Posted by chicagomedia.org on January 20, 2009 at 12:19:03:
Tukaiz Develops Marketing Material for Blackhawks
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Franklin Park, IL - Tukaiz, a leading provider of results-driven marketing communications services, today announced it has produced new theme music and player banners for the National Hockey League's (NHL) Chicago Blackhawks, becoming a major force behind the current revitalization of the team's image. The dynamic opening theme song, broadcast on WGN Radio across the country, is now playing for all games this year, while the banners will hang prominently around the United Center throughout the season.
Designed to inject new energy into the Blackhawks' image and reflect the return of elite-caliber hockey to Chicago, the new music and banners have already scored a goal with fans. "Our positioning strategy centered on balancing the strength of the team's established past, as one of the greatest franchises in professional sports, alongside the thrill of its promising future, given the recent infusion of energy and skill from its young, leading players," said Frank Defino, Jr., vice president and managing director of Tukaiz. "The Blackhawks have now emerged as legitimate contenders in the sport of hockey. We tried to communicate that renewed sense of power and ability in all of the marketing materials."
For the team's new theme song, Tukaiz delivered a robust rock anthem with hip-hop flavor aimed at strengthening the team's rebranding as a serious top competitor. Already, the music is powerfully energizing radio listeners with its strong beat, spirited guitar licks, and husky male vocals along with its catchy and concise chorus of "shoot, score and crash the board." Playing on WGN Radio before each game, during the pregame show, and again at the game closing, the song instantly evokes intense energy and enthusiasm, perfectly suited to the game's spirit and broadly appealing to the Blackhawks' fan base. Tukaiz wrote the music and lyrics, performed the instrumentation, and recorded and produced the final tracks, with all arrangements and final production completed entirely on location at the Tukaiz sound studios in Franklin Park, IL. "We were proud and honored to be asked to deliver this music to one of the greatest radio stations and hockey franchises in the world," said Frank Defino, Jr.
The new player banners, meanwhile, consist of 23 one-sided, four-by-six feet banners that surround the interior walls of the United Center. Consistent with the Blackhawks' 2008-2009 season slogan of "One Goal," their design imparts a bold, unified presence to the arena. The strategic concept is fierce determination, featuring close-up shots of each team member in action. Additionally, Tukaiz recently created eight double-sided banners for the Blackhawks #3 Retirement Ceremony in December, honoring former players Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote. Not only did Tukaiz complete this project in under 48 hours, but Mr. Pilote was so impressed that he requested a photograph with the banners, then asked to take all of them home.
"The Tukaiz team really came through for us on a tight deadline with some amazing work," said Chris Weibring, graphic designer for the Chicago Blackhawks. "We've relied on Tukaiz to produce banners for the Chicago Blackhawks on several occasions because their quality and service is heads above the rest. However, this image campaign really highlighted all of the company's specialties."
Tukaiz has routinely been the creative force behind numerous campaigns for companies and institutions across the Chicago landscape. From 1998 to 2006, WGN Radio called on Tukaiz to produce the opening theme music for its Chicago Cubs broadcasts as well as other marketing services such as the design of its corporate website.
(Press Release)