Thursday, May 31, 2012

Sights from Wizard World Philly's Preview Night

Well, the first "preview night" in Philly Comic Con history has passed and I've got to say that it was definitely a success.  The convention floor tonight was roomy and yet folks like creator friend Scott Derby were reporting sellouts on their wares.  (Scott sold out of a Doctor Who t-shirt right outta the gate)

I loved the setup of the convention floor and am excited to see how well the layout works for the heavier crowds the rest of the weekend.  It was surprising to find a media guest or two sitting in their booths this evening, but there was Lou Ferrigno. Gotta say, I told him that I loved him on this past season's "Celebrity Apprentice" and that I thought he truly gave 110%.

The evening opening also gave me the opportunity to get something I've been trying to get for a few years now; a Chrissie Zullo commission.  Well, I can finally cross that off my list, as the lovely gal was seated in artist alley next to my mega-talented pal Chris Uminga.  Can't wait to pick up my piece by close of the show's first full day tomorrow!

With that said and though I failed to score a shot of the lovely Miss Zullo, here are other sights that happened to catch my eye on preview night:













Yep, even though the show was open for just four hours there were still costumes to be found!  This zombie was gigantic and even spoke intermittently in a thunderous monster voice. At right are my friends the Arkham Girls, Ivy and Harley who already managed to win online Wizard contests for costuming before the show even started, notching some hot VIP-access prizes.


It never ceases to amaze me that Cory Smith doesn't work full time in the comic book industry.  This guy's work is simply insane and if you've never seen the man's stuff, you owe it to yourself to check him out and become an instant fan. My wife loves his Universal Monsters work and buys a print or two each time she sees him.










Toon Tumblers shocked me with the unveiling of a set of Looney Tunes themed glasses.  As someone who collected the original cartoon sets from the 70's that Pepsi put out, these glasses instantly struck a chord with me.  There are two not pictured (Yosemite Sam, Pepe Le Pew) which I was told should be arriving to the show tomorrow.  They're running a special on these at the con too at $25 for three glasses; great deal!  Oh yeah, the guys at Toon Tumbler worked with new tech on these glasses and I was told that they're "near indestructible" in terms of the paint on the glasses (read: they're dishwasher safe).













ExBoyfriend Clothing  had an instant "win" with their DJ kitty design...how awesome is that?  They had some cool prints and t-shirts, so be on the lookout for them! I'll be popping back into their booth tomorrow for a transit map-like print based off of Alice in Wonderland after running low on funds tonight.

Artist CJ Draden drew a crowd of onlookers as he worked on a Jack Skellington piece in his booth.  CJ does some awe-striking 3D art in addition to his unique painting style and this year he brought a ton of new work with him.  Whether you're watching him work or perusing his interesting collection of prints from Pokemon's Snorlax to Oz's Dorothy and Toto to Edgar Allen Poe, CJ isn't an artist you'll soon forget.



Tell me that artist Chris Uminga doesn't have a kick-ass business card!  I met Chris in Pittsburgh a few years back and have been a fan of his work ever since.  While he and I were chatting about Philly sports and the upcoming slew of summer movies a fellow fan came by to pick up her commission piece.  Once I saw it, I had to get him to pose with it and let me tell you, this photo does nothing to show off the brilliance of the piece when you're in front of it. The buyer was extremely happy and I was totally jealous! lol


As I'd mentioned earlier about the setup of the convention floor, it was pretty different this year as these two photos will attest.  There is an entire room this year for picking up entrance badges that looks to really control the crowds much better in years past.  And where in other years the media guests were sectioned off to one end of the show floor, this year they're right up the center and sprawl slightly outwards.  Here on the right is where many a Trekkie will be spending time in line(s).









Check out these insanely awesome bathrobes that Stylin Online brought with them this year to Philly! This is the first time they've brought the extensive collection with them and I must say that more than one caught my eye.  Standouts were the Italian Stallion (a Philly natural!), a Bruce Lee design also in the iconic black and yellow and the Green Lantern and Joker robes.  Could this be the new hotness in apparel?


Last and certainly not least, I want to give a shout out to Red Falcon, fine purveyors of elaborate, quality costuming.  I was drawn to their booth as though pulled by a magnet when I saw all their Steampunk accessories and found myself wanting another pair of goggles despite my buying a pair just last year!  If dressing up is your thing, you can't help by stop by their section. I'm tellin' you they've got clothes and accessories that will practically outfit you head to toe. (at right: check out the mudflap girl!)











