Chris DeRuyscher elected into IDEA Hall of Fame

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 2:00pm

The Information Display & Entertainment Association (IDEA) is proud to announce the election of Chris DeRuyscher into the IDEA Hall of Fame. A formal induction ceremony will take place July 12th at the 2023 IDEA Conference to be held in Austin, TX.

"Chris is not only one of the hardest working Presidents and advocates IDEA has ever had, he is also a consummate industry professional who has built his career by performing in nearly every role elemental to our world. His swath of experience, humility, and belief that no job is too small, makes him such an exemplary leader and truly deserving of this honor," stated John Franzone, IDEA Hall of Fame Co-Chair and Vice President of Game Presentation & Production with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2023 marks Chris's 23rd season working in Major League Baseball. He began his career after securing a degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Nebraska.

A standout at the vaunted HuskerVision program, Chris interned with the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays and FOX 4 Sports in Kansas City, before landing his first job as Coordinator of Game Entertainment with the Kansas City Royals in 2001.

He then spent the next 13 years overseeing the Royals HD control room, video display upgrades, award- winning CrownVision staff, and the display production for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game.

In 2013, Chris accepted the role of Director of Ballpark Entertainment and Productions for the Texas Rangers, where he still works in a Senior capacity. Beyond helping craft the game night experience in Arlington, he also assisted in the opening of Globe Life Field, where the Rangers unveiled an IP and HDR based control room and accompanying LED displays in 2020.

In the 2010's with IDEA, Chris was the front face of the Association, putting the "active" in "active member". He was a steady, driving force in charting IDEA's course over the last decade, serving as a four-term President (2015-18), VP (2011-14), Golden Matrix Awards Chair, and, on multiple committees and boards.

"From the moment I attended my first IDEA Conference in 1999 in Tampa, I knew that I wanted to be part of this industry, and specifically, this organization for the rest of my life," said DeRuyscher. "It has given so much to me, and I've always tried to give everything I had back. This honor is really a credit to my family, friends, and the many mentors who have poured into me over these years. Humbled and honored are not strong enough words to describe my feelings about being elected to the IDEA Hall of Fame."

Chris and his wife, Paige, are the proud and blessed parents of Josi, Jalen, and Jax.

 

About IDEA

IDEA is the premier association for professionals in the large-screen, event, and in-game entertainment/presentation industry. Founded in 1982, IDEA's membership is comprised of the producers, directors, operators and industry vendors for teams, public facilities, and manufacturers worldwide. IDEA encompasses all branches of the sports, entertainment, and convention industries, including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, racing, soccer, arenas, convention centers, stadiums, and universities.

About the IDEA Hall of Fame

Created in 2008, The IDEA Hall of Fame recognizes IDEA members, past and present, who have made a significant impact on the organization or industry. Its core values are: Honoring Excellence, Preserving History, and Inspiring Future Generations.

Chris DeRuyscher