a team’s brand and partnerships. He breaks down the strategies and tactics that go into crafting the entire fan journey, making sure the moments in the stands match the energy on the field or court.

Listeners will hear about Don’s practical tools, including his 14-point checklist for promotions and contests, where timing, communication, and contestant experience all play vital roles. He stresses the importance of rehearsals, attention to detail, and the little things, like making sure even the “losers” in a contest leave feeling like winners.

We also talk about building great event teams, from empowering ushers to energizing executives, and how service rallies and simple appreciation can change the culture of a venue.

And for those interested in mascots, Don offers his perspective on the top five skills every performer should master, and how directors can develop a mascot program that thrives. Whether you’re a sports executive, a student of sports management, or just a fan curious about what makes game day magic happen, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of sports entertainment.

Join hosts Jon Cudo and Rob Wicall for a powerful hour with author Don Costante.