Super Bowl 44 Half Time Show: The Big Day!

Hope Bruens of Cart PHR 4 outside of Sun Life Stadium

If you have been reading my blog you already know that we've worked for about 2 weeks rehearsing for "the big day" and I really could not believe that it actually came -- and went -- so quickly! Below is how the day shaped up for me and some details about the show and the overall experience:

First, I just want to say that if you all ever get a chance to sign up for the next Super Bowl half time crew, either when it's in South Florida again or if you feel like traveling to Dallas in 2011, it's an experience that's worthwhile. 

On Super Bowl Sunday my reporting time was 3 pm. I was to drive to Nova Southeastern University to park in the garage so they could bus us over to the stadium...ugh. We knew it would be a long, long wait. I was a little nervous about the weather. It was beautiful and sunny but a little cold. Especially if we were to stand around outside where the wind kicks up. I decided to wear a long sleeved Nike running shirt for warmth along with a fleece and brought a leather jacket with gloves. Better safe than sorry -- and was I right. It turned out to be quite brisk once the sun set and many of my crew/cart mates were really cold. 

They gave each of us upon check in a black long sleeved t-shirt with the Half Time show logo on the front and The Who logo on the sleeve. They are just OK and I decided to get a small so it would not fit too loose. I felt a little silly bringing all of my layers with me but was very glad later on. We, of course, were offered (another) box lunch to eat at 3 pm which was odd -- was it lunch or dinner? I had just wolfed down a pb&j on my way so I didn't eat the sandwich -- not that I could have anyway after eating them for the past 2 weeks at rehearsals! I just ate the chips and cookies.

My group found each other quickly in the huge college basketball gym that they sat us all in. We had all of us half time crew folks along with the pre-show kids and I think the band people that were also in the pre-show. I haven't seen the entire pre-show and game yet since I missed most of it being in it. They, of course, were the first to be bussed to the stadium.

We waited -- and waited some more, then finally at about 4:30 (we had to all be there at 3 pm!) we were told to file out to get on the buses. Now some of my crew mates and I thought we'd for sure be on those rental coach buses but oh no, we were taken by police escort on Miami-Dade school buses! Yes, big yellow school buses with about 10 police escorts that blocked traffic in all directions to let us through. We even went through red lights the way you do when you are in a funeral procession! To see the Turnpike blocked off for our lowly little yellow buses was quite a trip. I am sure that those drivers were like "who the heck are in those buses!?!?!?" Of course seeing the AK47 on some of the police around the stadium was a bit scary. We just aren't used to that here in America, are we? I remember seeing much more of that in both Mexico and Greece, but it's odd to see it here in the US.

We disembarked our dozen buses and walked -- right with the regular crowd -- into the stadium through the metal detectors. After one of our stage crew fellows boasted about getting his flask through security we saw him being "escorted" by the police right back out a little later. Not that he was on my cart thankfully but I assume that his drinking was a little out of control and they were -- for obvious reasons -- not allowing him to participate in the half time show set up. That could really be dangerous for him and his fellow crew/cart mates if he did something strange!

We were told to just stand around in a holding area by the stadium staging tent. Again, we all waited and talked - we were all a little nervous but excited. The most exciting part of waiting in this location is that the Air Force jets that did the fly over came directly over our heads -- they were not really over the stadium as I am sure it looked like on TV. They were off to the side and cranked up their after burners as they flew over. That was really cool...they were almost touching each other. We then heard both Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood sing, of course not being able to actually view them, from outside. We did see some actress that one of my cart mates recognized walking with her Fendi purse and Sephora bag - I remember looking at her and thinking that instead of working here bundled in my black shirt pushing a cart I sure would love to be wearing those high heeled boots, carrying my Fendi purse with my new Sephora stuff --- oh well, such is my life...maybe when I am reincarnated things will be different :)

We then moved our cart to the area where we rehearsed which is lined up outside of the tunnel that leads to the field. We took a ton of pictures of both the actual  instruments that The Who were going to play -- which were loaded up on the center stage parts -- and the outside of the stadium. We waited, tried to watch the game from the far away small TV's and checked and rechecked our cart. We were fortunate enough for the time to fly and before long we were pushing our cart out and into the stadium -- it was time!

The excitement for all of us was huge -- remember, we had rehearsed for this one moment for 2 weeks.   As we were running through the tunnel and onto the field everyone in the tunnel were cheering for us, that felt great! Thank you everyone who happened to be standing in that tunnel! I saw, in the moment that I had running past a number of uniformed people -- thanks to all of them. They made us all feel great.

Once out on the field I was surprised about how very quiet it was. You can't believe how noise dampening that grass is -- with 75,000 people in the stands it was almost serene. A very strange thing. You could hear people talking next to you. I expected it to be loud. We wheeled the cart into our rehearsed position perfectly! Then quickly "peeled off" and went to the sidelines while the whale tail guys took off the strobe light and positioned it on the ground between carts.

