PBS39 Premieres IronPigs: Fan-tastic

PBS39 Premieres IronPigs: Fan-tastic
on Monday, April 9 at 9 p.m.
One-Hour Movie Chronicles IronPigs' 2011 Season and Club's Impact
on the Community Since Inception
Premiere Party: Wednesday, April 4 at Coca-Cola Park
5:00 Watch the first-ever public team workout
7:00 Documentary premieres

Bethlehem, PA --From the award-winning producers of Hollywood on Hamilton: Remembering Hess’s and Bethlehem Steel: The People Who Built America, comes IronPigs: Fan-tastic, a documentary that explores the magic surrounding the popular Minor League Baseball team that has captured the hearts of fans throughout the Lehigh Valley.

In this 60-minute program, viewers take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the entire organization—from managers and players, to the fans who love them, and the staff members who pull it all together. The documentary also explores how the IronPigs’ excitement spreads beyond Coca-Cola Park in Allentown to impact economic development throughout the Lehigh Valley.

“We’re so excited to share the finished product with our community,” said Amy Burkett, PBS39 Television Station Manager and executive producer. "We consider it a gift to our region to wrap up the first five years of IronPigs baseball in a beautiful bow highlighting an incredible season in this program.”

IronPigs: Fan-tastic producer/writer Laura McHugh added, “In this documentary, we wanted to explore the magic that makes the Lehigh Valley IronPigs fantastic. We found fans eager to share their stories and help us understand how this team has united our community and given the Lehigh Valley a team to call its own. I had an incredible opportunity to interview so many fans and players during the 2011 season and consider it an honor to share their stories in this documentary.”

Since opening Coca-Cola Park in 2008, the IronPigs have drawn more than 2.5 million people from near and far to their 10,000-person capacity, $50 million dollar stadium. Affordable ticket prices, creative promotions and family-friendly entertainment have all played a part in quickly making the IronPigs and Coca-Cola Park one of the Lehigh Valley’s biggest attractions.

With new Manager and Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg at the helm, the team recorded its first winning season in 2011 and made the team’s first playoff appearance.

But the team has done more than bring America’s favorite pastime to the Lehigh Valley. Tourism and economic development officials report the team has made a significant economic impact on the region. Each year, about 50,000 people from out-of-town come to Coca-Cola Park, where they spend approximately $2 million dollars inside and outside of this award-winning stadium. They also purchase supplies from area vendors, support local charities, and paved the way for additional commercial development near Airport Road in Allentown.

"Lehigh Valley residents should be proud that visitors are drawn to the IronPigs and the Coca-Cola Park experience," said Michael Stershic, President of Discover Lehigh Valley. "The stellar reputation of the team, the quality of place, and the excellent game-day experience orchestrated by the IronPigs staff is second to none. That's why we are drawing record crowds."

The PBS39 staff interviewed more than 100 people for this program and shot nearly 40 hours of footage. Some key interviews include: Manager Ryne Sandberg, fan favorite Rich Thompson, and General Manager Kurt Landes.

This production would not have been possible without the financial support of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley and Luther Crest.

Producing this documentary took months of hard work by a dedicated PBS39 staff. Produced by PBS39’s Emmy award-winning production team including:

Amy Burkett - Executive Producer

Laura McHugh - Producer/Writer

Lisa Robinson – Editor

Tyler Glenn – Production Manager

Grover Silcox - Associate Producer

Videographers - Luke Johnson, Eric Werner, and Jeff Frederick



Media are invited to attend the Premiere Party on April 4th free of charge. Members of the media must contact Jessie Heimann at jessieh@wlvt.org or 610.867.4677 x357 to receive media credentials and press packet at Will Call. Interview and photo opportunities are also available. Please contact Jessie Heimann to arrange.