the press box Blog

When I stepped into Reliant Stadium I could hardly recognize the joint.   The transformation team did a great job in turning a football stadium into a basketball arena.

The media seats were awesome!  I have never been so close to the team's bench.  I had to dodge some of Tom Izzo's spit as he chewed out his players.  It was almost uncomfortable being so close, I felt I was eavesdropping on private conversations.

The atmosphere outside was missing the "buzz" of a big event,  but the scene inside made up for that.  Tracy McGrady, Magic Johnson, Sage Rosenfels, Amobi Okoye and Steve Mariuchi  were the celebs I sighted.  How did "Mooch" get better seats than Magic?

Longhorns fans dominated the crowd, but it was cool to see the smattering of Memphis Blue in the ocean of Burnt Orange Friday night.

Aside from some crazy NCAA rules (you had to drink your beverage in the "official cup" of the Tournament)  it was a cool experience.   And that's not even counting Sunday's game.

If you were able to attend the game, let me know your impressions of the action, arena and atmosphere.