I sat on the 20 yard line right on the sidelines with nobody in front of me to watch the show! Some of my crew mates ran over to the front (we were towards the back) but I had a good enough view and also was nervous about being in position for the exit in time. The show was terrific. I had a number of people tell me that The Who was terrible on TV but from where I sat they were great -- Daltry's voice was a little rough in spots but overall I loved it. I'd love to hear what you all think...and yes, Pete Townshend did sound off. We completely loved it!

We successfully wheeled our cart off of the field and waited some more at the staging tent. Funny, but I was almost sad that it was over so quickly.  But I really was tired and getting really hungry by this time. We waited, and waited some more -- took more photo's and celebrated a very successful show set up and exit -- our jobs!

Steve our cart leader was not around too much so we were sure that he was off watching the game and (we hope) having a few beers! He worked hard and we really enjoyed having him as our leader. Now he's off to LA to work his Nick Cage movie! You go Steve!

We boarded the buses again and headed back to the university to eat pizza and watch the private DVD of the set-up and break-down of the stage...but a number of us, me included, just couldn't hold out that late. It was already like 10 pm and we watched the post-game (thankfully only Patrick worked on that stage set-up!) for a while in the gym, ate our pizza and walked out to our cars. Again a little anti-climactic for us after such an intense project! 

To my fellow cart mates and new friends I have to say that this was one memorable experience! I am sure that we will have a Cart PHR 4 get together one of these days....now, who wants to go on a road trip to Dallas to work on Super Bowl 45 next year, I heard that The Eagles are playing...any takers? Ha, ha.....

During THE WHO half time show at Super Bowl 44 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL

Taken from the 20 yard line on the field

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 7: THE WHO REHEARSAL IN STADIUM

YES! THIS IS IT, (sorry I am shouting but this is friggin' exciting!) I get to set up the stage and watch The Who perform from a relatively close distance inside Sun Life stadium.

Let me document this evening's rehearsal experience from the beginning...I'll try not to bore anyone, but really want to make sure you guys are living through this with me:

In the beginning...(sorry, wrong way to start)...we were asked on day 6 to try to come last night, big rehearsal day, at 3 pm and had to arrive by 5 pm. I understood that we would see The Who rehearse a few extra times if we arrived early but if you knew my work/home/life schedule you would certainly understand why I got there at 4:30 and didn't make it at 3 pm.

After I parked in my usual spot (so I can find it at the end of the night in that huge Sun Life stadium lot!) I saw a crew mate talking on his cell and after waving and walking past I hear "don't rush down here for rehearsal..." and stop and turn back around. He was on the phone with another crew mate telling him that unless you were there exactly at 3 pm then there is nothing to do but wait until the 5 pm time slot. Bummer...this crew mate of mine arrived at about 3:30 and apparently was not able to get into the stadium to assist. I wish the organizers had made that clearer for all of us that rushed down to help out -- and of course get a little more listening time with The Who!

Anyway another crew mate came at about the same time and we talked for a while since we had to wait anyway to get into the stadium. We checked in at the same white tent, received wristbands and were escorted to the stadium. I totally ignored/bypassed the lunch boxes. I think if I had to eat another horrible soggy sandwich for dinner one more night I would scream...sooooo that meant going hungry (but Steve, our roadie came to my rescue, more on that later).

Funny, but I finally remembered to bring "Jennifer" our cart's mascot: a mule (or donkey or ass..really). I decked her out with our cart number: PHR 4 (not that should not mean anything to anyone but fellow cart mates but the "PH" stands for pyrotechnics and the "R" is for radial -- once you see the show Sunday you will totally understand!) and her name: "Jennifer". If you read my day 1 blog you will remember that a number of us told our first roadie/cart leader that  all our names were Jennifer. Well, we do have 2 Jennifer's so it only seemed appropriate. Our mascot is a little ass, no really, and sits proudly inside the cart. She tips over a lot but we always right her -- our little ass is just as proud as she can be. Postings of photo's will be later and she has some good poses!

We were escorted through the metal detectors and, despite being told to NOT bring our cell phones in since we are not supposed to photograph or record The Who/the show, we all brought ours. I honestly was hoping that I would not have to take Jennifer, our little ass, out of my pocket (yes, I had on cargo pants so my bulging pockets would not be weird looking)...now that would be embarrassing and I don't get embarrassed easily at all. But for some odd reason I would have really been embarrassed by Jennifer the mule/donkey/ass in my pocket. You laugh do you!

All our cell phones made it through - whew! And we were seated in the first few rows on the side of the field. Our stage (I am kind of getting attached to this huge thing) was assembled by the 3 pm volunteers and glowing like a Christmas tree! It was a thing of beauty to behold even in the daylight.

Then after some speaking by our fearless leaders we saw stage hands come out and mock playing/standing where The Who will be. They ran through the songs twice. It was strange and funny to see motley roadies playing air guitar and mock drumming and singing on stage, but this gave the camera crew a great way to fully know when to shot and from what angle. It looked like the stage hands mocking The Who were close in height to each member of the band -- so the cameras, once adjusted could kind of know where they need to be shooting.

