Super Bowl XLIX - The Halftime Show

Super Bowl halftime is always a highlight of the night.  Always.  It is a made for TV show.  Sometimes those elements that appear so vividly on the TV screen don't come through in person.  This was certainly one of those shows with lots of special effects.

In the end, Katy Perry's performance received mixed reviews.  And, unfortunately, we didn't have a clear view of two of the most talked about portions of it - the sharks and Missy Elliot!

Patiently waiting (finger light ready) for the show to begin...

We were sitting in the endzone where she began the show with her walk in on the massive lion.  Pretty impressive...both in person and on TV.

We were in good position to enjoy the Lenny Kravitz guest appearance, but then lost track of most of the rest of the performance.

We were on the wrong side of things to have a full understanding of what was happening with the swimsuit/shark sequence.  Though from watching it later on TV, I'm not certain we missed too much there.

I was SO upset when we weren't able to really see the Missy appearance though.  Initially, it was very unclear exactly where they were from our section.  Didn't keep us from THOROUGHLY enjoying this portion of the performance though.  What a great little interlude!!

The ending with the fireworks was neat, but very much anticipated.  It was super brave to be up on that shooting star.  I would have been a nervous wreck up there.  Very neat way to end the show.

The part that just totally blows me away about the halftime show is the part that the TV viewer doesn't see - the set up and breakdown.  Truly incredible how quickly it happens...and how many people it takes to get the job done.  The pictures can't really capture it, but it definitely gives you an idea of the scope of the show.

Were you a fan of the show?  Which element did you enjoy most?

Andrea :)

Super Bowl XLIX - The Game

The game itself was simply that...a game.  We didn't really love either team.  Chris is a Jets fan so we certainly weren't cheering for the ultimate Super Bowl XLIX champs, but we weren't really into Seattle either.  It proved to be a very odd feeling.  Such a big game, but not really having a clear desire to cheer for either team.  Just watching...and taking it all in.

The opening musical numbers by John Legend and Idina Menzel were fantastic.  And I managed to capture the perfect flyover photo somehow.

The coin toss lead us into a back and forth battle.  At least for awhile.  It was close and exciting going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the lead and momentum shifted to the Seahawks.  It was wild.  Fans were so excited!  Things seemed to be clicking on all cylinders.

And then they lost control in the fourth quarter.  It all seemed to happen so quickly even though I did take a trip to the stadium gift shop then.  I promise I was following the game the whole time I was away.  The tide had certainly turned.

And then there was one play left to make.  One more run and the Seahawks repeat.  Interception!?!  What, no?!?  Is this for real?? How did that happen??  Wow!  What were they thinking?

And as they say, the rest is history....

Andrea :)

Super Bowl XLIX - The Tailgate Party

Each of the past five years, I have listened carefully as my brothers, parents, and Chris described the impossible joys of The Tailgate Party to me.  I have always been SO very curious as to its mysteries.

As you might have guessed, this year, I indulged.  Fully.  And had not one single regret as I entered the stadium just moments before kickoff.  It proved quite worthy of all the praise heaped upon it for all those years.  And I could not have been more thankful to have finally had the experience for myself.

Chris and I had a plan.  We were going to hit all the stations.  Take full advantage of everything being offered to us on this beautiful sunny Arizona day.

In the end, we managed to hit most stations.  The high points.  We skipped the chili cook-off area.  Not sure we would have lasted long there anyway given how much I was sweating from just walking around.  We opted for other traditional southwestern fare like tacos.  Lots of tacos.

Obviously, we didn't miss a dessert station.  I mean, honestly people, who would?  I had an absolute dream of chocolate covered strawberry and banana kabobs.  Three, actually.  And, they were SO fabulous that I walked the entire length of the venue to attempt to secure a fourth...with no luck.  Though I did happen upon an amazing cupcake display as a result.  Score!!

They also had music.  Dirks Bentley, I believe.  And some neat drum-like instruments.  But the food won out without a doubt.  There was just so many options...and too little time!

The most useful area was the phone re-charging station.  Genius move!  It was packed in this space. But luckily the salted caramel squares were just a few steps away!

Tailgate truly was an experience like no other.  And we haven't even gotten to the game...or halftime show...yet. 

Andrea :)

Super Bowl XLIX: The Media

No matter where you turn in this day and age, you simply can't escape the media.  There is no place that statement rings more true than at the Super Bowl.  It is unbelievable to me that over 5,000 members of the media cover the events of the week leading up to the game.  Pure craziness!

I managed to break away from my desk at the accreditation center on Media Day this year.  The crowd was overwhelming.  I was tasked with finding a couple of my counterparts that were working with the teams.  Not an easy task at all.  It was like Where's Waldo? in there.  Remarkable, but an absolute circus!

I didn't stick around long, but managed to snap a quick photo of Revis since he used to be Chris' fave when he played for the Jets.  Hail to Pitt...right, sweetheart? :)

My next venture into the world of media at Super Bowl was over at Radio Row.  A surprisingly less crazy experience, but equally as interesting.  The room was literally set up in rows with various radio stations or media groups occupying each table.  Various guests...some more famous than others...ventured from table to table being interviewed.  The most famous non-football personality we spotted was Montel Williams.

Surrounding the room there were some larger areas for Sirius, NFL Network, and other more global groups.  That is where we caught Jimmy Graham of the Saints.  And later saw Clay Matthews of the Packers.

Chris loves checking out this area.  He used to have a podcast of his own actually.  Maybe he'll bring it back soon.  I think he'd make a great addition to radio row next year!!

Andrea :)

Super Bowl XLIX - The NFL Experience

Ever wonder how a Wilson football is made?  Curious to see what it feels like to make the call as a referee?  Or just simply love Skittles??   Yes to one...or all??  I certainly have the right place for you - it's NFL Experience!!

This was my first year getting the full NFL Experience...and all I can say is WOW!  It is an extremely impressive layout of the some of the jewels of the NFL (literally...they bring the Super Bowl rings and trophy!) as well as some of the most exciting interactive elements of the game.  I had a blast...and I wasn't even able to stay and play all day. 

Mom and Dad gave passing and kicking a try.  I didn't have on appropriate shoes for kicking, but I did manage to give passing a shot.  I wasn't terrible.

The second photo captures the Art McNally Game Center in our NY office.  I work here on Sundays throughout the season.  You can only imagine how crazy it can get when it's full of people with different games going on every monitor.  I really enjoy this aspect of my job.  Never a dull moment in this room!

Skittles was my favorite interactive area at the event.  SO fun.  And you certainly didn't leave empty handed.  They were passing out bags of Skittles in there like they were going out of style!!

This is how each football begins...

They are then sown almost all the away together...

Pounded with a hammer to firm up the seams...

A "bladder" is inserted and the ball is filled with just enough air to keep it pliable...

It is laced in the next to last step...THIS was amazing to watch!

And finally, pumped full of air!

Who knew making a football involved so many steps and people?  It was incredible to watch this process.  All of the staff at this station actually work at the factory in Ada, Ohio, that makes footballs for the NFL year round.  One employee was even telling us that she was on overtime most of the year just to get them done in time for the season to begin.  We stayed at this station for a long time taking it all in.  I was very impressed with each and every step of the process.

What do you think?  Would you enjoy NFL Experience?

Don't forget to check out my Super Bowl giveaway HERE today!  It ends soon!!

Andrea :)

PS - If the Super Bowl is ever in your home city, I highly suggest checking it out for the day.  They sold $35 tickets...and it was totally worth it from the couple of hours I spent checking things out!