As I have always done for every Saints game I've attended since taking over this blog in 2008, I took photos of my Super Bowl XLIV game day experience exactly five years ago. Below are those photos.
Originally, these were broken up into two separate posts that day but I've compiled them into one post today. They are especially different from the normal "View from Section 140" photos because I was given an all-access media pass throughout the stadium. I thought you guys would appreciate looking at these again, or maybe for the first time if you weren't a part of our community five years ago.
Enjoy!
The view as you approach the stadium from the highway.
Lots of airplanes flying overhead.
The private media entrance checkpoint.
The Saints bus arriving. I'm pretty sure that's Loomis riding shotgun.
The team getting off the bus.
Entrance to the club level where the press box is located.
The outdoor press box.
My seat.
And my view.
They feed us!
And give us radios!
Warming up.
Complimentary towel.
The outdoor press box.
Florida A&M marching band.
Display case on the club level.
Saints team introductions.
Colts team introductions.
Carrie Underwood singing the National Anthem.
The opening kickoff.
They give all media members a stat sheet after every quarter. Pretty cool.
Showing fans how to do the choreographed cell phone dance for the half time show.
The free hot dog guy.
Setting up for The Who.
The Who.
Laser light show during The Who's performance.
Fireworks during The Who show.
Shockey making his touchdown grab.
The Saints celebrating on the sidelines.
Post-game celebration.
Post-game celebration.
Post-game celebration.
The view on the big screen.
Your MVP.
Jonathan Goodwin.
Pack it up, boys. Time to go home.
Do I need to tell you who this is?
Behind the scenes.
Laying on the field after the game.
Fancy Lombardi Trophy hologram.
Season...over.
The view from the mid-field podium.
Everyone's positions were marked.
Has it sunk in yet?
View of the empty stadium.
Group shot of the staff.
NFL Network post-game show.
Saints endzone.
Good night everyone. See you next year.