After the mock band, Roger, Pete, Pete's brother Simon, Zack Starky- Ringo's son, and a bass player who I am not sure who it was (I'm sure if you looked it up on the internet you can find out who is playing bass guitar at the show) came on stage. The first 2 times they played sounded -- and looked -- mostly pre-recorded and they were lip syncing. I think that was for timing. The stage was glowing (just wait until you see this!) with it's $3 million dollars of LED lights...yes, $3 million just in lights which we all handle time and time again...and the lasers. No fireworks yet though so we really had no idea what we were in for!

We filed out of the stands, which too quite a while since we had to all go down a two person walkway, and went to our cart leaders who then took us to our carts outside the stadium. Really, those hallways are  huge if you have never been underneath a large stadium. We, on cue of course, ran through getting the carts out on the field and into position.

The next rehearsal was even better. Some of the fireworks went off - and just about scared me to death since I am just so close to them, the fog machine fired up and some parts of the stage -- OUR part started to flame. The lights of the stadium were wild and there is a part of the show where attendee cell phones are used, in unison with guides telling you what to do...no more information or I'll have to kill you, but I promise it's better than the old school lighter thing. Then we pulled it all back out...and...waited...and...waited...

The final rehearsal was completely full on as it will be on Sunday and I can assure you that you will not be at all disappointed!

To get to the part about Steve, a great guy and our cart leader, feeding me -- he very nicely offered to go to the food tent which he said was a great spread (but of course us volunteers never seem to get the "spread" but we get a heck of a lot of boxed soggy stuff). He and another fellow cart mate brought us candy - wonderful frozen candy....mmmmm. It was the best. I had a bag of peanut M&M's and that was dinner. Thanks Steve, you are the best!

This will be a show NOT to be missed and I cannot wait to tell you what happens behind the scenes.....to sum rehearsal day 7 -- our last rehearsal:

- A private performance by The Who for us
- A nervous and short Cap talk
- A great time with my crew mates who I really enjoy hanging with
- Great pictures taken by Steve, our roadie who I also enjoy hanging with (he's headed to LA to work on a Nick Cage movie set until July, what a life!)
- A great time in general...there is talk that next year, when the Super Bowl is in Texas, that we'll all take a road trip there and work it again...yes, it's that fun.

Not sure you'll SEE me during the half time show but rest assured I WILL be on the field with everyone watching The Who from about as close as you could be...now the question of the day is do I wear the ear plugs they gave us or not?

Pictures, fun quotes and Jennifer coming at ya...after this great show...catch you then ;)

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 6: Almost There, Tears and Exhaustion

The rehearsal on Wednesday evening was not nearly as strange or horrific as day 5 when the center stage collapsed on 4 people -- thankfully!

The evening started out as always -- no need to bore you with the details of the check-in, box lunch (they has some new choices tonight) and the bleachers. I am sure you all are getting tired of hearing about all that.

We did get another speech from Cap. This time it was not about trains, but about pigs and farming. That seems to be another story line that Cap likes...and the story is always one that tries to motivate all of us. Once unique thing that happened last night was that Cap told us that someone, after the horrific collapse on day 5, went up to him and told him that he seemed insensitive to what had happened. So, in typical Cap fashion, he took his cap off (yes, he wears a baseball cap that says "CAP" on it, go figure) and shed some tears. Yes, this made me -- and my fellow crew mates -- a bit uncomfortable. We are really still not sure that it was genuine. But even so, the thought was there...and life goes on.

Cap wanted us last night to "get back on the bike" and focus. He wants up to move forward of course with our jobs (that he is getting for free of course) and make sure that we are safe and motivated. He of course tossed in there that tonight, rehearsal day 7, will include a number of rehearsal run-throughs with The Who. This will be great. Of course the fact that Pete Townsend was tried for kiddie porn on his computer is still a bit of a downer (and we know that people will be protesting outside the stadium) but even if they are scum in real lift they sure do play great. Plus my memories of High School parties and listening to The Who will come flooding back -- I just love this band's music even if I don't respect them in their regular lives. And Roger Daltry really has a great voice at his advanced age. I hear that Zack Starsky will be on drums (Ringo Star's son) and that's really kind of cool. He is talented and I am a Beatles fan also -- who isn't?

We did our actual set up 3 times last night so I am completely exhausted. Not much down time for us but I did end up taking a break by sitting and laying down under our cart on the equipment shelf. My back has a little kink in it due to standing for 3 hours every night, and the running with the 2,500 lb. cart. Certainly anyone who is not in OK shape would have to quit this job, it's very physically demanding. My shoulders are bruised from hitting the structure when I run and push.

