Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Georges St. Pierre Autograph Signing

Georges St. Pierre made an appearance in Seal Beach to sign autographs. The event took place at a Affliction clothing store. GSP is one of the biggest names in MMA and I have never heard of him making appearances in So Cal. So when I heard about this event from a friend I knew I had to attend.

When I arrived in the morning there was only one person in line. It was a little surprising since I expected a huge turnout. A couple of hours later the Affliction store opened and fans were allowed to go inside to look around and make purchases. I thought about getting a shirt until I seen the $50-$60 price tag. Shortly after that GSP arrived to meet with fans.

Fans were then sent inside the store in small groups to meet GSP. A chair was set up next to him where fans had the chance sit down and get their items signed. It reminded me of the time when I met Pete Rose in Las Vegas about three years ago. This signing was an actual meet and greet. We were not rushed at all. I got my two items signed, a posed photo and got the hell out of there.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? I would guess less than 200 people.
  • Items per person? 2 items.
  • Giveaways? None.
  • Which Affliction location? Seal Beach.
  • Free signing? Yes.

It seems as if I have new grandparents. I see them often at signings and even carpooled with them to this event. Here is my new grandpa getting his items signed by GSP.


Here is my new grandma with GSP.


Below is a video from the GSP signing that I found on You Tube. A fan goes home very disappointed and someone I know gets his autograph at 4:08. Check it out.



Thanks to Affliction in Seal Beach and GSP for this event.


Email: myautographsignings@yahoo.com

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Ozzy Osbourne Book Signing

On Friday I attended a event featuring rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy was scheduled to sign copies of his new book "Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy" at Barnes & Noble in Riverside. I was a little hesitant on attending because my thing is sports autographs. I don't care much for music or celebrity autographs. At the same time Ozzy is a legend and to be signing autographs in my area made this event a must.

I arrived at Barnes & Noble about 7:30 in the morning and noticed hundreds of fans already in line. I was told many fans had camped out overnight. Numbered wristbands were then distributed at 9:00 a.m. by employees. Once you were given a wristband you were pretty much guaranteed an autograph. After getting a wristband fans were told to come back later in the day for the book signing which would start at 7:00 p.m.

These were the event guidelines for the book signing. (click to enlarge)


I arrived about 5:30 in the afternoon and this was the crowd outside of the store. Shortly before 7 p.m. fans were let inside the store to make line.


This was the scene inside with the first couple of hundred fans. Fans were anxious for Ozzy to show up. A no flash photography rule was in place.


Here is Ozzy signing copies of his book. This was the closest fans were allowed to take pictures.


Ozzy talking with a fan.


This was a different set up that I'm used to. Fans were required to hand the book to a handler. That handler would then hand it to a security guard who would give it to another handler who would then hand the book to Ozzy. Ozzy would sign the book then slide it over to the security guard on his right who would then hand the signed book back to the fan. Confusing? Watch the video below.


Signing Recap:

People in line? Over 400 people.
Free signing? No, purchase of the book was necessary.
Price of the book? $23.26 with tax.
Books per person? Ozzy would sign up to 3 books per person.
Outside items? No outside memorabilia was allowed.
Which Barnes & Noble location? Riverside.

Thanks to Ozzy Osbourne and Barnes & Noble for this well planned and organized event.