Schwartz: Postcard From Indianapolis, Day One
By Peter Schwartz
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Greetings from America's heartland!
After the Patriots arrived on Sunday, the Giants made their way to Indianapolis as both teams continue preparations for Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday.
The Patriots practiced for the first time on Monday and they did so in pads. Some people who are around the Pats all season were a little surprised to hear that, but head coach Bill Belichick said it was done because it was best for their preparation.
New England used the Colts' training facility. Some people with the team have said that it's a little weird but others said it really wasn't a big deal and once they got into the workout, it just felt like an ordinary practice. Having said that, the Pats practice went late, delaying their media session by ½ hour. Not that the Patriots aren't always business like in their approach to things, but you can clearly see that they are "Super" motivated to win this game.
Belichick can say all he wants that there isn't any revenge factor regarding what happened four years ago in Super Bowl XLII, but I think otherwise. The Pats have had some playoff disappointments in recent years and there's that old saying that once you get to the big game, you better win because you never know when you're getting back.
AROUND THE SUPER CITY
It's a much different feeling here in Indianapolis compared to last year in North Texas (Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Arlington). You can sense how important this week is to this community and how this whole area has embraced the opportunity to host a Super Bowl.
All you have to do is look at the J.W. Marriott to know that this city is taking this week seriously.
The Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee held a press conference on Tuesday to discuss what this week means to this community. Colts owner Jim Irsay was at the press conference and, of course, the Peyton Manning situation came up. Irsay said he wouldn't talk about Manning's future until after the Super Bowl, but reaffirmed that he met with his franchise quarterback and that their relationship was fine.
I noticed some neat things in the media center on Monday, like a model of Lucas Oil Stadium made from 30,000 pieces of Lego. The model was conceived in 2006 and was completed in 2009. It also features 1,085 Lego mini-figures!
Once again, radio row is packed with radio stations (including WFAN!) that are broadcasting live all week. The Indianapolis Host Committee came up with a nice touch by place huge banners of Super Bowl program covers up on the wall.
One of the great things about Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl is just how close everything is in this city. All of the main Super Bowl hotels are connected and walking distance from Lucas Oil Stadium. In this picture, you can see the stadium in the distance. Just across the street is Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
I stopped by the NFL Experience, which is being held at the Indiana Convention Center. There are a lot of exhibits and interactive games for kids. Since Super Bowl XLVIII is coming to New York/New Jersey in two years and my gut feeling is that the NFL Experience might take place at the Javits Center, here's a thought…..
Get on line now!
Almost 100,000 people attended the first two days of the NFL Experience here in Indianapolis. It's a great event with a lot of cool things like being photographed as if you were selected at the NFL Draft…
LOL c'mon that's funny isn't it? Me? Drafted by the Jets?
That's all for now. Tuesday is Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Two teams. Two hours of interviews and plenty of ridiculous questions. So check back tomorrow for a recap!
Wish you were cheering the Giants on in Indy? Sound off below...
