The WBZ Crew Is Blogging
WBZ is descending on Glendale, Arizona for the Super Bowl. From the WBZ Sports Team, to anchors, reporters, producers, photographers, live truck operators and more. 23 people strong, our team will bring you the behind-the-scenes scoop in this blog.
View: Behind The Scenes Photos
Watch: Bob Lobel's Video Journal
Less Than Perfect
2/4/2008 2:55 PM
Less than perfect.... The shock is wearing off....
What happened? After a very long day waiting for the big game to start, it was just a different feel. The Giants came out and did normal warm ups. The Patriots came out in street clothes, some with their kids just taking it in. Were they ready? Were they prepared? I'm sure they were, because they always are... Was Belichick out-coached? Never.....
The Giants were just better.....
I spent the game in the Patriots end zone. I got to see all of the points the Giants scored as they happened right in front of me. Steve Swan was in the Giants end zone and shot the Moss touchdown right in front of him. The emotions turned like a pancake on a griddle from one extreme of being done to waiting for the finish so we could start the hardy celebration for our dynasty.
Instead a burned flapjack.... At the end of the game I didn't know what to do. After the Plex TD right in front of me, I started to think of whether to get the sad Pats or go after Eli. He showed he is the real deal. I decided to go after Eli and if any Patriots go in my way I would shoot them too. At the end of the game, with 1 second left we all thought the game was over. We all rushed to the field. Oops, we all went back to the sideline except for Bill and Tom. They headed for the locker room. I guess back home there is a lot of talk about how they left the field before the game was over... From being there, I think they have a pretty good excuse. Just imagine being them....... For one second......
After the game we went and stood outside the locker room for about 10 minutes. The Pats announced that there wouldn't be any locker room access so we headed out to the press conference room to get any sound we could. One by one, they came out.... Gave respect to the Giants.... And said they just played better than us.....
Moss would like to still be a Patriot next year.... Bruschi was in shock but not surprised.... All of them were in shock....
What a great trip. I am grateful to have been along for the ride. 18-0 is still a great accomplishment. I'm not sure if I would like to live in the same neighborhood with the 72' dolphins anyway...
The Superbowl is in Tampa next year, so book your rooms early!!!!!
Bummer Loss
And we're back. Just as the game began, our wireless internet connection went dead. So here's a quick recap of what happened during the game:
The stadium continues to fill up… but the fan ratio has evened out. The Patriots supporters must have come out earlier. Now there are plenty of Giants fans in the crowd and it seems like a 50/50 split.
I just spoke with two men from New Orleans who are attending their fifth Super Bowl in a row! Their company sends people every year, and this year they have 92 employees in the stands!
Their favorite Super Bowl city, surprisingly, was Detroit! They stayed across the border in Windsor, Ontario… and said Florida and Houston just couldn't compare.
I wandered down to the field to watch the coin toss and kickoff. Flashbulbs are lighting up all around us. This crowd is pumped! Our photographer, Steve Swan, is on the field shooting the ceremonies… and we're making sure to shoot him!
Security is extremely tight in this place! Guards are constantly scanning our credentials and checking fans' tickets. According to one of the employees, there are 10,000 total law enforcement officers on hand.
It's now the "two minute warning" and the stadium is getting everyone ready for the Halftime Show! Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will put on a good show. Fans are being asked to participate by using flashlights they were given in their seat cushions.
As the second half begins, the crowd is getting rowdy. (It seems all that beer is having an effect!) Giants fans are energized after keeping the Patriots to a 7-3 lead. Patriots fans are confident because we've been here before.
It's beginning to look grim for the Patriots. Brady keeps getting sacked and the usually dominant offense just doesn't seem to have showed up tonight. We've had the ball for most of this quarter, but have no points to show for it.
I've moved close to the field, hoping for a Patriots comeback and the chance to take some victory shots for our season-ending promo. Fans erupt as we score a touchdown! A win is finally within reach!
No words. What couldn't happen… just did.
