The Swamps of Jersey ~ a Springsteen forum :: Concerts, Songs and Albums :: Super Bowl 2009 Halftime Show

The Swamps of Jersey ~ a Springsteen forum
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Super Bowl 2009 Halftime Show

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Re: Super Bowl 2009 Halftime Show

Now that it's the day after, I can finally get some thoughts together. I knew that being a stage crew volunteer would provide a lifelong memory and, yes, all the practices added up to making that memory even more meaningful.

We got to the stadium, by police escort, just in time to watch the flyover. After being given one last "You can do it" pep talk, we walked over to the stadium. The stage was already underneath and we just had to re-position it in order . I was able to watch a lot of the first half from the tunnel field entrance. Nice standing room spot for free. At the two minute warning, we all reported to our equipment. That play review at the end of the half amped up the anticipation.

Then we got the order to move. I was on video cart one, which was the last in and last out of the stadium. Once we hit the field, I said to my team "Take a look around. You'll never see this again in your life." The Super Bowl! First, it looked like a Steelers home game with all the black and gold. But I was struck with the site that No One had left their seats! They were all ready for the show.

Now we had practiced the stage setup at least 20 times, so you get an idea of how smooth and quick things are running. It seemed like it was taking forever! We were all worried that we were taking too long and that would impact the show. I guess it's true that in adrenaline situations, time seems to slow down, while the mind is in fifth gear. We found out later that the total setup time for all 46 pieces from first piece on the field to show ready was 3 minutes and 45 seconds!

Beth was right about disorder ruling. When we first wheeled on, the stage was surrounded by photographers so I guess everyone felt like they would lose out on good spots. Blessed anarchy ruled. At the first movement, everyone charged. I ended up about 4 deep in front of the Big Man.

The show speaks for itself. I cannot add to what has already been said or what you experienced watching it.

After I got back to our cart, the band was just walking past. Steven strutting, smiling ear to ear.
Bruce and Patti walking together happy as anything.
Roy looked like he was floating, rather than walking.

As we pushed the equipment off, we were the last off the field. I even got some favorable response to my Phillies jersey. We got into the tunnel just as the Big Man was being helped off his part of the stage. He was wheeled off the field on it because he really, really has difficulty walking. Watch for him to be sitting down more that the last tour. We clapped and he smiled and waved.

I guess the thing that struck me was that all of the Band looked so happy and seemed to exude a sense of satisfaction of a job well done.

Sorry for the long post but, man, I just had to tell you what this lifelong memory was like.

Last edited by OrlandoBossFan, 2/Feb/09, 11:09 pm

2/Feb/09, 11:08 pm

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