CBS Super Bowl XLIV - Day 11
January 30, 2010
We continue to work on the detailed installation and programming work for each mobile unit. Today, the Denali “HD” and the BSI wireless camera mobile units arrived. Both are new for this year’s Super Bowl. Both are intended to enhance our view of the show. Marty, Frank and Wes are doing all of this critical work.
At South Beach, Gary, Derek, Mike and Rob are busy installing and testing (44) voice, data, 11-CATV and 4-Fiber pulls. All is going well and on-schedule.
For the record books… A tour bus visiting the stadium with NFL and Host Committee personnel representing the Pro Bowl was trying to turn around in the ESPN compound at the stadium. Doing so, it knocked a fence down and hit the single most important production unit belonging to ESPN. Needless to say, those ESPN folks spent Saturday night at the stadium re-running and terminating cables. “The show must go on!”
“People that Matter”
My favorite guy by far at this event is George Toma. He will be 81 on Groundhog’s Day. He told me that with a huge smile on his face. This is George’s 43rd Super Bowl. He is “the” groundskeeper for the NFL. He didn’t tell me that. He is too nice a guy to brag. He reports to the NFL’s Ed Mangan (Field Director). He and Ed found the perfect turf for this year’s Super Bowl in Sandersville, GA (“the first time ever a Super Bowl’s field has been grown in Georgia”) almost 20-months ago. Since then, Ed and George made numerous trips to the Jennings Turf Farm to insure its quality and durability. George challenged me to pull one blade of grass. I could not. “You see, that’s the toughness we need”. I met George 3-years ago right here in this stadium. I expect I will see him again. In the meantime, I am honored to call him my friend.
Stay tuned, the pictures get better!
Press Releases
Super Bowl XLIV Blog
Jan. 20, 2010 - Day 1
Jan. 30, 2010 - Day 11