If preview night was any indication, this is going to be a fun-filled weekend at Wizard's Philly Comic Con. Time for me to get some sleep.  See you there tomorrow!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wizard World Philly last minute news & notes



Judging by my facebook and twitter accounts, plenty of people already know that from Thursday night's "preview night" through Sunday of this coming weekend (5/31 - 6/3), Wizard World will be invading Philadelphia with their comic con.  I'll be there the whole time so be sure you check back here and there for updates, as I'll be doing photo-album-styled postings about the goings on; ESPECIALLY once I get back from preview night on Thursday.

What I wanted to take a second to do though, was just toss out various press release blurbs that I've collected lately about the comic con just in case someone may not have known one item or another.  that said, here ya go:

--Via twitter, I discovered that unfortunately for all of us, Jeri Ryan won't be making it to the convention at all this weekend.

--the event will now take up THREE halls of the Philadelphia Convention center. Initially set for two, due to overwhelming demand, they've expanded and I couldn't be happier.  There is nothing worse than a room that equates to human sardines.  It is nice to see a con promoter see that they could use a little more body room...and get it.

  Get Your Comics Graded by CGC @Philadelphia Comic Con!

Ever wonder how much your comics are really worth? Condition can make a difference of thousands of dollars in the value of a book.

Philadelphia Comic Con attendees have a one-stop shop in respected industry leader CGC, which will be grading coming books on site during the event.  Fans can stop by booth 333/335 to submit comic books or magazines for regular turnaround (books dropped off will be evaluated by the end of the show, Sunday, June 3, 2012).


Fans who visit the CGC booth can even have a few books witnessed under the prestigious Signature Series designation. Be sure to stop by their booth for deta ils about this program!


                                            Kids Day is Sunday, June 3rd!

Move over, mom and dad.  Sunday, June 3, is "Kids Day" at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, with activities designed especially for children all day (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Face painting, Superhero-themed panel room programming, an appearance by the Camden Riversharks mascot, the famous Wizard World Kids Passport program, Costume Contest and more are all a part of the fun for the younger ones.

Admission for kids 10 and under is free with a paid adult (two free kids per adult).

Some of the highlights of Kids Day include:
  • Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Passport (all day) - upon arrival, kids should go directly to the Kids Day booth (No. 613) to pick up a Passport, which will guide them to kid-friendly booths, activities, celebrities and artists.  Kids who earn stamps at each stop will win a prize.
  • Walnut Street Theatre - Superhero Improv (11 a.m.) - Working with a "Superhero theme" participants will take on a superhero persona. Kids will use their superhero power to tackle a specific mission given by the teaching artists.  Limited to the first 30 to sign up!
  • Superhero Arts and Crafts (noon) - This is not an ordinary arts & crafts session, this is specifically made for superheroes! Kids can come join the Justice Twins, Wonder Woman and Supergirl to make their very own superhero mask to wear for the Kids Costume contest.
  • Kids Costume Contest (1 p.m.) - Too cute to resist! It's like Halloween in June as kids show off their best costumes and win prizes.
  • Camden Riversharks (all day) - Meet the fun Camden Riversharks mascot, usually seen greeting kids and other fans at the Atlantic League baseball team's games in the shadow of the Ben Franklin bridge, but today roaming the Pennsylvania Convention Center
  • Face painting (all day) - Talented Wizard World face painters have kids as their canvas, with butterflies, kitty whiskers, flowers and more.
  • Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (all day) - Learn a little more about the game and how to get on the field as the EPYS celebrates 40 years of promoting youth soccer in the region.
  • Fun Fan Groups - Meet costumed characters from the N.Y. Jedi, Philadelphia Ghostbusters, 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs.  What a blast!
  • Kid-friendly celebrities (all day) - Well, we like to think every Wizard World celebrity loves kids, but Peter Mayhew and Melissa Joan Hart will be stamping Passports and saying an extra hello.
  • Kid-friendly artists (all day) - Visit super-talented artists Christine Larsen, Sara Richard, Mark Pingitore and Georgia Ball in Artists Alley for a Passport stamp and maybe a commissioned piece!

