In response to athletes speaking out at this year’s ESPY awards about the gun violence that is sweeping across the country, ESPN launched The Undefeated, a multiplatform initiative aimed at bringing together sports figures to explore sports, race, and culture.
As the first in an ongoing series, “An Undefeated Conversation: Athletes, Responsibilities and Violence” took place in Chicago’s South Side YMCA and featured athletes with personal ties to Chicago discussing gun violence and how to protect and encourage the City’s youth.
Just two weeks prior to the taping, Chicago Scenic worked closely with ESPN to transform the YMCA basketball courts into an intimate town hall meeting by providing a customized rentals package that included a carpeted 20-foot circular stage bearing the Undefeated logo. We also provided chairs and tables for interviewers and athletes, as well as for the backstage green rooms.
In addition, Chicago Scenic sourced and hung the eight banners and installed six vinyl-wrapped flats for added color and signage. Pipe and drape sectioned off media and storage areas. We also managed all logistics, including material handling, crowd control, audience
seating, and production offices. An added live taping for ESPN2 occurred the very next day, so Chicago Scenic’s onsite team worked quickly to switch out graphics and ensure a smooth transition.
