The New Cowboys Stadium Is Going to Be Big

Matthew Shelley is our office manager. On occasion, he also wields a camera for our Nightlife page. Plus he know jujitsu. So we dispatched him to the big press conference yesterday out at the Cowboys stadium site. After the jump, you’ll find his report (and more photos).

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Big and Rich

I have spent most of my life in Texas, and not a moment has passed that I wasn’t fully aware of the local heartbeat. Texans don’t usually let anyone forget that this is the biggest state in the U.S., although second to Alaska in actual square miles. So when I was asked to attend the first ever North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee Event, I was excited. This would be a chance to get inside the heart of this great state and stake my claim to being involved with the first Super Bowl to grace North Texas.

Pulling into the entrance of the construction site, the stadium seemed almost cosmic in proportions. It’s projected to be the largest football stadium in the U.S., so I didn’t have much trouble finding it. I handed my keys to the valet and joined the horde of suits convening outside the conference tent. Armed with my camera, a pen, and a small notepad, I dove into the crowd to absorb the essence — or was the Stetson cologne? I made my way through the mix of local politicians, city council members, and eager news folk to find myself confronted with the monumental structure. It was all I could do fit the new stadium into a single shot, while trying to fit Jerry Jones in the frame as well. I should have brought the super wide lens. Luckily, before any one noticed my lack of preparation, a voice came over the loudspeaker and called everyone into the tent to begin the celebration.

I found the designated media aisle three rows from the front, and I must admit that my shoulders rose slightly as I looked back at everyone who wasn’t closer to the action than I was. I was sure to get a good shot of the speakers from here. Highlight reels filled my eyes while the sounds of triumphant music played through the speakers. I think I was getting Super Bowl fever, but it could have been the taquito I ate on the way in.

The host committee took their seats and our very own Texas Hall of Famer, Roger Staubach, took the stage. The theme of this event, as with anything in Texas, became immediately apparent: BIG. As Staubach would tell us, the plans to have Super Bowl XLV (which means 45 — thank you, iPhone), are all about putting Texas on the map. I thought Texas took up plenty of space on the map already. Anyhoo, Staubach, along with other committee members, including Mayor Leppert, Mayor Moncrief, Mayor Cluck, and Mr. Dallas Cowboys himself, Jerry Jones, shared their enthusiasm for the idea of continuing the long-held Texas tradition of making Texas Football the biggest cookie in the bakery.

So, how many million-dollar sponsors does it take to bring the Super Bowl to town? As I am sure you have guessed, it takes 15. We already have four, so only 11 more are needed to fill the set. Any takers? Forget that charity or that vacation to Belize. You could even pass on that new house. But how cool it would be to say that we had the biggest Super Bowl in the Biggest Stadium in the U.S.? At least it would be until the next Super Bowl. Much like the rest of the world, every year gets bigger in Texas, so why let the world down by forgetting that we are the biggest dad-gum football-loving state there is (cue the horses, tumbleweed, and smoking revolver — yeehaw).

I don’t mean to be a negative ninny, but I can’t help but question my own being when I hear, “Football is who we are.” I don’t recall anything by Plato or Socrates about helmets, beer, and gambling.

Host Committee President Bill Lively finished the speaking portion of the event by unveiling their new “iconic logo” (forgive my lack of astonishment). Confetti filled the air and hard hats covered our heads as the celebration came to an end. I couldn’t help but wonder why I wasn’t holding any champagne. As I made my to the exit and handed the valet my ticket, I looked back at the majestic stadium and thought to myself, Wow, that’s big. – Matthew Shelley

PHOTOS: (top to bottom) Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway to Jerry Jones: “I got a whole closet full of these City of Dallas logo shirts. You want one?” Mayor Tom Leppert to mayors Moncrief and Cluck: “Pay up, dudes. Told ya my hands were bigger than yours.” Roger Staubach to those assembled: “Back in my day, we didn’t have no fancy big stadiums. We had to play offense up hill, both ways.” Ross Perot Jr. to Jerry Jones: “Kiss me, you fool!”