First Impressions.

(Its one thing to view a brand new facility up close at an Open House when there is nothing going on. Quite another when there is a game to be played, a premiere of what will be a feature, a staple to a new community and to fans who are wont to change. The following are some observations that I noticed this night in Arlington as history was made and an exhibition game was played.)

Flashing back to Valentine's Day 2005, I chuckle now at the wisdom of my doings. In typical male fashion I do little research or alternative choice-making. Doing a drive along the I30 and taking a side road, I go a side road and see an apartment complex with the Ballpark a half mile away. How cool would it be to be able to walk to watch baseball? Little did I realize that football would now afford me that same amenity, courtesy of the voters of North Texas and Laura Miller.

You can't help but notice the noise overhead as the helicopters were flying around observing the traffic and crowds. This could become a bone of contention in time but for now it didn't affect me in the least. I was piqued by how heavy traffic was at 2 pm, 5 hours before game time for an exhibition. After 4 pm you really began to notice the upswell in foot and road traffic.

6pm I saunter over to Cowboys Stadium and buy a party pass. An ingenious idea by Jerry Jones to entice the fans to watch from a distance and be able to say 'I was there!' The idea spawned from watching what the Tampa Buccaneers do for home games. Six tiers of being able to climb stairs and watch the action from an end zone and be taken in by the newest 8th Wonder of the World-The Videoscreen! 60 yards wide on both sides and over 1.2 million pounds...

Back in January 2009 I started to notice just how huge the stadium was when driving home from Irving. As you take the 183 to the 360 it just sits there like a huge spaceship about to devour the earth. Ranger Ballpark a half mile away, you barely notice it. Huge.

I also noticed on the way home how everyone was charging upwards of 60 dollars just to park! Prevalent along Collins Ave. Wow. I'm 4 minutes away on foot...

On a night where almost 76,000 people entered the new Jerry world of NFL Stadiums, they were treated to a spectacular view of seats, more seats, a sea of silver and blue, expensive beer and nachos, the 14 dollar margarita, and players so small that binoculars were made available for the sake of rental.

The Dallas Cowboys looked pretty sharp on the 1st team side in a 30-10 win. What I noticed in the Party Pass side of things was something akin to standing at the AAC in Platinum. There are very few spots along the rail to stand. If you find one, prepare to stand for 3 hours. I'll also recommend that you wear some comfy sneakers. The concrete floors will wear you out otherwise. 

An argument could be made about the worth of the Party Pass ticket. No access outside of the End Zone area. If you're tall enough, you can what's happening down on the field. Otherwise, like Big Brother, that videoboard goes wherever you go and you're drawn in. 

The lines were biggest for the cheese nachos. There were beer vendors every 10-15 feet apart. Something else you'll see alot of-a STRONG police presence. Be sure to behave and mind your p's and q's. 

Despite the announced attendance of 76,000 there was plenty of space and room to move around. An issue from Texas Stadium days. Not an issue in 1971, more of a problem after year 2000. It should be also be noted that the Star was not present on the 50 yard line. That won't be the case on September 20th when the Giants come to town...

The overall feeling was electric and exhilarating. If word of mouth is what sells a new item, concept, locale, or even idea, people will want to come to Cowboys Stadium and be a part of it.  As I took picture after picture I noted that I took over 600 pictures before halftime. In the years to come I'm sure I will take many pictures in that hallowed hall.

The 10-12 times I went to Texas Stadium it cost plenty to park, the walk to the Stadium, and the drive out. Today and for at least the next two years, parking for me is free and the walk to and from the palace is 4 minutes. I could learn to like that. I could also learn to like working close to home. That's next on the agenda...

Parking to leave Arlington? I heard anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half...Not my problem. 

Jerry Jones: You did well. Then again, should I be surprised? A businessman doing what he does best.

Time for bed!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will

P.S. It was also great to run into some local media guys from Fox and NBC...