PART TWO - THE NFL EXPERIENCE

Saturday
Time to check out the NFL experience at the convention center.

This was quite a place. It was equivalent in size to several football fields, and took most of the day to explore! It's easy to see why this has become one of the highlights of SB week for the fans.

We got in early, but it wasn't long before it turned into a mass zoo. Fans at the autograph signing area were waiting an hour in line, and it took a good 20-30 minutes to line up and pay for your purchases from the merchandise shop! Thankfully the beer and concessions lines were not so long ...

One of the more popular features was NFL Player Mania. Basically lots of interactive football challenges where you could test your skills against an assortment of NFL players on hand.

Or if you are less energetically inclined - just ask the player for an autograph (Vikings star OL Bryant McKinnie is pictured).

Actually this takes just as much energy to fight through all the kids ... so we sent in Minnesota fan FTP Bron to get her Vikings mini helmet signed.

Basically it was all-day entertainment. A 50 yard field turf was the centerpiece of the exhibition. Here a local marching band exhibit no ill effects from the synthetic surface.

Another highlight was the memorabilia area. Lots of stalls selling everything you could imagine (pins, programs, pictures etc.). A real treasure trove.

Then it was time to catch up with an old friend - Dante Hall!

He's now known to million of NFL fans as the "Human Joystick" - but back in the spring of 2001 he was a little known kick returner and running back for the Chiefs who was trying to make the conversion to wide receiver. They sent him over to Scotland that spring, and Dante made enough progress over here to be able to solidify his roster spot on his return. The last 2 years he's taken his game to another level setting an NFL record this year by returning kicks for TD's in 4 straight games. We also got to see score him a TD on pass reception during a Week 8 win over Buffalo.

Despite being one of the most popular guys in the NFL (and definitely #1 at the Experience), he still had time to speak to Preston. He says he misses Scotland and hopes to get back for the 1st home game of season. Let's wait and see!

Although he wore #1 while a Claymore, a #82 Claymores shirt was on display at the Experience to honour his success. (No idea if these shirts with the slightly different font will be the 2004 edition).

All the NFLE teams were on display, including the new Cologne Centurions black and red outfit.

Preston attempts to strike a blow for Dusseldorf by attacking the Cologne dummy.

After a whole day spent at the Experience it was time to head across the road to ESPN's NFL Countdown (Saturday edition).

Thanks to NASN people in the UK have been able to watch Berman, Jackson, Young and Irvin all year - but it was definitely fun to see it in the flesh!

Some interesting Saturday observations,

- Chris Berman doesn't make it all up. He does in fact have an autocue!

- Steve Young had clearly been to a lot of parties. He was yawning every time they went off air!

- And he had another party to get to as well. As soon as they finished recording he showed he still has his sub 4.5 40 yard speed, dashing across the mud to his awaiting transport.

- Tom Jackson was certainly proud that a Bronco had finally made the Hall of Fame, even though it appears his own chances are probably gone.

- Michael Irvin does actually think before he opens his mouth (well sometimes)

- Irvin is also still a hero in these parts. This is Texas after all, and Texas is still Cowboys country no matter that Houston has a team called the Texans!

- The Patriots fans had officially invaded Houston by now.

As Saturday night winds down, the realization that we're off the to the Super Bowl tomorrow starts to dawn on us!

These would prove to great seats - check out the virtual view

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