First Look:  New Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino Comic Book Unveiled

Comic Created By Sorrentino, Superstar Artist Greg Horn, Produced by Wizard World, MPS Entertainment Scheduled For Release At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con In August

NEW YORK, May 30, 2012 – “The Situation” as a superhero is about to become reality.  Just weeks after announcing his latest venture, an “abs-first” foray into the world of comics, pop culture icon and reality television star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is unveiling the cover of his Situation comic book produced by Wizard World and MPS Entertainment and painted by superstar artist Greg Horn.  The first books are due on shelves in time for Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12, at which Sorrentino will make his first appearance in support of the new project.

The first artwork depicts “The Situation” fully charged and ready to go.

“I was confident that an amazing artist like Greg Horn would come up with a great look, but I was still blown away by his painting,” said Sorrentino.  “It has me more excited than ever to see what’s coming next.”

The team of artists and writers collaborating on the effort include Eisner Award winning writer Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origins, Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man), pencil and inks by Talent Caldwell (Superman, X-Men, G.I. Joe), and coloring by Paul Mounts (Avengers, Ultimate X-Men, Wolverine, and Thor).

“This team we’ve assembled is our commitment to put out a comic book of the highest quality that will have a compelling story and amazing art,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO.  “Our creative team is hard at work creating a book that will appeal to a wide new audience, and will also interest long-time comic fans.”

LAST and certainly not least....c'mon and join us. You can even reply on facebook!


GeekNation Celebrates Their (Beta) Launch @ Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

 




Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sights & Delights from last week's Rittenhouse Row Festival

In my previous blog I made mention of the once-a-year Rittenhouse Row festival as something to do during the weekend, with my own personal plans to drop on in and have some fun.  Along with a friend, we hit the party right after it had began and it was a really great time, chock full of incredible eats on a gorgeous Philly day.  If you couldn't make it, be sure to bookmark the Rittenhouse Row site for information on when next year's festival will occur.  that being said, take a gander (with small narration) at what was happening and what I consumed.

I knew in advance that the Oyster House was offering up their signature Lobster Roll at a discounted price from their normal in-restaurant menu and their tent had been my first desired destination.  We arrived only 20 minutes into the festival and upon arrival were informed they'd already sold out of their first batch!  It was only a few minutes wait until more lovely lobster arrived and served to just reinforce that I'd made the right choice in where to stop and eat first.
I think you'll agree simply from these shots, that their Lobster Roll looks incredible!  I assure you, it tasted EVERY BIT as heavenly as it looks.









Captain Morgan made an appearance flanked by some of his "serving wenches" who were all out and about hyping the company's newest rum, "Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum."  Higher in proof and more potent in the flavor department, the new offering has already won over folks who though the Captain was nothing more than a college frat mate.  At their tent, I got to taste it in three separate mini-shots and by far the most memorable one was Black with pineapple juice.  Outstanding!  I've currently got a bottle of Morgan's "Private Stock" in my bar area but will certainly try out a bottle of Black myself one it has run its course.





















Crowds were starting to pick up and I began to believe this festival would attract the tens of thousands expected.  The sun was out and the sky was clear...so naturally my buddy Brandon and I had to stop for a beer (not shown). Hmm....Seuessian blogging? After downing a Peroni outside of Rouge we began again making our way around the food tour. Next stop was a tent for the soon-to-be-opening at 20th and Sansom "Shake Shack."  I've been hearing about this place for ages.  A place that is so popular up in New York that their website has video cameras on it so that you can see how long the line is and debate whether or not you can make it in and out on your lunch break.  Well, I can readily admit that, at least with the offering they had on this day, I'll be in attendance at their cozy-looking eatery the week they open.  There was such flavor to their "Oatmeal Creme Pie" custard. It was so so smooth and rich...and I'm not a custard eater by any means.  I can't wait to see what other flavors and how many their joint will offer.


What would an outdoor festival be without flaming meats?  Whether it was sliders from Village Whiskey or a host of other offerings like Kobe beef hotdogs, our carnivore heart's desire was out in full force.  Between the image here and my talking about the ridiculous burgers of Village Whiskey, Brandon needed to get one before we headed off the beaten path.  I won't show the photo of his unadulterated enjoyment, but I do remember him telling me their slider was one of the best burgers he has ever eaten.  If you're a fan of burgers and have yet to hit Village Whiskey you are seriously missing out.  I'd always recommend the Whiskey King, but for those not as daring, build your own and you'll do just fine there.


