Mavs Jam 2010

In some cases I felt like I was going through a case a of Deja-Vu. The city of Dallas ready to be in the spotlight for a major event. This time the sport being promoted would not be upstaged by an announcement by a football coach that they are retiring a la Bill Parcells. It seemed the local media could only yak on and on about that development instead of giving hockey it's moment. 

The weather was equally cold and dark. This would mark the second time in 24 years that Dallas would get to host an NBA All-Star game. Now weather might be an issue. That of course will happen Sunday night in my backyard in Arlington at 7 pm. Still anticipating some 93,000 fans in the building. I might even get that chance. 

Today courtesy of a friend, I was given a chance to do the mix and mingle amongst 8,000 season ticket holders and corporate mucky mucks at the Dallas Convention Center. My second visit there since the Auto Show in March 2007. I got there early knowing that a crowd would ensue.

Miss Danyell happened to be free and was more than happy to tag along and partake in all the fun and frivolity. To this day I will be forever impressed with the way the NBA markets it's product locally and globally. I hope one day MLB and the NHL get that same clue.

For the families who attend you will have over 1 million square feet to look through for artifacts, merchandise, interactive games, courts galore, and yes an occasional celebrity stop or two. Those who know me are aware I am a photo guy and not an autograph guy. If you decide to play any ball or do any interactive play you will need to sign a waiver of release...

I also learned very quickly that when you have an attractive accomplice alongside you get easier access to do exactly that. If you wish I have taken a string of great pictures taken earlier in the day. Thanks Danyell! You were a rock under the gun. Well done. It was kind of funny to have a Mayor and GM both say, 'No pic without the Queen.' Priceless!

I can also say without a doubt that the city of Dallas did it's darndest in promoting it's product. Fan Jam will be happening through Saturday the 13th before the big game in Arlington on Sunday night.

The Dallas Mavericks under Mark Cuban's watch continue to be about entertaining and giving you their money's worth. This week they and the NBA will not disappoint, I am sure. 

Special thanks to Danyell for being a gracious tag-along and to the city of Dallas for once again not disappointing this free-lance photographer.

All I could keep thinking about in my head was that in the space of four years, North Texas will have hosted an NHL All-Star Game, an NBA All-Star game, and a Super Bowl. All of it in my backyard. That my friends is truly living the dream.

Be safe as the roads gets snowy slushy icy in the next 24 hours or so here locally. Good thoughts to the good people of the Northeast. Two storms in 6 days. Damn!

Over and out in Big D

Mr. Will