Giants fans are swarming the field and chanting "Eighteen and One". It's almost too much to take. This feels just as bad - if not worse - as the Red Sox crushing defeat in 2003. (Remember when Grady Little wouldn't take Pedro out of the game and we lost the ALCS?) I'm a bigger baseball fan than football... but I've invested so much in this season... including this amazing week in Arizona... and now I'm left speachless.
-- Sean Barnacoat
It's Over
February 3, 2008 - Super Bowl Sunday
Eighteen-one, 18-one, 18-one. That was what Giants fans were screaming at the end of the game, and all I can say is.... now I know how Colorado felt during the World Series -- absolutely depressed.
Sean and I were enthusiastically snapping shots all day... happy fans, and some incredible fan photos throughout the entire game. And then it all came down to that one dreaded play... The Giants scored, and there was less than a minute left... Oh lord.
I am so upset. Sean and I are sitting in the Newspath trailer that we have been doing work in... and I am at a complete loss for words. What an ending to what was a historical season.
-- Lori Lennon, wbztv.com
Random Observations
February 3, 2008
Right now, I'm blogging from a trash barrel in the stadium. We're using it as a table for the laptop. Here are some observations so far.
Fans are now pouring into the stadium. We arrived at 7:30 this morning, and all was quiet. At about 1:00 local time, the crowds showed up.
Patriots fans far outnumber Giants supporters. I'd say the ratio is easily 70 - 30.
I'm impressed by the number of "real" football fans that appear to be here. The Super Bowl is known for being a "corporate crowd"... but I'm seeing many average looking fans sporting their favorite jerseys.
I just took some great pictures of fans hanging out by the NFL Network set on the field. I met Vicky Warren and Andy Crook from Warwick, Rhode Island. They've brought some nice "19-0" signs to cheer on the Pats. Let hope we can actually put them on TV later tonight!
I also met a couple from right here in Glendale, Arizona... Liz Moore and Bill DeBarba. They're originally from North Andover, MA but have lived here for the past twenty years. They're still HUGE New England sports fans and paid $1,500 per person for tickets on Craigslist! I'm sure it will be well worth the memories!
I just spotted someone who goes to the same gym as I do in Waltham, MA.
Alright... our laptop battery and my camera battery should be recharged. Now it's off to find more fans and take more pictures! Keep checking in... we will update this blog all night long!
- Sean Barnacoat, Promotions Producer.
Patriots Nation
February 3, 2008 - Super Bowl Sunday
Well it's finally here, Super Bowl Sunday, and I am wondering around the stadium with my co-worker Sean.
It feels like we are at Gillette Stadium, because there are TONS of Patriots fans here. Sean thinks it is about an 80/20 ratio… unbelievable.
People are really starting to stream in, and the players are starting to filter out onto the field for warm-ups. We just saw Tedy Bruschi and his kids running on the field… and yes, he did fall back onto the grass and let his kids jump all over him… I am surprised camera crews were not doing the same thing.
We also saw Richard Seymour and his kids. They are so cute, and as they ran toward the Patriots end zone, Patriots fans sitting in the stands cheered them on. It was so cute.
I think everyone is just really anxious for the game to start. There is a lot of electricity in the stadium, and the stands are not even close to being filled up!
Sean and I will be sending updates and pictures throughout the game, so stay tuned!
-- Lori Lennon, wbztv.com
The Super Bowl Is Here!
Right now I write to you from the Patriots end zone right above the tail of the flying Elvis. I am wearing grey shorts, a black fleece, and red vest. Look for me…
We got here bright and early this morning so some of the other crew could go and get ready for our 2 hour special. I wasn't involved in the show so I just went through security and hit the field. It has been very cool to see all that goes into this game.
The field crews are working to make sure the grass looks just right. I'm sure on TV it will look fake, but it isn't. It is one of the best fields I have ever seen.
I am sitting right near the NFL Network set. The OP's guy came over a little while ago and said he has been watching me… He was surprised that I was here so early, and asked if he could get me anything.
How nice is he? Later, he had one of his guys bring me a lunch. It came in a cool freezer bag with the Super Bowl logo on it.