We has some great runs last night and Cap congratulated us all on doing a fine job. I just hope that we can keep up this pace tonight and of course on Sunday. We are all supposed to try to get there early today -- 3 pm if possible to help line up all of the carts with the stage hands. Of course they tempt us all by saying that we'll see The Who rehearse about 4 times if we get there early and if we are there by the latest time, 5 pm, then we'll see them rehearse 2 times.

The best thing about tonight's rehearsal -- besides seeing The Who -- is that we get to see the ENTIRE half time show as you will see it on Sunday. Fireworks, lights, full music set and all. This is a complete, as it will be on Sunday, dress rehearsal!

After these long nights (and long days waking up early for work) I am hoping that I feel that it was all worthwhile. Of course running the stage carts onto the field on Sunday with 75,000 fans in the seats, The Who in the wings and another 90 million watching "our stage" on TV will be the pinnacle of this entire adventure...

Look for the day 7 blog on Friday...should be a great one!

PS - YES! I do plan to try and get Roger, Zack and (maybe) Pete's autographs...I'll let you know :)

Super Bowl Rehearsal Day 5:The Collapse

Day 5 was last night and as I am sure that most of your saw on the news, one of the main sections of the stage completely collapsed. No I am not hurt thankfully, but 4 of my fellow half time show volunteers are -- and that's very sad...this is how this very strange day shaped up....

First I knew it was a bad omen when my daughter sent me a text at 11 am telling me that she's sick and needs to be picked up. Now, normally I would be OK with stopping all that I do and help my children but you have no idea (or maybe you do) of ALL that I am doing right now. I have no time to spare and realized that when I caught myself texting while using the restroom and doing work for clients while at stop lights. Yes, crazy I tell you.

Next I realized that my late afternoon client meeting would require a better outfit than a half time show rehearsal outfit -- which is normally a warm up suit or jeans -- so I had to plan a "car change". This is not something that I have done in like 20 years when I used to go out on a friend's boat after work all summer. Then stupidly I downed a huge diet coke right before hitting the Turnpike to Miami and hit a huge traffic jam which was because a car that had caught on fire -- and I passed the only rest stop from Boca to Sun Life stadium while talking on the phone (of course). Hmmmm, that means car change for sure (I finally had the bright idea of stopping at the rest stop and changing but that came and went...literally) and it also means that I have to use a -- drum roll please -- port-a-potty. Yikes! I haven't used one since I had to at SunFest last year and that was the only other time in about 5 years, thankfully. Oh well, things could get worse -- and they do, just wait.

So after pulling in to our special gate at the stadium I make a beeline for the farthest parking space possible where there is no traffic. Changing in the car was not too big a deal, so glad that I lost all that weight last year though...my clothes actually are loose fitting now. After no line upon check in I promptly headed to the -- drum roll please -- port-a-potty bank that they set up for all of us. I tried to select the one that looked least used, a real trick from the outside, and did just OK. After holding my breath for the entire time and almost passing out, I thought that if they can put people in space, make an artificial heart, invent the Ipad (what a ridiculous name, right?! Must have been a guy to not really get that this is one name to stay away from!), then why the heck can't we develop a better portable toilet system than just a huge hole where you can view all of the "stuff" (you know exactly what I mean here). There has to be someone out there that can work on this...please for goodness sakes!

OK, the washing stations were good so at least I felt somewhat less polluted. I selected another box lunch - roast beef - and sat down again in an open spot on the bleachers. My crew mate Dave saw me and got his box and joined me.

Cap just had to speak, in length, again and it was another train story. I am seeing a theme here and know that he wants us to act like a train that keep pace with each other -- and is really pounding it into our head. The great thing is that my concept of cutting the whale-tails all down in width was done. They were all now eight inches narrower. This will make our docking and sliding up and down so much easier. Cap didn't mention that a volunteer suggested this idea, which I am sure they thought about earlier, but oh well - we both know who had the idea ;) And no this had nothing to do with the collapse of the center stage.

The center stage parts had been loaded up with The Who's equipment. A drum set, speakers, and other tarped items. This is really what, we think, caused the topple of the piece. It was terrible top heavy and the practice field is not that level. We heard that they hit a storm drain, which had been marked with bright orange spray paint, but our roadie said that they didn't. We think that the weight was too much for the little wheels. Yes, I have another suggestion for Cap but am not sure that last night, amid the turmoil (and I am certain headaches for him and his team) it was the appropriate time to tell him my latest idea. I told Steve, our union roadie, and he agreed: Larger wheels. They really need to weld on a larger castor and wheel to handle the load and height. Simple engineering logic here. Those tiny wheels that our whale tails have just don't work for the tall top heavy carts. Our pieces are long and wide with the weight  on a bottom shelf - low center of gravity. Those are tall, top heavy and really need more stability on the bottom. Sounds kind of simple, right? Let's hope they fixed them today.

We were called my cart again and my team was already out in front of the bleachers by the time that Marcus called us -- only he skipped us and we joked that he doesn't like our cart. We quickly walked with Steve to our cart and -- not surprisingly -- stood around. I had my son find a mascot for us which is quite appropriately a mule. But, I forgot it in all of the craziness of the day.

