Yesterday out at the Death Star, they did the Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon. We dispatched intern Taylor Walker to cover the event. If you’ll be so kind as to jump, you’ll find pictures of cheerleaders and what Taylor had to say about that:
Pokes Kick It
Yesterday while attending the 2010 Flowserve Dallas Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon, I learned three things: first, the new Cowboys Stadium is gargantuan; second, people will ask and accept autographs from anyone; and third, the Dallas Cowboys and their fans are always there to lend a helping hand.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the new Cowboys Stadium, trust me when I say that it provides a whole new meaning to the phrase “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Doubt me? Ask a boastful Jerry Jones, who, during his speech yesterday, confirmed that the roof would still close if you set the Statue of Liberty onto the field, which hopefully wouldn’t then be crushed by the impressive (and at this point, metaphorically falling) 600-ton Jumbotron. But it’s not until you’ve circled the stadium twice in 3-inch heels (calling me directionally challenged would be putting it lightly) that its massive size starts to kick in.
After my hearty workout, I finally located the woman with my press pass and headed over to the silent auction. From Dallas Cowboys memorabilia to a pair of custom stirrups, this auction was clearly designed with a Texas native in mind. The guests, clad in everything from their Sunday best to their too-tight Wrangler jeans, were unfortunately chatting more than bidding, so I made my way down to the media room.
One crowded elevator ride later, I found myself in the presence of Ed Shipman, founder of the Happy Hill Farm Academy, legendary Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach, former line coach Jim Myers, and an endless amount of pushy cameramen. Then I met Amy Ozono, an 11-year-old who attends Happy Hill Farm Academy. She asked me if Tony Romo would be arriving soon (she was adamant about getting his autograph), and I realized that several of the kids there were anxiously waiting to meet/get autographs from the players. Little did they know that former greats were standing right beside them. I watched as child after child went up to these men, pleading for autographs, knowing that none of them knew whom they were getting an autograph from. Kids these days!
Once the current Cowboys arrived, chaos ensued. The members of the media clawed their way to the few players that approached the airport-security barrier that separated them. I was literally stepped on and over by a cameraman trying to get to Miles Austin!
Trying to beat the crowd, I made my way to the 50-yard line to snap photos of the players as Brad Sham announced their entrance into the arena. It was here that I may or may not have shouted M-I-Z as fellow Mizzou Tiger Martin Rucker crossed my path.
After everyone took their seats, the speeches (and what I deem the most boring part of the afternoon) began. I heard from several important people (Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips, to name a few) about how great the Cowboys are, how amazing the stadium is, and how important the Happy Hill Farm Academy is. Fortunately, there were a few jokes every once in a while, and the players that won awards kept it short and sweet.
In the end, the event should raise close to $250,000, according to Shipman, which isn’t bad for a lunch date. –Taylor Walker
(Photos by Taylor Walker. From top: ladies with pompoms; Gene and Jerry Jones, who are married to each other; and the luncheon setup as seen from the stands.)
