On Saturday, Decemb3er 19 I journeyed to the New Cowboys Stadium to take in the first basketball game at the new venue, UNC vs #2 ranked Texas. The experience was enjoyable yet far from the coziness that the Frank Erwin Center in Austin provides.
The mezzanine or upper deck was closed and black curtains were hung at each end of the stadium to block out any sunlight. The announced crowd of 35,000 cheered loudly (75% were Texas fans) but the sound was muted a bit by the cavernous interior. The pre-game music was blaring but the baritone of PA announcer Mark Followill was a welcoming relief from the screaming NBA announcers you get these days.
The overall experience had a distant sterile feel to it. Fans would cheer but there was no deafening roar that you normally get at a home game. Courtside seats went back about 15 rows on the press side and 25-30 rows on the other side. There was no elevation and they were sitting on the floor. I was perched in the club section, section C211 about the length of a wedge shot to the court. I think I got a better view as I frequently saw the folks on the floor standing up. Same for the huge end zone bleachers. Some appeared to be sitting so far back their view must have been worse than mine.
From my point of view the players' faces were too far to be seen directly but one could see the emotion and body language when UT's Pittman issued a dunk. I watched most of the action live, meaning NOT watching the huge HD screen hanging over the court. I did however watch it for replays.
If Jerry tries to squeeze in 100,000 plus for the upcoming NBA All Star game I don't think those in the upper deck or party decks will have anything close to a good view.
I think basketball is best left in basketball arenas. I did enjoy seeing my Longhorns and would go again as I am a diehard fan and alumnus.
G.I. Joe supports the Grand Prairie Airhogs
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
What would Tom Landry say?
The other day while attending the Big 12 Championship game at the new Cowboys Stadium (i.e. the Death Star) I paused and reflected by the statue of the great Tom Landry. Was that a tear I saw streaming down his face? Was it a chuckle?
I believe that the great Tom Landry would do both if he were here gracing us with his presence. I think he would be sad at the change in the NFL from his time to today. Players being paid exorbidant salaries who spend more time practicing their antics and celebrations than plays. A system that rewards the rich teams who can overpay players and coaches. But first and foremost, he would be sad to see his Cowboys wallowing in a puddle of failure.
Over 10 years since the Cowboys have won a playoff game. They are perrenial losers who hope to just make the playoffs and are happy if they are a Wild Card team. Where is the domination of the Doomsday Defense? Where are the playmakers like Staubach, Dorsett, Cliff Harris, Randy White, Harvey Martin, etc?
Tom would be sad to see a team that seems to have no heart, that is soft like its head coach. A team that cannot seem to rise to the occasion but is content to say "we will do better." The Cowboys are not explosive or dominant in even one facet of their game? Who fits that description? How about the Colts or Saints. Explosive energy that keeps a fan on the edge of their seats.
Tom would see a Cowboys team with that has few playmakers, a team that makes too many penalties, and players who miss assignments and half heartedly run routes.
Tom would cut players without hesitation. He would command respect. Players would admire, respect, and yes, even fear him. T.O. would have been dismissed early on just like Thomas Henderson.
Tom would say to Wade Phillips "you are who you are" when referencing a team that cannot seem to win in the month of December. Tom would replace aging players for young talent via free agency or the draft. Tom would wonder why nobody in the Cowboys organization seems to be mad at the status quo.
Finally, Tom would chuckle say that it is not some fancy new stadium that makes the Cowboys America's Team--it's the players and the coaches. It's the results on the field. It is the willingness to play hard each and every game.
Tom, I wish you and Tex Shramm were here. I think many fans do as well.
I believe that the great Tom Landry would do both if he were here gracing us with his presence. I think he would be sad at the change in the NFL from his time to today. Players being paid exorbidant salaries who spend more time practicing their antics and celebrations than plays. A system that rewards the rich teams who can overpay players and coaches. But first and foremost, he would be sad to see his Cowboys wallowing in a puddle of failure.
Over 10 years since the Cowboys have won a playoff game. They are perrenial losers who hope to just make the playoffs and are happy if they are a Wild Card team. Where is the domination of the Doomsday Defense? Where are the playmakers like Staubach, Dorsett, Cliff Harris, Randy White, Harvey Martin, etc?
Tom would be sad to see a team that seems to have no heart, that is soft like its head coach. A team that cannot seem to rise to the occasion but is content to say "we will do better." The Cowboys are not explosive or dominant in even one facet of their game? Who fits that description? How about the Colts or Saints. Explosive energy that keeps a fan on the edge of their seats.
Tom would see a Cowboys team with that has few playmakers, a team that makes too many penalties, and players who miss assignments and half heartedly run routes.
Tom would cut players without hesitation. He would command respect. Players would admire, respect, and yes, even fear him. T.O. would have been dismissed early on just like Thomas Henderson.
Tom would say to Wade Phillips "you are who you are" when referencing a team that cannot seem to win in the month of December. Tom would replace aging players for young talent via free agency or the draft. Tom would wonder why nobody in the Cowboys organization seems to be mad at the status quo.
Finally, Tom would chuckle say that it is not some fancy new stadium that makes the Cowboys America's Team--it's the players and the coaches. It's the results on the field. It is the willingness to play hard each and every game.
Tom, I wish you and Tex Shramm were here. I think many fans do as well.
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