Yes, yes. Game 2 is tonight. Most of us right now are not thinking about the way that football go, especially considering that the Cowboys’ season ended Monday night with the snap of Romo’s clavicle and the loss to that other Giants team. But the Super Bowl is nigh upon us. We’ve got just 100 days to go. And to remind everyone, they held a luncheon today out at the Death Star. A report from intern Valeria Turturro follows after the jump.
Did You Like Those Three Super Bowls?
It’s official. You can start your 100-day paper chain countdown to Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. In the midst of World Series fever, the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee and the North Texas Commission put on a luncheon today to launch the countdown to when North Texas hosts the Super Bowl on February 6, 2011 (5:20 p.m. “Dallas time,” to be exact).
Curt Menefee of Fox NFL Sunday welcomed guests to the luncheon and played host to a slew of VIP speakers. Governor Rick Perry spoke about the economic impact hosting the super bowl will have on Texas, saying that “economic impact and economic development is what we do here” and that “athletic events are one of the great drivers of the economy.” Although with his American flag embellished boots peeking out from underneath his slacks, it was hard to really pay attention to much of what he said.
While eating caprese salad, roasted chicken with sweet potatoes, and wild rice, attendees watched a video commemorating Lamar Hunt. Known for more than a few sports biggies, like helping to found the AFL and MLS, he’s also who coined the name Super Bowl supposedly from the inspirational super ball toy that was popular in the ‘60s.
Taking a break from eating, many people got in line to pick up an autographed commemorative poster by artist Charles Fazzino. Fazzino designed a brightly colored Super Bowl XLV 3D pop artwork of Cowboys Stadium with fireworks and blimps overhead and a squished together Fort Worth/Dallas/Arlington skyline in the background.
Last but not least (and probably what most people were waiting for), Menefee led a discussion with football greats Troy Aikman, Daryl Johnston, Drew Pearson, Emmitt Smith, and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. They reminisced on favorite football and Super Bowl memories, but most importantly, they were asked to make their predictions for the outcome of the World Series. As Aikman passed out red Rangers caps to each man on stage, Menefee said, “I think the answer’s clear.” Go Rangers. –Valeria Turturro