For me, the last stop was the tent for Square 1682.  I was of the understanding that there was pork to be had and I certainly wasn't missing out.  Their unbelievably sophisticated sammich was as follows: pork confit, Vietnamese caramel, carrots, daikon radish, cilantro and jalapeno aioli served on a steamed bun. I think I just "OMG'd" again! I could eat this every day for lunch and twice on Sundays and there are two veggies on this that I'd usually NEVER partake of!  The pork confit...that light as air and slightly sweet steamed bun...*sighs*



Can we truly fall in love with food? The easy answer is YES and this festival is one of the main reasons. Philly has so much food to offer up. If you missed Rittenhouse Row's festival try and make some of the others that happen across the city during the summer, you just can't go wrong.  Great times!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Looks like there is a ton of stuff going on this weekend in Philly and I thought that I'd drop a suggestion or few on what I thought were some of the more interesting activities and such.  So with little to no hoopla, here you go:

FRIDAY

If you're in the area of Pub and Kitchen at 4:00 p.m., the excellent gastro-pub will be giving away 400 Churchill sliders in support of Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" burger showdown during their happy hour.  If you've never been to P&K or have and just haven't ordered their signature Churchill burger, then this is  your chance to find out what you've been missing!  I've eaten there a few times and just cannot resist ordering that baby most of the times I've visited the establishment and it certainly has my vote for being one of the top three burgers in this city...and yes, a burger blog entry is coming in the future!

Photo lifted for promo purposes from P&K!

(quick aside:  if you'd like to vote for YOUR Philly favorites, feel free to CLICK HERE and you'll be taken to Philadelphia Magazine's ballot)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Phillies fans unite! This weekend the Boston Red Sox come to town for the beginning of inter-league play.  While our Phillies haven't been burning up the standings (though currently on a 4-game winning streak), the BoSox haven't been much better as BOTH teams currently sit in last place in their respective divisions.

Whether you hit StubHub or buy some last minute standing room only tickets at Citizen's Bank Park or go hang across the street at Xfinity Live, it is sure to be one hell of a party down at the sports complex!

********************

Also running all weekend (and into October, actually) is the world debut exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Franklin Institute.  Calculated to be 2,000 years old, these precious, priceless religious documents are some of the most legendary and mystical documents known to man...and it is genuinely cool that the city gets to display twenty of them; four of which have never been on public display before!  Click RIGHT HERE for more info and ticket information.



SATURDAY

 In Center City from noon-5:00 p.m. you'll find the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. Taking place on Walnut Street from Broad down to 19th and then all around Rittenhouse Square, this giant free party attracts more than 50,000 people to one of my favorite areas of the city.  The festival includes fashion shows, live music, plenty of food (many of the area restaurants participate by setting up shop right in the street and hawking their best bites) and fun really for the whole family.

I've hit this every year from when it was a fun little party that signified the "coming soon" of summer to current times when it has become one grant spectacle of Philly fun and wouldn't miss it for the world.  For a comprehensive breakdown of events check out UWISHUNU, that page is a big time helper.


SATURDAY & SUNDAY

 Located in just about the middle between South Philly and Center City you can hit the 9th Street Italian Market Festival. For anyone who ever wanted to immerse themselves among us crazy Philly Italians, this is one of the major area events in one of THE most famous spots in the city.

Come hungry because food will be in over-abundance!  Don't forget that in addition to awesome Italian eats from places like DiBruno Brothers and Talluto's you can eat the area's "signature" food, the cheesesteak since both Pat's and Geno's are right in eyesight.

There you have it gang! I'm sure there is WAY more to do here in Philly this weekend, but here are some that are especially cool. Be sure to try and get that free Churchill slider at Pub and Kitchen...I'm tellin' ya, you just CAN'T go wrong with kicking off your weekend with one of those.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Stan Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., George Pérez, Greg Capullo Among 250+ Talented Creators Set For 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 31 – June 3 At Pennsylvania Convention Center

World-Class Lineup Also Includes Harvey Tolibao, Phil Foglio, Carlo Pagulayan, Yanick Paquette, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 8, 2012 – Whether it's “The Avengers,” “Superman,” “Spider-Man,” zombies, vampires or just about any character ever, more than 250 talented creators at Artist Alley at 2012 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con have probably drawn them. Fans can meet superstars like Stan Lee, Mike Deodato Jr., George Pérez, Greg Capullo, Harvey Tolibao, Phil Foglio, Carlo Pagulayan, Yanick Paquette, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam, Michael Golden and dozens of others at the event, set for the Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 31 – June 3.