Now as I sit here, I listen to my iPod, and sometimes to the NFL films playing on the big screen. I haven't seen any noteable's yet, but hope to soon. The Giants have some players our here on the field just walking around, and It looks like some players have brought some of their kids out to take in the sights from ground level.
That's all for now. Game time is only a couple of hours away. Its time for you all to get your chips and dip and a comfy chair. I think I will just stay here if that's okay?
Oh, Tedy Bruschi just came out with his kids… Cool stuff I tell you!!!!
Game Day
So this is the morning of the Super Bowl and I sit waiting for the game to start like it's Christmas morning and my parents have told me I can't open my gifts yet till 6:30pm. Not fair!
So we showed up early to the stadium….like 7am early! I know one will ask the question why so early? Well we had a special on WBZ this morning we had to set up for. So we got in early, Matt and I that is, to save our spots on the field. Being the Super Bowl a lot of media are on the field and we wanted the best spot possible. And since we were here early we figured we'd come in and claim our little piece of real estate. So we got our spots and we're ready to do our thing. Now all we need is the clock to somehow speed up just a tad!
Well enjoy the game and GO PATS!
-Steve Swan, WBZ Photographer
Arrival, Concession Costs
We made it in! Our crew arrived at the stadium around 7:30 this morning. It's going to be a long, but incredible day. During the game, I'll be wandering through the stands, talking to people and taking pictures.
Concessions Costs
How much will you shell out for food and drinks at the game? I've been taking notes as I walk the concourse… and here's what I found:
Hamburger: $8
Chicken Strips: $9
Chicken Sandwich: $10
Soda: $4
Domestic Bottled Beer: $10
Margarita: $10
Premium Beer: $15 (Heineken, Corona, etc.)
Transport Issues
February 3, 2008 - Super Bowl Sunday
Today did not start as smooth as all of us WBZers expected. They day started early with a 5 a.m. wakeup call. Then, when we all got downstairs, we found out the bus we ordered broke down and could no longer pick us up and take us to the stadium (30 mins. away).
You see, parking at the stadium is not possible without a permit, so we ordered the bus to pick us up and drop us off and bring us back to the hotel after the game.
When we heard of the bus breakdown news, we tried to order vans to come get us, but because of the Super Bowl, it was impossible to get anyone. So, we jumped in our cars and drove to the stadium, so the people running Gameday would not miss their live shot -- hoping that when we get there, the parking fairy just might be able to help us out. Otherwise, four of us would have to drive back to the hotel, where we would try to find a way back to the stadium.
Fortunately, there was a parking fairy at the stadium. A guy we ran into while dropping off cameras and gear said he could squeeze us into a lot next to the stadium. Yes! So now, we'll have our cars to take us home at the end of the game!
Let's hope this is a sign of more good things to come!
-- Lori Lennon, wbztv.com
The Home Stretch
February 2, 5pm
Only about 24 hours now until kickoff! Our crew is ready. We've been on the road for a full week, and everyone is getting anxious.
This city is hopping. For the first half of the week, it felt like only the media was in town. On Thursday and Friday, however, the fans, celebrities, and socialites poured in. It's amazing how the Super Bowl has transcended sports and turned into a premeir entertainment event.
Old Town Scottsdale seems to be the heart of the party. The bars and clubs are packed. The music is blaring. The streets are lined with limos. While working on Friday night's 11PM story, we met Alice Cooper at a celebrity poker party. He was a great sport and shot a few WBZ promos for me. His message to New Englanders: "Watch WBZ News... because I know where you live!" We also saw Paris Hilton, Doug Flutie, and Dennis Rodman, to name a few.
The workload is a little lighter for most of the crew today. We have fewer newscasts on the weekends, so there's less material to prepare. Everyone will need the rest because we have an early wake-up call tomorrow. We're catching a 6AM bus ride to the stadium! I know it's early, but I'll be wide awake.
-Sean Barnacoat, WBZ Promotions Producer
Poolside Break
February 2, 2008
It's Saturday, and all of us are a little tired, but very excited for Sunday.
