KOIN Local 6 Amazing Race Tryouts Were Amazing

The chance to travel the world? Yep.

The chance to be on CBS-TV across the country including KOIN Local 6? Yep.

The opportunity to do something few ever will? Yep.

And on this rainy Sunday morning–that Amazing Race journey started in Beaverton! Here’s the behind the scenes scoop on what happened in the tryouts and how they worked.

Amazing Race Tryouts — Big Al’s In Beaverton, Oregon

This first photo (to the right) shows some Amazing Race hopefuls checking in. They get a ticket and that number is also written on their hand to “double check” that the people signing up are actually the ones trying out!

The more than 1,000 people at the tryouts grabbed a seat at Big Al’s. I’d never been there–but this is the restaurant and massive screen TV room. Other hopefuls bowled and there were some early morning refreshments being consumed by some as well. Probably to help with those nerves! Everyone was waiting for their number to be called. That gave them a chance to try out.

Here’s our KOIN Local 6 Sports Director Dan Christopherson reading off an early round of lucky numbers over the loudspeaker. You’d read the number and then suddenly hear squealing, shouting, cheering.  Or if the number was close but not exactly what a team had then you’d hear “ahhh-man!”

The first number I announced this round was 5017. The number is written on what’s called an “Amazing Invitation” and if you get one of those then you’re very happy.

Like I said. If you get an Amazing Invitation, you’re very happy!

I found these two ladies upstairs. They’d gotten their Amazing Invitation and were in the holding room just waiting for their chance to audition in front of our cameras. These two look like trouble. Make that double trouble. Or is it just me?

Lights, camera, action! Here’s photographer Jeff telling a team they’ll see the red light come on and then have just 60 seconds to say or do what they want. And one minute later their audition is over. Welcome to my world–when I’m doing the weather I always have people telling me my time is up!!

Here’s photographer Ty giving the same 1 minute rules to…

…these guys. They poked fun at each other as a way to try and stand out.

And here’s a father daughter team that said they would be a great duo to travel around the world!

Portland Amazing Race Tryouts – What’s Next

If you got picked and tried out–congratulations! Now we’ll give our material (that is: you!) to Amazing Race producers. I heard we had some very talented folks come through so I’m really hoping we get someone from our area on an upcoming season. And you know how these things work,right? You give up because you’ve never heard anything and then all of a sudden–you get a call. So keep your fingers crossed!

Amazing Race Tryouts – Strategies

I took an informal survey of many I talked to. “So,what are you going to do during your 60 seconds?” Here’s what I heard:

• We’re opposites
• We’re twins
• We’re triplets (only two could be on the team!)
• We’re marathon moms
• We love adventure
• We are experienced world travelers
• Some people wore multiple layers of clothes
• Some people went for the “keep Portland weird” look (insert your favorite weirdness here)
• Some people made fun of each other
• Some people said they needed smaller rear ends and this show would help them do it
• Some people said they’re playing up the fact they can survive Oregon rain so they can survive anything

Wow–that was fun. Thanks to those of you who came out. And no matter what happens at least you can say you tried out for an upcoming season of the Amazing Race. Which will air on KOIN Local 6, of course!