Rehearsal began and we assembled in the practice field. Surprisingly it was not that wet or cold. Just a little muggy and really a nice night...until the horrible accident happened. We had just completed one rehearsal and the radials were out and we were all waiting on the center to make it out of the practice field so we could do yet another run. As we all were watching them move across the practice field a center piece fell completely forward, screams were heard and most of us started running to help the wounded. Very quickly, in like 5 seconds, they pulled the stage up and off of anyone who was hit by a part. We received an update that the 4 injured are home from the hospital and will be fine. Not sure what their injuries were but tonight I should find out more. When this happened my heart stopped, I felt very sick (that may have been the bad, soggy roast beef sandwich) and just prayed that they were not completely crushed under that thing. Tears began but I held back after getting close and seeing that the injured were moving their legs and were not bent at odd angles or bleeding - whew! Many people that were near were just so upset and kind of flipping out. The entire fleet of Sun Life stadium emergency vehicles came in: a couple of ambulances, fire trucks, police, fire rescue, etc. It was a field of flashing lights. By this time they told us via the mic to get into the bleachers and out of the way. They then said a helicopter will be air lifting the four people to the hospital and not to be scared since it is landing right near us. That was quite a sight to see - I just would love to see the inside of that helicopter with it's emergency equipment, etc.  -- as a spectator and NOT someone who needs to ride in the thing to the hospital mind you. Those pilots and helicopter doctors and nurses are hero's I tell you! Paramedics are hero's also. Don't get me going on how much I respect people doing that emergency work - and I think I can't sleep at night! One of my ex-bosses, who I love (Ann!), told me once: "It's OK, you're not saving lives here"...geeze if I really were then I would be a basket case. I get upset if one small thing doesn't work the way that I planned out for my clients, so I can't imagine actually saving lives!

When that huge event passed we were told to return to our carts and to help line them up outside the practice field. Of course they were calling for all people that witnessed it close and many pictures, etc. were being taken. I am sure that this will be a huge liability thing for at least a year. Our roadie said that it was "bad karma" and that he wonders if The Who would want to go up on that stage now - with all of it's bad karma. We'll see how this all works out. We did hear The Who rehearse already so that's a good thing.

The end of the night was sad. We all just kind of moped to our cars and thought that perhaps the next night, tonight, will be a bit happier -- and more successful. A staggering fact is that the largest Super Bowl half time stage to date has been 6,000 square feet -- our stage is 16,000 square feet. Now just imagine that we not only have something almost triple in size but we have 4 times more pieces and just the same amount of time:
5 minutes and 54 seconds to get the entire 16,000 sq. ft. set up and then another 5 minutes and 54 seconds to get it all broken down -- including time it takes to get it in and out of the field.
That's a little mind boggling, don't you agree?

I'm off (again) to Sun Life stadium and really not looking forward to another box lunch. Just tonight and then tomorrow is dress rehearsal with The Who. Ahhhh, yes, this too will all pay off in the end I hope. I also am making great new friends and business contacts. The production company: White Cherry Productions, is huge and multi-faceted, it's all good.

Now we just have to pray that there are no more accidents...look for my day 6 update tomorrow!

Inside the Stadium: Super Bowl- Day 4 Rehearsal

Finally the day has come for us to rehearse INSIDE Sun Life stadium, enough of the cold bumpy field. Plus I think they had enough faith in us -- finally.

Day 4, Friday night, started the same way that day 1 through 3 did.  Although the volunteer crowd seems to be getting thinner. I think many people came to the first couple of rehearsal days and bailed on the rest -- and of course it was a Friday night. Who knows. The way that it is structured is kind of loose. I guess when you get unpaid people to help with an event that is making billions (and costing billions) of dollars you aren't too picky.

At check in on day 4 we were "wristbanded" so we could enter the stadium. Once inside the fenced field where we have been the last 3 rehearsals, we again went to get our "box lunch" and took a seat on the bleachers. One indication that we are really getting closer to game day is that our "box lunch" was different -- and better -- than the past 3 rehearsals. They actually had roast beef sandwiches left by the time I got there, which tonight was actually on time. But instead of just a bag of chips and 1 cookie, these boxes had a two-pack of Oreo cookies, chips, an apple and a fruit cup. Not sure what's up with all of the fruit and the beefed (no pun intended) up boxes but we all just assumed that they want us to work harder this time!

We started much more quickly and had no "old guy stories" from our fearless leader Cap. Whew! We were saved!  Marcus, or one of the other top dogs told us all to walk over to the stadium at about 6:40 or so -- again we were early since the past 3 rehearsals didn't get going until 7 or 7:15.  I almost missed what we were doing since they only had a bullhorn and not a mic and speaker system. I was hanging out drinking more Gatorade and talking to my crew-mate who knows my next door neighbor (in my previous blog I think I mention how small a world it really is!).

