Look who took a field trip!

One of our few readers and good friend D-Nasty took a trip this last weekend to the new Cowboys stadium for a country concert of the great George Straight. It was the first time the stadium was open for an event, and he took an ass load of pics and was nice enough to share them with us and tell us his thoughts on the spaceship.

For the past three years, all we have heard about the new Cowboys Stadium is that it will end up being pretty much the most bad ass place in the world to watch any sort of sporting event. I had a chance last weekend to see if it lived up to its hype, and man oh man, it did. Firstly, the parking situation is not lacking. We had no issues getting into or finding our lot as the parking lots are marked with massive signs starting about a half mile from the stadium on the south side. Getting out was a whole other story- it took just under an hour to get out of the lot. I will admit that the acoustics were lacking but at the end of the day it’s a football stadium not a symphony hall.

We entered the stadium on the west side (end zone) and as soon as we got in the door we were met with a blast of cold air. That’s right, no more sweaty fat guy next to you for the opening games in September. Once the place filled up, the temperature raised but it was still very comfortable with 60,000 people inside. The end zone concourse areas are wide open to the field and you can see the entire stadium without having to walk through a tunnel under the seats. The main concourse level has a Texas Stadium feel to it at the end zones and then you walk into an enclosed area that pretty much runs the length of the field. Jerry definitely knows how to bring on the bling. I kept wandering how long it would take to look like shit after the season started. For a football stadium meant to have a bunch of rowdy fans, it sure felt like walking through the lobby of a high class hotel. The men’s crapper sure did feel like Texas Stadium. I think that’s where Jerry cut back on spending. The field itself is lined with suites so all the Chris Chris’ can say they were there and saw nothing but Flozell’s ass on the sideline because there is no possible way to see anything on the field during a game from that perspective. They are below the field level like a baseball dugout. I think the most kick ass seats in the whole place would be the high backed end zone seats.

Our seats were in section 333. That level is sort of like the equivalent of the Platinum Club at the American Airlines Center . It’s as if Jerry took elements from the AAC, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and Texas Stadium and split the themes up by level. The main concourse resembled Texas Stadium in that the columns and set up was very similar. The 300 level, where we were, seems as if it was designed to be like the AAC. The concourse was more of a hallway with entries to suites on the inside and bathrooms on the outside and a bar/concession area on each side. There was a main bar situated in an open area and flanked by two concession stands. There is plenty of room to move around even when it is full of people. Of course the décor and amenities are on a higher end versus the main concourse and upper levels.

The upper level was more like the upper level at the Ballpark. Getting off the escalator felt like I was going to my cheap seats to see a Rangers game. The whole concourse is littered with concession stands and not much else. It happened to be the best place to get food (I’ll touch on the momentarily). I took a peak at what the field looked like from the upper levels, and believe me you want to be in the 300’s or lower. Otherwise you are paying to be at a live event just to see it on a kick ass HD television.

The most awesomist motherf-in screen in the world. I honestly sat in my seat and just stared in awe for a couple of minutes. You can’t imagine it until you see it in person. It is that bad ass! We all know the specs and the hype behind it, but once you see it, it takes you to a whole new level of happy place in your pants. From the 300 level, it is just above you like sitting in a movie theater (I wouldn’t put it past Jerry to offer exclusive viewings- it would be worth every penny). Some of the pictures I took would make you think I was front row they were so crisp- taken directly from the screen. Putting it in perspective, when you look at it versus the other side of the stadium, it pretty much blocks over half of the other side. You see the lower bowl and that’s about it.

I really only have one complaint and I made sure to let everyone who worked there know that nachos should be served on every level. The level we were on only had trendy high end servings like Kobe Hamburgers and buffalo quesadillas and I had to make the trek to the 400 level for peanuts, nachos and even beer at one point. They did run out of food and beer for a portion of the show but I am sure that will be taken care of in the future. Overall, yes, it is the most bad ass place to watch a sporting event. It’s typical Jerry going over the top but what should we expect having the most storied and popular franchise.

