Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)

When you’re in the press and you have a hectic schedule, you miss too much. Covering the Capital One Bowl game for example, it was into Orlando quick, do the game, then rush back to write the stories.

This year, my publishers wanted me to write of the experience that I had with the Senior Bowl, not through the eyes of a writer—but as a fan.

What I saw and experienced was truly remarkable. It was the most fun I’ve had covering any game so far and was made more enjoyable professionally by the great staff of the Senior Bowl allowing me to take a photographer so I didn’t have to worry about shooting pictures and could concentrate on getting quotes.

The fact that my wife, a trained photographer and graduate of Ringling School of Art with a long background in that was my photographer made it even better.

Arriving a day early, we checked in and got our credentials. The fans were already there in the thousands, and why wouldn’t they be? Everything to do the week prior to the Senior Bowl is free to the public, and with ticket prices starting as low as $10.00, it is the best deal in college football.

This is the best value for a sports-minded family to enjoy; several days of fun in a city that really needs to be explored to be appreciated. With quaint New Orleans-style eateries and sidewalk cafes abounding, it was a great experience just trying the different food choices available.

Another great thing is that everything is family-friendly as well. I can guarantee you  kids from three to late teens will have something to keep their attention, and the moms and dads can find lots of distractions as well.

 

Value –

As stated, the tickets start at $10 and the most expensive tickets are only $24. http://www.seniorbowl.com/tickets.asp

Press-Register Senior Bowl Experience

Meet the players was sponsored by Coca-Cola and gave fans a free chance not only to meet their favorite players face-to-face but have them sign your memorabilia. Each player was given boxes of “Trading Cards” with their name and signature on them.

Young fans were determined to see just how many they could collect.

While all this was going on, there was a virtual carnival atmosphere of things to do, and this was sponsored by the Press Register news. There were Nascar simulators, passing contests for fans, free samples and merchandise from corporations, interactive displays and even NFL cheerleaders to brighten the auditorium.

On game day, there was the “Food For Less Tailgate Party,” where corporations like Zatterain’s were giving away free food and snacks. Vendor after vendor offering something for everyone.

So a family of four could go to the game for $40, eat their way through a few hours of food for free and see the next NFL stars play a great game in a very comfortable and modern stadium.

I almost didn’t leave that area without loosening my belt.

 

Wholesome Values –

A touching venue to let your kids see that some athletes truly can be role models is the Chick-Fil-A FCA Senior Bowl Rally. This Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally had thousands of students show up on a Wednesday after practice to hear athletes give their own personal testimonies of faith and redemption.

This is something you won’t see at most other bowl settings, and it is truly inspirational.

There of course, is no charge to attend this event as well.

Even the coin toss this year was done by a double amputee of the war in Iraq. The Senior Bowl not only recognized his selfless devotion to country but had a group there that builds houses for war veterans who have suffered such injuries.

They recognized a large group of high school students who were joining the Army, and the Army and Marines had fun activities for the people to enjoy.

 

Tailgate Your Tail Off and Win A Prize –

What is college football without tailgating? The parking lots around Ladd-Peebles Stadium is no exception. So if you’re a tailgater with a flair for the extraordinary, you could recognized on field during the game as the winner of  the Baumhower’s Wings Restaurant Tailgate Challenge

And I can testify to the absolute hospitality and generosity of these tailgaters.

 

Meet the Players After the Game –

What is nice for the fans and frustrating for those of us in the press is the Senior Bowl’s policy of opening the field after the game to let you meet and congratulate your favorite player.

While it may make it harder to get a postgame quote, it is heartwarming to see the players and fans interact.

 

A City Worth Spending Some Time In –

I could have spent a week exploring the restaurants on or near Dauphin Street alone. Just behind the host hotel, The Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel on Water Street, was a great place called the Royal Scam where I had to eat twice. The trigger fish was crawfish etouffee and tenderloin appetizer was truly memorable. http://www.royalscammobile.com/

Mobile is city that can stand toe-to-toe with the top culinary cities in America. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.

I ran into Kevin McDermond, the excellent media coordinator for the Senior Bowl after the game at world famous Wintzell’s Oyster House, http://www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com/, he was beat, but he and Steve Hale and the entire staff put in some long hours and pulled off a great show as they always do. It was nice to see Kevin finally relax a little.

Nearby is the USS Alabama Memorial Park. There they have not just the battleship Alabama to tour, but a submarines and a host of war aircraft to view. www.ussalabama.com/

You can also visit Bellingrath Gardens and home, http://www.bellingrath.org/ about 30 minutes out of Mobile. See great flora and fauna and historical sites. They loan the Sr. Bowl their “Bellingrath Belles” for a pregame show.

Fort Morgan is a trip back into history and is one of the better preserved civil war era forts around. Nearby is Fort Gaines. Both these forts held the North from invading Mobile during the Civil War. However, it was used in every war since 1891. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30582-d116440-Reviews-Fort_Morgan_Historic_Site-Gulf_Shores_Alabama.html

Or walk the beaches of Dauphin Island after a nice ferry ride or go to nearby Orange Beach. Let the kids collect shells while you just enjoy the scenery. 

But I have to Offer This Warning to all –

The Senior Bowl can be addictive. The game, the events, the access to the players and the city itself can and will pull you back again. But if this is the only addiction you suffer from, consider yourself lucky.

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