LOS ANELES – What do Eric Cartman of South Park, Comedian Will Farrell, and 19 million tons of rebar have in common? All were at Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday night at the Staples Center. From the perspective of credentialed media this this was an extravaganza for the fans. Kings fans had been waiting since 1993 to see club in the Finals.
Photo by Jack Lima
The NHL as expected, is a well-oiled machine and has everything planned and executed well. Busses for media to interviews at the Devils hotel and the Staples Center for more interviews and the Game all ran smoothly and the bus drivers are incredibly friendly and helpful. The media hotel desk staff were likewise friendly and seemed happy to be part of the NHL event and wore special shirts for the Finals. Who cares about these facts? No one, probably but behind the scenes people, fans and staff are all part of the greater experience.
On arrival to the Staples Center at about 11am after getting my credentials, I walked the Arena, all the way around with the Pro Hockey News publisher, Lou Lafrado. It was my first time in the building and it is really a huge place. There wasn’t much activity inside or outside. We found the media workroom and where our working press seats would be in the auxiliary pressroom. We were set until 3pm when Mark Messier would be in the interview room. So back to the hotel to change and get ready to work.
Back to the Staples Center by 2:30pm. The surrounding streets have been closed off and there are all sorts of media groups and companies setting up their outdoor tents and product distribution. Lemonhead candy was there giving away packs of various flavored Lemonheads – who knew there were other flavors? The NHL outdoor broadcast center is set up and activity is beginning there. Soon Barry Melrose and EJ Hradek will be on air from this location. I wonder around this area and see that fans are respectful of the local radio broadcast in progress and excited to be there. The energy is slowly building.
I go back inside the Staples Center, through the Media and Staff entrance. Right ahead of me is Mark Messier, entering the building to conduct his scheduled interview. As he enters the Arena, a young Kings fan of about 9 runs over and asks if Messier will let him take a picture. Without a second of hesitation and a huge smile, Messier stops with his handlers and poses with this boy as a happy father takes the photo. What a priceless moment on so many levels.
Once in my media seat and I note how the Arena has been transformed. Staples Center staff have placed a commemorative towel on every seat in the building – how long and how many people must it have taken to do this? The fans will love this and use these towels throughout the Game. It’s quiet right now but you just know it won’t be for long. I now hear a familiar voice practicing his opening for Game 3 – it’s Mile Emrick and his broadcast booth is 3 rows down and to the left of my seat. Amazing to see him and hear his warm up.
Fans are slowly entering the Arena, but at 4:30 there are so few seats filled. I realize that the 5pm start for this Game is difficult for working people and families. I didn’t need to worry because at the start of the Pre-game show there are almost no empty seats. The music starts and the laser light show begins, it’s loud and fun. The most interesting part of the show for me is the photo montage of the Kings players as children playing in their hometowns and in their mighty-mite and junior uniforms and helmets. This is a special opening for their first Final home game since 1993. Coming home on so many levels.
Wayne Gretsky is in the house and does the ceremonial puck drop. You saw this on TV, he looked pleased to be there and perhaps a bit hopeful for the night and the Finals in general. You feel like he must be pulling for the Kings.
Photo by Jack Lima
Cartman makes several appearances on the big screen dressed in black Kings gear. The Groening elves have dressed Cartman in Kings black gear and there is a Devil’s character that Cartman demands respect from. Will Farrell has taped a piece for the big screen too and he is funny and adds to the energy of the Arena.
You know how periods 1 and 2 play out. The 3rd period starts and 4 minutes in the 3rd goal is scored, and I have to say I am grateful for the 19 million tons of rebar, the Center is going crazy and it is so loud it is almost surreal. At 8 minutes into the period and the 4th goal is scored, the fans have gone crazy and the chant “we want the Cup” starts slow and resonates through the building. As fans leave the Center there is a chant of “sweep, sweep, sweep.” Who could blame them for this chant, but is it too early?
Will Farrell does a post-game interview with the NHL Network’s Kathryn Tappan, and he predicts Kings in 5.
On to Game 4 on Wednesday night at the Staples Center for the 5pm start.
Contact LM.Davis@prohockeynews.com
Photos by Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com
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