Man U, and a new guy comes aboard

We here at the big and the brown like to think of all sports, real and not real. We are both fans of soccer or "football," but we really only follow it when it gets really good. With that in mind I would like to introduce you to a man that follows his Manchester United english soccer team on a daily basis. We have asked him to write a few things about his team and soccer in general, but since he is british, and talks with a HEAVY british accent, and thinks like a damn brit, this is what we got. I would like to indroduce to you all, Sir Arthur Chillumsworth Esq. All questions can be sent to our email, if you want to ask Art any questions. (try and read with a british accent, makes it more enjoyable)(but not shorter)

I witnessed a most thrilling football contest this afternoon 'twixt the Glorious Manchester United Football Club and those damnable italians from Roma. We'd bested them at home in front of God and their mothers and yet they wanted another go. During the first minutes United players streamed down upon the roma goal with righteous intent but the forthcoming point that would give them the lead was not found.

In what must be, the greatest bit of acting since Sir William Shakespeare himself; Roberto Mancini fell to the turf inside the eighteen yard box after a stunning tackle by Wes Brown. With baited breath and sweaty palms I awaited the penalty shot from the villiainous De Rossi. Surely this was the moment that would stun the champions, little goliath would strike the mighty giant down with one swift blow to the upper corner, but lo! The deafening roar of eighty thousand howling englishmen struck de rossi to his core and shook him to his roots. Or perhaps, in some cathartic moment, de rossi chose to punish his flopping teammate, not with a box 'o the ears, but where it stung more, at the penalty spot.

Despite what could only be described as a flubbed penalty the great Manchester United was visibly shaken, with the scoreline nil-nil the crafty italians could still manufacture a goal and put title hopes in jeopardy. The skies continued to darken over Old Trafford and lady luck had left the building, no matter for the mighty united as skill is their principle manner of execution.

After some stern discussion and a few changes from Sir Alex, the teams take to the field with vigor in the second half. The club from Roma well exhibits the italian reputation for swagger without substance as their repeated attacks are cleanly broken down by the United back four. Despite never quite hitting their stride during the remainder of the game the Manchester attack looked as fluid as ever, drawing cheers from their supporters for displays of skill and proper form. Just when the constant drum of the United players against the roma defence seemed to lull the crowd into a complacency, Owen Hargreaves made a streaking run with ball down the right side and picked out Carlos Tevez for a low, slanting header to the opposite post. Doni, the roma keeper had no chance of capturing this divine ball as it was always intended to be a Manchester United victory. Spurred on, the crowd filled the air with the many chants and songs of United's Glory and tributes to their favorite players. Yet, with sterling performances from Jung Si Park, Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand and as always, Ryan Giggs, the late addition of Wayne Rooney and the triumphant return of Gary Neville seemed more obliged to the players than a tactical change. With such an amazing performance an avid follower could hardly ask for more as the victory was attained without the use of the trump card; Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro.

I make no exaggeration to say that the next three weeks will decide the title for Manchester United. Club supporters are reserving a little corner of their hearts for worry concerning this Sunday's match against Arsenal. After being knocked out of the Champions League tournament under a confident Liverpool, who know their way around this tournament I tell you. The stinky frenchmen of Arsenal will be rubbing their grubby hands together cooking up all manner of underhandedness for the Glorious Manchester Football Club. It would be no surprise to this writer to find out that the frenchmen had reverted to their old ways and staked the Manchester end of the pitch with tar pits.

It bears no small mention that should Manchester continue their unbeaten streak in the Premiership and obtain victory in the Champions League, they will accomplish what many players dream of and few teams have actually achieved. It is a great testament to English football and Manchester United as well, but no less credit could go to the manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who holds more league titles than any other manager and many major credits as well. Due in large part to his careful recruitment and nurturing of young players, and the free rotation and depth of his squad, he may yet again stamp his name in the history books as a champion of champions.

-Sir Arthur Chillumsworth Esq.