The roster includes internationally-known artists and writers as well as top local talent from the Philadelphia area.

In addition to Lee, co-creator of many of the most memorable comics franchises in history (“Spider-Man”, “X-Men,” “Avengers” and “Fantastic Four” among them), some of the notables attending are Deodato Jr. (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman”), Eisner Award winner Pérez (“Superman,” “Gren Lantern”), Capullo (“Batman,” “Spawn”), Tolibao (“Green Arrow,” “Silver Surfer”), Foglio (“Magic: The Gathering,” “Girl Genius”), Pagulayan (“Hulk,” “Silver Surfer”), Paquette (“Wolverine,” “Weapon X”), Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”), Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”), Golden (“X-Men,” “Daredevil”), Stephen Segovia (“Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates,” “X-Men”), Boris Vallejo (painter), Julie Bell (painter), Ariel Olivetti (“Cable,” “Punisher: War Journal”), Miguel Sepulveda (“Red Lanterns,” “JLA”), Carlo Barberi (“Deadpool,” “The Flash”), Ramon F. Bachs (“Batgirl,” “LoSH”), Nathan Edmondson (“Grifter,” “Who is Jake Ellis?”) and Alex Saviuk (“Spider-Man” newspaper strip, “The Flash”).

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. 

Top celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Thor), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”), Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Body of Proof”), WWE® Superstar CM Punk™ and Bruce Campbell (Army of Darkness, “Burn Notice”) are also scheduled among more than 60 special guests at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con.

For more on the event, including hours, celebrities, creators, vendors, VIP and photo opportunities, programming schedules, evening entertainment, autographs, sponsorship and volunteer information and more, visit http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/home-pa.html.


About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012-13 DATES *****
May 31 - June 3 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the Eagles NFL Draft Party

I was lucky enough to score a couple of tickets to the Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft Party that was held at Lincoln Financial Field on April 26, 2012.  The tickets were initially being passed about via the Eagles website or given away on sports radio station 94 WIP and were free...but I got my pair off eBay for a whopping $4.50 a piece.  At that price I felt that we couldn't go wrong in having a great time at an event my friend and I had never experienced before.

The perks advertised were as follows: live broadcast from 94 WIP, the ability to meet the newest crop of Eagles Cheerleaders and select entrants (the first 1300 in the gate) would be treated to a limited number of autograph tickets to get a signature or two from Eagles players and alumni. A tour of the Eagles locker room and the ability to participate in on-field skills and drills were also part of the evening's festivities. Sounds pretty good so far, right?

My buddy (who we'll call "E!") and I had been waiting excitedly in line for about an hour when the gates opened.  We came directly from work and both of us were dying of thirst, more so after standing around watching Eagle fans who were tailgating ahead of the party drink beer after beer after beer.  We made a deal that as soon as we got in we would grab a drink and then make our way back town to field level to partake in all the festivities that we could before the draft began. One part of the fun was that we'd been in line early enough to each score an autograph ticket so we were excited to see who'd be signing for our allotted time slot (there was an early and a late slot, we had the latter).

We get up to the airport-sized penthouse level which was pretty incredible.  I have never been in "The Linc" for anything other than a concert and I was on the field for that, so touring the stadium was something that had me excited and this first room delivered.  there were many bars open as well as stations for food and non-alcoholic drinks.  E! and I had the type of work days that called for a beer so over to the bar we went.  He took the lead and asked the friendly bartender how this worked for the duration of the exclusive party.  We were told that it was a cash bar, which was still normal on occasion for "exclusive parties" so over to the non-alcoholic side we went...to which we were charged $4.00 for a water and $4.50 for a Gatorade!

So there was our first frown-worthy moment of the night: everything that you could eat or drink must be paid for.  Again, this wasn't stated one way or the other on the Eagles website or the ticket itself, but when one has a ticket to an "exclusive party" at a major league sports stadium, would it be incorrect to perhaps think there'd at least be free water and/or soda?  Perhaps some kind of finger food?  We're not cheap people in the least bit, but E! and I initially passed up food/drink specials elsewhere for the draft due to this party, so finding out that we not only had to pay, but pay jacked up prices? Yeah that sucked big time.

