Backstage
Championship Event
Published in January 2008 Departments
For the Breeder’s Cup championship horse races, M Group Scenic Studios was contracted by the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority and sporting event producer HOK Event through the racetrack Monmouth Park.
The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company handled the scenic design and layout of Monmouth’s VIP Paddock Pavilion, and was also responsible for five corporate tents. M Group’s largest work was transforming the grass field into the VIP Paddock Pavilion next to the horse paddock where guests could view the horses. M Group created a dominant entryway that recreated the original 1860s entry gates to Monmouth Park.
1 A tent with transparent walls, supplied by Karl’s Event Rental, gave an airy outdoor feel to the event.
2 Bundles of rich colored fabric swagged the ceiling, and coordinated with the Lamour linens and topiary floral centerpieces in the décor.
3 Static colored scenic lighting (by M Group) provided rich ambiance.
4 Designed and created by M Group, a large center feature with four-panel 10-foot by 14-foot projection screens provided close-up viewing of the races, while smaller screens throughout kept all the guests involved in the action.
5 Bars custom-fabricated by M Group beneath the viewing screen used space efficiently and provided additional service to avoid lines at the bar. Use of medium-density fiberboard reduced finishing and gave it a clean look. An elaborate, scenic back wall bar with the Breeder’s Cup logo and coordinated Monmouth Breeder’s Cup signature yellow and purple mums doubled as a walk-up area for drinks and seating. M Group produced the floral-designed centerpieces, linen and décor fabrication.