Was it worth the $29 plus taxes? I'd say a resounding yes.
Let's cover the stadium and the experience. Overall I would characterize it as the Astrodome on steroids. Simply a colossuss. I could only imagine what the Romans saw back in the days of the gladiators fighting in the Colossium in Rome.
Anyone who has driven by the stadium during its construction could only marvel at its mammoth size and design. One has to walk up to the stadium to get the full perspective. Entering the end zone gate and standing below the massive twin arches makes one feel like a speck of sand on a beach. The indoor plaza the party pass grants one access to is massive, equipped with concessions and mini-proshops. There were three levels one could stand at and view the game--ground level being the first with second and third (highest). I chose to begin my viewing experience on the ground level.
I dropped anchor at the entrance to sections 217 and 218. The standing room is not really a railing by a counter than runs in a horshoe shape from goal line to goal line. At least one could lean on it. Surprisingly my legs held up well. My spot was at the end zone corner. One could not make out faces but could see jersey numbers. Names were hard to make out. One could only see the massive HD video board if they were standing in the end zone. Being on the edge of the horseshoe I had to squat down to see it.
The staff was everywhere and all were very polite. They were strictly enforcing showing tickets for those going to seats. No chance in sitting in an empty spot. At the peak of the game it was 3-4 people deep behind me. At the end zone I could see 6-7 deep. They even had people stacked on the stairwells.
The vido board hanging over the field is truly amazing. The level of detail stunning. I don't have HD at home but have seen it and this screen makes HD at home look like watching a 12 inch Zenith black and white TV from the 70s. For people in the seats its like watching a car crash--you cannot take your eyes off it.
FYI..about 3-5 punts hit it, something Jerry Jones said was impossible.
Being that I could not see it I focused on the game and was happy with the view and took in the whole football experience. When the teams were on the other end of the field I could still see the action. The crowd was loud and into it.
Disappointing: I could not hear the PA from my spot on the horseshoe. I could later when I moved to the back of the end zone.
Nauseating: Not 3 feet behind me was a vendor selling nachos with chili and cheese. Chili was burnt and the fumes flowed back to me the whole game.
In the 3rd quarter I headed up to the second and third or top decks at the back of the end zone to view the game. These views were looking straight down the field. Less people here and easier to walk up to a counter and lean. Almost liked this vantage point better. The video board facing this area was smaller but still impressive.
The field itself is artificial and appears to be a substantial upgrade from the Texas Stadium turf. Missing was a logo or star at the center. Is this one last way Jerry can rid himself of T.O.? That memory of him in a 49er uniform standing on the star?
Food selection was varied, from customary cotton candy ($5.50), hot dogs (same), Cowboy cheesesteak ($10), beer ($8), and soda ($5). Prices high but what do you expect.
Surprising: field level suites in which I saw people standing and not sitting. Don't know how they could see the game as there were players and media on the sideline blocking their view.
Don't know how much cash parking was--I parked at a shopping center down the road at the corner of Collins and I-30. Just buy $40 from any vendor and post your receipts in your car. Good deal. By paying the money at the stadium lots you get nothing of value in return. Pretty big line of taxis was waiting a the West exit and from what I could see people were taking advantage of it.
Shocking: businesses on the way to the stadium were ponying up their real estate for parking but at a steep cost, most averaging $60. Did see one business charging $80.
Bathrooms were huge and clean, at least at first. More square footage in a bathroom than a single family house.
Would I do this again? Yes, but probably not every game. Maybe a division game with the Eagles or Redskins.
So Jerry, I think you did something to make you money and save money for the common man such as myself. Take my money and give it to Demarcus Ware I hope. Or, put a down payment on the sign that should be over the stadium, "Tom Landry Field"
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