We walked over to the stadium and right inside the dock and hallway that we were planning to bring the carts through on game day. Now being on the turf -- and tarp since they had to protect the grass -- inside the stadium was really a trip. Just looking up and seeing the 75,0000+ seats, the lights, screens, etc. was a little overwhelming. We were taken to a lower part of the stands to all sit in seats. Now I know where the mic and speakers were -- inside the stadium ready for us.

Once all of us (there probably was only about 300 max) sat down Cap come on the talk. Again, no old guy story (amazing!) but he did introduce us to the grounds keeper who was 81 and has been the grounds keeper for all 43 Super Bowls, and now 44 -- that's a lot of grass to take care of. Apparently the grass is grown in North Carolina but this year with the cold weather it was shipped down to us much earlier where it froze down here - not good. I am sure that this fellow had many a sleepless night worrying about his beloved grass for the Super Bowl (and Pro Bowl I assume). The area where the tarp did not cover was amazing. The grass was perfect - not a dent or yellow blade in the entire thing. Cap did mention that he has seen him on his hands and knees plucking out dead blades of grass! Now that's perfection!

We had a little talk from him, which I kind of zoned out on: I can't tell you what he said. I was a bit pre-occupied just taking in the stadium with all the set-up people doing "things" and also I was just so focused on this 81 year old's stature. He was about the shortest man I have ever seen -- he really, seriously looked like an aging jockey. Not that I have ever met a jockey in person. When I say he was short I mean he was really short, probably 4'8" or something. Well, I knew I should have paid more attention since it was kind of cool meeting and hearing from this legend -- even though he is a grounds keeper.

Once Cap told us a few things about logistic (again I'll have to kill you if I tell you details) he said that they shuffled us in to "gawk" at the stadium before we were guiding our carts. Being distracted while being responsible for 2,000 pounds of very expensive equipment -- not to mention the safely issues -- is not good. We gawked and talked and touched the grass -- it was all good. Again, not that I remember anything of what was told to us by the organizers.

We then went to our cart leader on the field and walked with them back through the tunnel and out the loading doors to our cart. We are kind of bonding with our cart at this point and we all seemed happy to see it. The young guy that was supposed to bring the lobster mascot didn't come through so we are mascot-less. I also was thinking of bringing down something my son has in his multitude of "little guy" things but he and I forgot to select something when I ran out the door (always running late and worried about traffic).

Once we found our cart we discussed any more changes they had made during the day. We ended up seeing more tape, more equipment and some more handles thankfully. No joking when I say that these things are really sharp, cold, bulky and just plain dangerous. Of course we signed our life away on the 5-page waiver form we had to complete at the beginning.

We also found out (the previous night) that we all get a long sleeved t-shirt, that is unique to our group, to wear onto the field on game day. This is kind of cool since we are all hoping -- and talking about -- these shirts will really be a great way to remember our experience.

Once we got to the cart and waited for the cars ahead of us we pushed off and walked -- calmly -- through the tunnel, which has a jog in it, and out past the goal post onto the field. By now we know our spot and can just head off to it quickly. When we get past the goal post they tell us to pick it up and get to our spot as quick as possible. Now running with a 2,000 lb. cart is not small trick. I am positioned near a kind of sharp bar that is shoulder height. And it's really a shoulder knocker. Thankfully a union roadie (not our roadie leader Steve) overheard me talking about my shoulder and he taped off the metal part that is banging into me. Nice, they are really all just plain nice guys (and like one girl).

Another really nice guy is our electrician from Iowa. He is from Cedar Rapids and sorry to anyone who is from/has lived there -- the one time I had to travel there for work was horrible. It was winter, freezing cold and snowy, I had to fly in a tiny plane to get there (bumpy!) and the hotel was really bad (the nicest hotel in town). Not to mention the John Deere dealership next to the hotel being the largest thing in town. Anyway, this electrician is really nice and always takes time to chat about random stuff. Apparently he has 3,000 acres in Cedar Rapids and grows crops - a really nice quiet life. Not that I would like it.

We had a heck of a time with the "whale tail" with our first run through. These things are not good. Not good at all. They are just too wide and it is just too hard to get them to all fit while rushing to get our carts in position. I just had to say something, and of course did to Cap, our fearless leader. Now he's just about the crustiest guy I have ever met -- well, showbiz crusty -- and a little intimidating. Not that I am easily intimidated. He happened to be walking near me so I told him that I had an idea. On day 2 he mocked someone who raised their hand with an idea. He basically said that unless it's earth shattering to not mention it -- that "we have done this for 10 years, blah, blah, blah". OK, now I am also experienced in my occupation, as I am sure you all are in yours (yes, I have been doing marketing work for 25 years) but I would never mock anyone who has an idea. You just never know, someone may look at something so different than you do -- and have a great outside perspective. You may learn something from them: I never discount any ideas, they all lead somewhere and may lead your mind to something great and new. His comment made me lose immediate respect for him I am sorry to say.

