Is there a game going on?

I’ve been involved in covering sports and producing videos for sports for sometime now so I’m well aware of all the technology and marketing techniques that come with going to a sporting event these days. But sometimes I wonder when is enough enough?

This past weekend the Dallas Cowboys held their first exhibition/pre-season game in the house that Jerry built. The 1.2 billion dollar Cowboys Stadium that is a monument to everything that is excessive in sports. From suites that are nicer than most American homes to pizzas that cost 90 dollars to the world’s largest hi-def video display boards.

There are two center hung video boards sixty yards long in addition two end boards for fans to view highlights and every advertisement sold in the history of man. They’re impressive to say the least, but you’d think someone would have been smart enough to hang them higher than a punter can kick the football.

Yep, first game and the Titans punter clips the board. Ray Guy would have dented this thing for fun with every kick if he were still playing. Word is if they decide they have to raise the boards it will cost Jerry two mil. Maybe that’s why he snapped at reporters after the game.

Now I worked with the the Kansas City Royals providing content for their video board, which until now was the largest in the world, so I know a little about these things. Players talk all the time about the fact they find themselves watching the video board and not the game. It’s just sooo BIG! Maybe that’s why the Royals stink....nah it’s the players. The Cowboys board is so large there’s no reason to watch the game from upper deck, the video board gives you a bigger and better view.

But what are we coming to the game for? Is it for the sporting event or is it for the chance to be seen on the big screen at the sporting event. Who’s watching who? Players stare up at the board to watch themselves running down the field or trotting around the bases, fans (and I use that term loosely here) wave to be seen by their friends they’re text messaging. But is anyone paying attention to the game these days?

Hold on. I need to get another ten dollar beer to go with my sushi and then catch up with my friends over at the how fast do you throw booth. By the way, what’s the score?