Go Tampa!!
January 29, 2009
It’s Thursday in Florida-day 3 of our visit to Tampa and Super Bowl 43. So far, my team (Diane, Rob and me) has taken in Media Day with the cast and crew from the Cards and the Steelers, enjoyed a party or two (nice little get-togethers but the BIG ones don’t really start until Friday night), hung out on Radio Row with over 100 other radio stations and spotted a LOT of football stars-past and present. And, in the middle of it all, it’s been quite boring to say the least.
Don’t get me wrong, the best part of my job is always when I have the chance to experience new places and things and then tell you about it. So, from that perspective, it’s been terrific. On the other hand, this is Super Bowl 43. S.U.P.E.R. B.O.W.L. 43!! I fully expected to see a town decked out and waiting for its time in the national spotlight-you know, kind of like Glendale and Scottsdale. Instead, many here haven’t been able to tell me who’s playing in the big game on Sunday and those that can seem to have a ho-hum attitude about it, sort of a “been there done that” attitude.I realize the Valley’s chance to shine has been limited when compared to Tampa and Miami but come on-how about a little razzmatazz-magic?! The football gods seem to smile quite frequently on this part of the country, why not at least smile about it. The airport had zero signage (other than some 81/2 by 11 sheets of paper taped to one of the tram’s windows and they even got that wrong because they cheered for the wrong team (Go Steelers! What?!). The paper and TV stations are just now getting in on the coverage and the streets are anything but festive. Nothing!
But, I’m not complaining. No sir. Not for a minute. I hope Tampa keeps it up just like they are-don’t change a thing folks. You see, the way I look at it, if the universe’s leaders in put-a-price-tag on anything and everything mindset (Read that: NFL.) don’t like what they see this time around in the Sunshine State, Arizona will have a better shot at landing another hosting opportunity-sooner rather than later.
We enjoyed the buzz, the visitors, the energy and the money that came to town as Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs delivered on all promises and of course would love to do it again. So, I’m cheering for two things this year: A Cards win and a Tampa loss!
DARRELL; JUST A LINE TO LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS. MY SON-IN-LAW SGT STEVE BERNETT (ARMY) IS ABOUT TO BE SENT TO APHGANISTAN. HE SERVED IN THE GULF WAR, AND TWO TOURS IN IRAQ. AND STILL HE SAYS IT’S HIS DUTY TO GO, EVEN THOUGH HE LEAVES BEHIND A NINE YEAR OLD SON AND A TWELVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. SO DERRELL, SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM AND ALL THE REST. AND TELL ADAM WE LOVE HIM FOR HIS SERVICE. THANK YOU LARRY ALLEN GLENDALE, AZ.
Hello Mr. Ankarlo,
I’ve been listening for a few months. I just heard again your tease for the super bowl and how you are “here in Tampa Bay”. So are you in a vessel, wading or swimming and isn’t the water of the Bay somewhat cold this time of year?
Cheers and go Cards.
i love the web cam in tampa. I also think the station should continue it when you get home, and maybe expand it to other shows like Mac & Gaydos.
rdinals, well some of us all we can afford is stay home and watch the game, Me and my kids are tailgating at my house, some neighbors and friends are geting together, play horse shoes and barbeque in the front lawn, hoping it turns out into a street tailgate party,,, but we are all for Cardinals. we are all pitchin $10.00 apiece for food and drinks. there will be vehicles available for food and beer runs.. this is at the corner of 34th Ave. and Flynn.
see you and have fun
you rock Ankarlo.
Gonna hang out at the house too. If you’dve had a party I woulda made cheesy potatoes for Diane. Anyway, great job down there in the rain. 72 and sunny here today.