When I stopped Cap to tell him my idea he did say, very demeaning, "should I get a pencil and paper?" Geesh, this crusty old guy is really full of himself, really. Then he said "what's your big idea?" -- again mocking me. I just looked him in the eye and said "no, it's just a little idea..." and then I told him what it was. Really, not earth shattering but an idea that must be considered at this point in my mind. OK, maybe working on events for 25+ years has provided me with some insight. Funny, but he seemed to light up some and really like the idea -- again, I thought it was just a little idea. He ended up asking my name (not that he cared about any of us before) and called over someone -- not sure who Steve was but I think it was all good. Cap then said that when we return for rehearsal 5 that "I may get lucky" and my idea will have been put into place. Of course Steve had to explain that there were computer issues to my idea and that they need to figure all of those out. Well, I tried.

The second run through was much better. The whale tails were not on top of each other and we did it much faster. Thankfully we were all excused early again - yeah.

The spot that we go to on the field during the show kind of stinks -- although I do think I am were the band will be entering the stage. No elevator or dropping in from above going on here. They just will be walking out of the field and up the steps -- and may be my set of steps (remember that our cart is against the walkway). I just hope that Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend turn around some so us in the back/side of the stage get to see the show.

Once we did the second run through we had to "blowout" our carts and place the wheels on wood "pads" to protect the field. We didn't end up seeing it lit up as we had hoped, I am sure that they will test it out a number of times before we see it - darn. Our roadie union cart leader said that he was scheduled to work until 3 am this morning - yikes. Although I am sure that he was getting paid by the hour and didn't mind. I like Steve, he's a really great guy.

We left, really kind of in a let-down mode. Not sure why. I think the newness of it all had totally worn off, plus we are getting a little bored and tired. I just can't believe one of my cart mates drives from and back to Tampa (210 miles he said) for each rehearsal. I thought driving 36 miles each way was tough!

Thankfully I have a break and am not due back until Tuesday of next week...let's just hope we remember our mascot, get to see it all lit up and that they have completed my idea so we don't all chop off our fingers on show day. Do you think we'll get that luck?

Super Bowl- Day 3 Rehearsal: Mascot Time

*Sigh* Day 3 started just fine with even less of a line at check in. Plus I was very happy about just picking up my free Pro Bowl tickets, even though I gave them away. Again, I made a beeline to the food area just as the wind started to kick up. Why is it always so cold on that darn field outside of Sun Life stadium?

After getting yet another turkey sandwich, chips, cookie and gatorade I took a seat on the aluminum bleaches to eat -- and wait. I think in my previous blog entry I mentioned that I need to stay far away from the coffee they offer. After a couple of nights of sleeplessness I vowed to not touch a drop. Of course after hearing another person say very loudly that he has not slept in a couple of nights because of the coffee they served I am certain that this is planned by the event producers -- they really want us all to be very active and alert as we work our carts onto the field...and the coffee helps!

I sat where there was actually space for my box "lunch" dinner thing and then one of my crew-mates called  to me from across the isle. I decided to move and sit with him to at least bond some more with a member of my crew. As you can imagine with all of that standing around we are talking about our lives, where we grew up and more -- funny but he is friends with my next door neighbor. Small world we live in.

Once again, Cap had to speak although spared us an "old-guy" story. Sorry to say, even when I get to be his age I will still call those stories "old-guy" stories since they always draw upon some really ancient time that all of us don't know about, understand or is so foreign to how we live now that we just don't get it. I know, I know, you are thinking that I most likely tell "old-gal" stories to my kids...well, my 15-year-old will tell you that I do, but they are not that old really. I don't think stories from the mid-1980's qualifies does it?

For some unknown reason they called us, once again, cart by cart by number. By now you see we all know exactly where our carts are parked so our crew just thought it would have been easier to just tell us to report directly to our cart.  But no, they had to do it more orderly. Finally we saw our number and leader -- Steve -- and followed him out to our cart.

The good thing is that they took most of the daytime to figure out how to better work with the "whale-tail"...that's a great thing since I was certain that one of the four crew-mates were going to come out of Super Bowl with one less finger. Handles and an actual system to follow were instituted so I felt better. Although one crew-mate brought his 15-year-old son and I was a little nervous the whole time for his safety.

The "whale-tail" movement was practiced a number of time while the rest of us just looked on. Again, I can't give you any specifics about what exactly I mean or I'd have to kill you. But trust me, this is no small task. Just wait until you see the half-time show at SB...you'll see exactly what I mean. [And no it's not really a "whale" or a "tail", no worries.]

We ended up practicing going into and out of the mock stadium, goal post, hallway and all about 3 times. We really tried to work on the time allotment. Not sure if I mentioned it but 5 minutes and 52 seconds is all the time we have to get the entire thing set up for The Who to take the stage. Not sure this is going to happen.

Then there's the wheel issue. Yes, we have a very good chance to tearing up the field with these crazy non-turning wheels that really don't like to cooperate. And yes, we are trying to find the best way to get this all done in the 5 minutes and 52 second time limit to get the things in and back out again without ripping up the field.

