Bringing the Game to a Theater Near You
By Rachel Shuster

Bummed you can’t get tickets to a Red Sox game? Don’t worry! You can still see the hometown boys with NESN HD GameNight Red Sox Live. This idea is one of many “transforming the movie-going experience,” said Wanda Whitson, Director of Corporate Communications for National Amusements.

“We are offering more than just a movie. Patrons can now enjoy live entertainment, dining, interactive gaming and live high-definition sports broadcasting as well as the broadcast of operas and concerts at many of our theaters.”

It’s tough finding a movie that everyone in the family wants to see. But one thing everyone wants to watch is the defending World Series Champions.

“More than 50,000 Red Sox fans have cheered on their favorite team at NESN HD GameNight Red Sox Live,” Whitson said.

GameNight developed from a 2003 promotion at Showcase Cinemas Randolph called Big Hits on the Big Screen. As the event became a success, National Amusements decided to expand on the idea and GameNight was born.

GameNight is available at both Worcester Showcase Cinemas North and Blackstone Valley 14: Cinema de Lux. National Amusements felt that having this event in Worcester would be successful. Local families can enjoy an inexpensive night watching the game. They can save on gas money, and the air-conditioned auditorium allows fans to avoid a hot and sticky summer night in the bleachers.

How close is it to being at Fenway? Fans are still as wild and crazy as they would be at an actual game, and the food selections mirror Fenway favorites. Included are hotdogs, hamburgers, French fries, nachos, pizza, cotton candy, beverages ~ and Showcase Cinemas Worcester North even offers beer and wine! High definition allows people to “make better game calls than the umpire seeing the plays,” said Whitson.

“Private rentals are available for Red Sox games throughout the season and are an excellent alternative to the traditional corporate summer outing,” said Whitson. “Pricing ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 and prepaid concessions and customized menus can be arranged for your convenience.”

Looking to do something different for a birthday? Consider a GameNight birthday party!

“Party packages include GameNight tickets, GameNight birthday party invitations, private party area, unlimited popcorn and soda, reserved seating for the game and a souvenir helmet filled with candy,” said Whitson. “It is just $15 per person.”

So is National Amusements planning any other GameNight sporting events?

“In spring of 2008, we ran a pilot program at several theaters including Blackstone Valley in partnership with the Celtics and Comcast SportsNet featuring two Celtics games which received a great response,” said Whitson. “We continue to explore other opportunities for live sports broadcasting at our theaters.”

Fans can purchase tickets in advance or at the box office the day of the game. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children. For Yankee games, admission is $10 for adults. For Worcester Showcase Cinemas North, the following is a schedule of upcoming games. Don’t forget to come early and check out the NESN Pre-Game Show.

Friday, July 25 vs. New York Yankees
Tuesday, August 26 @ New York Yankees
Wednesday, August 27 @ New York Yankees
Friday, September 26 vs. New York Yankees

If you’re thinking about booking a private rental, contact Debbie Heller at 866-581-9138 ext 301 or e-mail GroupSales@nationalamusements.com. For booking a birthday party, contact a manager at a participating GameNight theater location for more information.

Want more info? Visit www.nationalamusements.com.