PRESS RELEASE – Regions Park will host the world premiere for ESPN Films’, Jordan Rides the Bus on Sunday, August 22 following the Birmingham Barons game against the Huntsville Stars. The Ron Shelton documentary is a part of ESPN Films’ critically acclaimed film series 30 for 30 Presented by Cadillac, and will debut on Tuesday, August 24 at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN/ESPN HD.
As a sports fan, ESPN Film’s 30 for 30 series has been nothing short of spectacular. And I am very excited that ESPN has given our fans in Birmingham the opportunity for a sneak peek at this acclaimed documentary about one of the most memorable baseball seasons in our city’s rich history,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said.
The viewing is open to fans attending the 5:05 p.m. game between the Barons and the Stars on August 22, It will be shown on the LED video board in right field. A Q&A session featuring ESPN executive producer John Dahl and a handful of people who worked on the documentary will follow the viewing.
Part of the documentary was filmed at Regions Park prior to the 2009 season. Acclaimed director Ron Shelton (Bull Durham, White Men Can’t Jump) visited the ballpark and spoke with numerous members of the 1994 Barons squad, including Nelson, Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom and former Baron Scott Tedder.
Through the first two runs of the 30 For 30 specials, the Birmingham area has ranked second in terms of ratings, according to ESPN. The U – about the University of Miami football program in the 1980s -was the top draw in the market with a 5.6 rating, which was the highest rating of any city of the 55-metered markets; Miami posted just a 3.3 rating. Cincinnati is the only city that has a higher average rating than Birmingham.
“We are excited to premiere Jordan Rides the Bus with the Birmingham Barons. It’s especially fitting that Birmingham has a starring role in the film, as the city has been so good to us throughout the 30 for 30 series run,” Dahl said.
In addition, the Barons will host Bark in the Park night on August 22. Fans will be able to bring their dogs to the game that evening. Tickets can be purchased for $5 plus an additional $2 per dog. The $2 fee per dog will be donated to the Birmingham Humane Society. All dogs must remain on a leash throughout the game and will not be allowed outside the Frank Thomas picnic area.
For information about the “30 for 30” project and ESPN Films, visit: ESPN Films.
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