We ended up having to run our part into and off of the mock field -- yikes this is hard and yikes it is a work-out. They tell us that our piece weights in at about 2,000 lbs. since we have not only lasers but lots of electrical equipment on it -- more *sighs*.

Then there's mascot talk. Our fearless leader, Steve, thinks we need a mascot for our cart. One of my crew-mates said that he has his ex-girlfriend's lobster (stuffed of course) and that we actually could burn it for all he cares...I am really not sure why/where the burn comment came from but that does sound promising. I may also be bringing a mascot of my own to secure to the cart - just for kicks we could have a few (we'd have to really hide them from Cap I think), but our fearless leader would certainly be on board with this plan.

At the end Cap did say we are doing a great job, much better in fact so that was good. Although besides seeing a bloody arm and a couple of banged fingers he said that if he sees anyone texting while pushing then he'll take their cell phone away until the end of the night. I do think he has a point -- no need to stop to read text and get run over. This is not a task without risk.

The Good and The Bad and The Good...and The Bad
We all got excused at 9 pm so that's the good news...but we are at it again tonight so that's the bad news...but the good news is that we are going to actually practice on the field several times tonight...but the bad news is that Cap will have his boss, his bosses boss and his bosses boss watching. And if we look bad then they will ride him, which in turn will make our lives miserable...

Day 4 coming at ya tomorrow. Just keep your fingers crossed that it goes smoothly and that we don't get in too much trouble (for texting, chewing up the field, strapping mascots to our carts and various and sundry other things).

Super Bowl Half-Time Show Rehearsal - Day 2

Well, day 2 of rehearsal was a bit smoother than day 1 although a little less exciting...

I think it was the "newness" of it all that wore off some, and the excitement of being part of something so large. When I got to the Sun Life stadium the lot was really full. Looked like they were having "media day" for the Pro Bowl that happens this weekend. 

I parked a mile away from the practice area and checked in to the white tent once again. No line buddy this time sine the line was kind of short - surprisingly enough. I guess I was actually almost on time, it being 6:10 pm, and most people are late. This time I knew to make a beeline to the food area and pick up my box lunch (not sure why they don't call it dinner, maybe since it is sparse) and take a seat on the cold aluminum bleachers. 

I saw some of my "crew mates" in the bleachers but decided to not try to sit with them (I spend hours and hours with them on our "cart" so meeting some new people was a nice thought). I sat first in a spot that was empty so I didn't have to balance the plastic container on my lap. I ate and just observed the masses. It's just so interesting really just people watching for 20 minutes or so -- something that I never get to do in my hectic life.

After eating I decide to get a cup of coffee (a mistake, you'll see why later) and ran into more of my "crew" on the way. They just walked in so I let them get their food and eat in peace. My last spot was taken so I found a new seat next to some very nice new people. One of them was a newbie, having not been at either the orientation or the day 1 practice -- lucky her!

When Cap got up to speak to us, yes he felt compelled to tell another story, she couldn't believe it. OK, this time it was not about WWII but about the sharecroppers on his Uncle's farm. And a lot of it was really not politically correct but the small nugget of information that applied to what we all were there to do was kind of interesting. It was to not follow the crew in front of you but to see -- and keep your eye -- on where you are docking your piece. Well, after about 15 minutes it seemed to me to be a long, drawn out way to say that.

We were then all called to our piece by remembering our number and our union leader (the paid staffers). Of course Christine was on 2 carts so we got Steve...he seems very nice and was kind of more interesting to talk to...I like him. We had to take our part out and back in again -- twice.  The interesting part is that they constructed a mock goal post and mock tunnel. This is to replicate what obstacles we actually have to get around on game day -- yikes!

As you can guess, one crew took out the goal post -- funny! We all clapped and the thing just went down. The tunnel seemed to hold up better but this is no small trick. Our cart was much heavier this time and I expect tonight to feel even more weight.

OK - one of the best things is that on my side where I stand once we "dock" is where the steps are. That's the great news just thinking that Roger and the rest of The Who may be entering the stage right next to me. The bad news is that ours has no hand railing -- the other side where there are steps does. Bummer. I think that we may just not be that lucky. Oh well.

I did find out that we will be on the team sidelines during the show and really, really close to the stage. Of course just so we can get quickly in there to take it back out of the stadium.

Day 3 is tonight and I have to run. Please check back tomorrow to hear about tonight. Day 4, Friday, will be the most interesting to date I think because we take our parts actually onto the field inside the stadium.

Remember, if you see a big hole in the grass while watching Pro Bowl then just think about the wheels on our cart. We have to make sure they are turned the right way or we gouge a hole in the grass...not good. Although I did say that perhaps our crew and cart will go down in history as the stage piece/cart that make that huge hole on the field at the Super Bowl...now that would count for my 15 minutes of fame, wouldn't it?

:)