URBAN ANNOUNCING & MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES…

My goal…

I specialize in sports announcing for cross country, track, and road race events, with musical entertainment added in. Specifically, my goal is to provide a more engaging experience for your competition, that makes your event more involved, and is enhanced through my informed commentary. I want your competitors to feel special for their efforts, and I want your audience to leave your event with a little more knowledge, and a more positive view of this wonderful sport. I want to create a fun and positive track & field / cross country experience for the athletes, spectators, and coaches! Someone once described my announcing as like “listening to a running podcast that explains the nuances of the sport and recognizes that the audience can be an active participant in the event.”

What I Do…

In advance of your competition, I will create a Google document of my “announcing notes”. These notes are based on my research of your event and will include general service announcements and event recognitions. This document will be shared with you prior to your event, and you can add any additional information you’d like mentioned. I do provide commentary well beyond my notes…they simply serve as a starting point for important reminders.

On the day of the competition, I will arrive early and get set up. Once I’m up and running, I’ll get some pre-race music going and mix in some pre-meet announcements. Note that my music playlist has been carefully selected to keep it “clean” and avoid any songs that might be deemed inappropriate for your audience. 

During the competition, in addition to keeping music mixed in, my announcements can include the following:

• Keep athletes, coaches, and spectators updated regarding the event schedule.

• Have pre-event calls (first, second, final calls).

• Provide race commentary during the races to keep the audience informed & engaged.

• Alert timing or event officials, as needed.

• Announce scores and top finishers, as needed.

• Recognize any officials, volunteers, sponsors, coaches, etc. you would like mentioned.

• Make any public service announcements, as needed. 

• Recognize any significant athletes competing…those that are highly ranked or record holders, for example.

• Highlight your event winners, records set, or significant accomplishments by competing athletes.

My Equipment and Set-Up…

I have two 400-watt speakers, several different microphones, and other audio equipment. I do need a power source; access to an outlet is great; if not, I have a generator, but I will only bring it if I know it is needed. My preferred location for set-up is near the finish line, usually in close proximity to your timing service. The ideal set-up for track is to use a stadium PA and run the music through my speakers. Because of my equipment, I need to have relatively close parking access to my set-up location, to unload. 

My Music Playlists…

As mentioned above, my music playlist has been carefully reviewed to avoid song lyrics with inappropriate language. My music selection is diverse with classic rock, alternative, pop, soul, R&B, oldies, and “stadium anthems”. I have the National Anthem available to open your meet with as well.

My Fees…

Let’s be real…good announcing and commentary at a track, cross country, or road race is hard to come by. Sure, announcing the first call, second call, is not very difficult. My services go way beyond that, with informative color commentary to engage your audience and recognize your competitors. I show up with notes in hand…in essence, I have done my “homework”. And that, my friends, takes time before I have even arrived at your venue. 

So how do I determine my fees? The following items can all factor into my price calculation for your event:

• The size of your event…the number of races and athletes. Will you have a few hundred or several thousand athletes?

• What is my travel time and distance to your event? I am based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

• Is there an available power supply? Or do I need to bring my generator? Oftentimes the timing companies will allow me to tap into their power, but some don’t.

• Are you booking in advance or late? A late booking is considered anything within ten days of your event.

• Will you be paying me by check, cash, or PayPal?

• Will I be announcing awards at your event?

• Will your event require me to use a personal day from my day job? I am in education so I have limited personal days each year…I’m fortunate to have a supportive administration.

• Is your event multiple days and requires an overnight stay? Will your event provide hotel accommodations or will that be my responsibility to obtain?

• Any other special requests.

Hopefully we can reach a mutual agreement and work together to make your event it’s best!

I will always give you a price before your event so you will know exactly what my fee is in advance. Please have payment ready for me the day of your event.

My Background…

I have been involved with cross country, track, and road racing for most of my life…since I was introduced to the sport in middle school. Over those many years I have been an athlete, coach, and a long-time fan. And now, my most recent venture in the sport, as an announcer! I started announcing at Dorman High School track meets a few years ago…as time went on, I learned what worked for the audience. I received positive feedback from audiences and coaches alike, who encouraged me with their kind comments about my abilities as an announcer.  Visiting coaches asked me to announce at their events and word spread. And from that I formed a niche experience and this business venture known as Urban Announcing

Thank you for your support and I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you at your event!

Robert Urban

Track & Cross Country Announcing / Music Entertainment 

Spartanburg SC

864.978.0265

@urban_announcing