What also sucked was the player selection for the free autograph sessions.  With the exception of corner back Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, I can't even remember the other three options that were being offered. Where was even a third string offensive player? I know that it is just a dream to think running back LeSean McCoy would be there, but you're telling me we couldn't even be deemed with wide receiver Riley Cooper's appearance?  My pal E! and I decided to make a couple of kids days by handing them our autograph tickets, hightailing it out of the VIP level and back down the ramps to field level.  Our time wouldn't be wasted awaiting players whose signatures meant nothing to us.

Everyone who stepped out onto the field needed to fill out a wavier whether you planned on running drills or just wanted to go tour the locker room. This bottle-nosed way too many people into a single room and gave me the feeling of being in a mass evacuation scene in a summer action movie.  It was warm and sardine-like with a touch of "every man for themselves" in terms of crowd mentality. I felt bad for kids who were trapped in this mess because even if their parents were right with them, they were easy targets for being run over or bumped into by overzealous arm-chair quarterback types who were trying with all their might to get on the field to execute the play they've always dreamed about.

We didn't want to run any drills, though it sounded fun.  All E! and I wanted was to check out the locker room, wander about the stadium and then get the hell outta there to get something to eat and drink. We took a short break once we made our way through the people cluster and onto the field, sucking it all in. It was more lively outside and people were enjoying themselves having passes tossed to them via Linc staff members dressed somewhat like referees. We watched a few people and came to the conclusion that all the drills were for children.  The couple of guys passing balls to people on the field were only lobbing them. It wasn't like you were doing a button-hook and awaiting a quick spiral pass...though we did see some over-40 dude attempt to run a serious as hell route only to have the employee miss him because he was just lob-passing.

One thing that I noticed on the way to the Eagles locker room was how conspicuously absent from virtually anywhere were Eagles logos.  People were snapping photo after photo while out on the field and quite frankly, you'd never know where they were because there wasn't a single Eagle logo anywhere in eyesight.  In fact, I have to say that the view from the seats made this look to be one of the most drab and generally boring stadiums I'd ever seen.  The colors (green/grey/black) were just so dark that the stadium literally looked as it if wasn't finished yet, having a look of a structure that hadn't been painted.

The inside of the locker room really blew me away.  It was actually split with the offense on one side of the room and the defense on the other. Now I know it is the off season, but it was so clean in there, so perfect looking that it made me feel like I was in a museum that housed a football exhibit.  It was really cool to see where Michael Vick and the gang huddled up at before they hit the field and for me, this was THE highlight of our time at the stadium. 

I really wanted to have a great time and party while the Eagles had a great draft (and they really did this year), but it just wasn't going to happen.  Truth be told, I should have known better because my inability to love the Eagles as a whole stems from their ownership on down through the rest of their managerial brass.  They're just not a classy organization (as witnessed by the "no autographs" sign that was hung deep in the depths of their own facility, image follows at blog's end) and something as simple as this event shows it.  The Phillies, Flyers and Sixers all are more inviting sports franchises in this city when it comes to the fans. Whether it is a mandate or not, Phillies and Flyers players tend to be all over the place and it isn't odd to hear that someone spotted Ryan Howard at a gas station or Scotty Hartnell at a Center city eatery.  I also attended a similar party-type event this year for the Phillies and while I had to pay for the ticket, there was a limited open bar and tons of food available for free.

The draft party that the Eagles put together was great for families that brought their children.  C'mon, kids don't care about who is signing; all they care is that they got an Eagles autograph.  Kids don't care that the cheerleaders aren't the same standard as the Flyers and Sixers cheerleaders, all they know is that they met one and it is special.  As a bystander, it is infinitely more fun watching children catching passes on the field than it was balding fat men.

For kids, the Eagles draft party was a huge, roaring success. For someone who attends events for all of the city's major sport teams, I'm sorry but all I could do was compare it to the fun events I've already been to...and it just fell completely and utterly flat. E! and I headed over to Xfinity Live to grab a few beers, which cost about $.50 more than my Gatorade, and finished watching the draft on like 100 televisions.






This is my buddy E! pointing out the sign that we were in complete disbelief of.  I've never spotted a sign like this at Citizen's Bank Park or in the Wells Fargo Center and still can't even believe it exists in an area of the Linc that should only contain people working for the facility to begin with. Yikes!