Client: PDC and Sky Sports
Location: Empress Ballroom, Blackpool
Date: Saturday 18 July to Sunday 26 July
Our role: Supply, installation and transport of staging, trussing, camera platforms and broadcast facilities
The World Matchplay is one of the few major televised darts tournaments staged in a ballroom rather than an arena, and that shapes the way it gets built. The World Matchplay Darts rigging at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool covered the entertainment rigging and temporary broadcast structures the production was built around, from the main stage through to the camera positions and commentary facilities.
The delivery covered the main stage and walk-on truss, camera platforms and a camera tower, screen and projector trusses, lighting truss, lighting tubes and ground support truss sticks, commentary boxes, a studio position, ground support truss for the fanzone, pipe and drape, portable air conditioning, and cable management throughout. Venues like this ask for a different level of care. The building came long before live broadcast did, and its architecture is part of what makes the tournament distinctive, so protecting it matters as much as installing the infrastructure. That meant more planning, closer consideration of how and where each element was fixed, and a build that worked with the room rather than imposing on it. Getting that balance right is what allows the production and broadcast teams to cover the tournament properly while the ballroom still feels like the Empress Ballroom to everyone in it.
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“We have worked with Trans-Sport.tv for a number of years now and always find them to be helpful, responsive and to try and solve problems. The team are really easy to work with and provide solutions when needed. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.”
“Shaun and his Team at Trans-Sport have been contractors to Matchroom on event broadcast for over 20 years. Driven by a desire to get the very best out of every event in the most safe, yet cost effective manner Trans-Sport exceed all expectations. Their total commitment and infrastructure delivery allows Matchroom to produce top quality productions, and that’s what keeps us all at the top of the game!”
“I have contracted Shaun and his team on every genre of event, from Royal Weddings, Funerals and State occasions to large scale entertainment events such as the BRITS and BAFTA’s. Trans-Sport deliver detailed diagrams and plans complete with calculations on time, every time and exemplify a passion for safe working practice. Their crew are always equipped with the correct PPE and their plant licences are always up to date. The depth of knowledge and ability to effectively lead a large cohort of multi-skilled contractors, from the front, through an environment of constant change, has established Trans-Sport as our first call company, regardless of scale or complexity of operation.”
“The Professional Darts Corporation has enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Trans-Sport.tv. As our events and demands have grown over the years, so has Trans-Sport.tv’s ability to provide us with first class staging and production assistance and equipment and they form a vital part of our event team alongside our own staging company and host broadcasters. Trans-Sport.tv’s flexible and accommodating approach, always with a willingness to help and get the job done to a high standard, make them a crucial partner of ours all year round. ”
“IMG Productions has worked with Trans-Sport.tv on its Snooker and Darts coverage for many years. Shaun Cope and his team provide an exceptional service for all our scaffolding and rigging requirements and they always go out of their way to achieve the best possible job at all times. In a time when we’re all under pressure with production budgets, we are very appreciative of Shaun and his willingness to look at the whole project and come up with the most cost-effective solution. I would have no hesitation in recommending Trans-Sport.tv to other production companies and broadcasters.”
“We have worked with Tran-Sport for ten years and always found them to be the most professional outfit whatever the circumstance and time of day. Their dedication and hard work is matched by their flair and enthusiasm.”
“World Snooker have worked for many years with Trans-Sport on over 100 different televised snooker tournaments worldwide. On every event Shaun and the Team at Trans-Sport demonstrate utmost professionalism. In particular their safe working practices, methods of rigging, competence of planning events and bringing contractors together along with the overall strategic and efficient working practices are rated high in our estimations and would have no hesitation recommending their services to others.”
“Tuxford Academy’s Creative Arts Faculty has had the privilege to work in partnership with Trans-sport for the last six years. Over that period they have given their time & expertise most generously. Their support has been focused on assisting us with our annual school production & talent shows, through provision & installation of staging, lighting rigs & sound equipment. Despite their own highly demanding schedule, they always find time for us. I am inspired not only by their professionalism, but also their commitment to organisations like ours. Countless young people in the Tuxford area have enjoyed participation in productions which we could not have staged so ambitiously were it not for such a dedicated team.”
