So yesterday I went to the NFL Experience being held in town because we are hosting the Super Bowl this year. I have to say boo to this, although I sure that I am once again in the minority. My problem with it is that in post 9/11 world this event has become homogenized. Completely corporate. We last had the Super Bowl here in January 2001 and from my perspective the pre Super Bowl events around the stadium had a much more festive feeling. In 2001 MTV, ESPN amongst others had stages set up around the stadium with all types of activity. MTV had free concerts, Jennifer Lopez and others. ESPN was doing shows. One of the streets bordering the stadium was closed off and set up with all types of food vendors and memorabilia vendors. It had a very festive feel to it. Now the whole thing it a ticketed event and every damm thing is sponsored by somebody. You could get a hot dog, soda and fries for $7.00 if you put it on your Visa and pay $8.50 otherwise. I did not get food there. This is the third Super Bowl in Tampa since I have lived here and the least pleasing time I have had at any of the events leading up to the game. I am not really surprised, but I was hoping it would be different.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Events
So yesterday I went to the NFL Experience being held in town because we are hosting the Super Bowl this year. I have to say boo to this, although I sure that I am once again in the minority. My problem with it is that in post 9/11 world this event has become homogenized. Completely corporate. We last had the Super Bowl here in January 2001 and from my perspective the pre Super Bowl events around the stadium had a much more festive feeling. In 2001 MTV, ESPN amongst others had stages set up around the stadium with all types of activity. MTV had free concerts, Jennifer Lopez and others. ESPN was doing shows. One of the streets bordering the stadium was closed off and set up with all types of food vendors and memorabilia vendors. It had a very festive feel to it. Now the whole thing it a ticketed event and every damm thing is sponsored by somebody. You could get a hot dog, soda and fries for $7.00 if you put it on your Visa and pay $8.50 otherwise. I did not get food there. This is the third Super Bowl in Tampa since I have lived here and the least pleasing time I have had at any of the events leading up to the game. I am not really surprised, but I was hoping it would be different.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
We have become a bought and sold generation. Go Steelers! Got any bets on the game?
Ha, I am going for the Cardinals. Game on buddy. What do you want to bet?
Post a Comment