Today, our hotel had a BBQ for all the guests poolside… yes, poolside. Don't worry, I'm loading pictures for all of you to check out.
Anyway, it was such a pleasure to take five, and sit by the pool with my fellow WBZers and get a couple of laughs in. I'm telling you, this is the best bunch of people, and I am so happy that I get to work with them. I'm truly spoiled.
Oh, and by the way, I won an hour massage in the BBQ raffle… definitely going to use it when I get home!
-- Lori Lennon, wbztv.com
Taking A Moment To Chill
February 1, 2008
A warm hello from sunny and comfortable Phoenix! I understand that home isn't quite getting the same weather we are here and for that I'm sorry!
Well the crew here is doing their part in covering the Patriots to the max. We had a crew down at the Convention Center shooting the coaches with the Super Bowl trophy and doing some interviews. Our staff is here in our work room at the Patriots hotel that we got for working. Looking across the room and our crack staff is hard at work putting pieces together for the news.
So to my right is our editor Jim Murphy "Murph" slamming together Steve Burton's story for tonight. Sorta in front of me and a little to the left is our Web Producer Lori Lennon "Webbie" hard at work putting stuff together for the web like our stories that were putting together or even these blogs. Sitting up at the raised bar counter near the kitchen is our Executive Producer Jackie Connally who frankly never "EVER" stops working! We got Alice Cook "Cookie" writing her next story in the other room, and the other Sports Photog Matt Colson doing his fair share of editing something he shot earlier. Me, Steve Swan, blogging while I wait for Alice to write our story I shot with her today so I can edit!
Two days till the Super Bowl and I'm ready to get on the field and finally shoot the game.
Done here for now. Till the next time I have a free second. Good Luck with the weather and I'll do my best to enjoy what we've been dealt with here.
Later!
-- Steve Swan, WBZ Photographer
Happiness is..... FULL DISCLOSURE
Howdy from beautiful Scottsdale AZ! The weather is cold and sunny. The morale is still pretty good... And we eat a lot of Subway and pizza.
Must sees on the Web: Lori Lennon is a rock star. She has done this creative slideshow about sighting of Tom Brady. Very creative and cool... You would never believe how much work goes into each of her Web stories. She is working long after we are done, and we are done after very long days lately.
Make sure to watch Bob Lobel's Web blog. That is the truth of the day.... Right now I am writing from our room at the Patriots team hotel. Jim Murphy is editing a story for the special tonight. He is an awesome editor!!!! Alice Cook is logging tape for another story. Jackie Connally, our senior producer, is working on the special for tonight along with logistics for the Super Bowl. Lori Lennon is sitting on the couch going through pictures she has taken around AZ to see what she should add to the Web. Things are always moving and changing both on TV and on the web. Our bosses don't want any repetition.
We hit a snag today finding out that we didn't have parking for the Super Bowl. That is a big problem with 20 people going.... We ended up renting a bus for a pretty penny to get us all there. We leave at 6am Sunday for the 4:30pm Arizona time game.
What else is going on? Oh yeah, Congrats to Karen Anderson for winning tease of the month at WBZ. Who knew sledding down a hill could make a good tease?
Oh and, last night we did a show with the Kraft production people over at a horse farm outside of Scottsdale. It sure was cold! We got to see some very nice looking horses. It was kind of like high society living for horses. Very posh!!!!!
Happy birthday Jackie!!!! Just kidding.....
-- Matt Colson, WBZ photographer
WBZ Popsicles
Thursday night was the Kraft party held at a ranch about half and hour away from the hotel we WBZ-ers are staying at.
Sports producer Jackie Connally, Steve Burton and I took a one car to the party, where our live shot for the evening shows were taking place.
Part of the party was held outside, and let me tell you, it was freezing and none of us were ready for it. We were all shivering, standing in the cold, waiting for the shows to be over so we could get back in the car.
But the highlight of the party was definitely Bob Lobel and this miniature horse "Blacky" with the Patriots logo painted on it. All of us stood along the side of the set laughing as Bob pretended that Blacky ate his Bruins highlights.
Slideshows
