Written by Erik Slaby
Atlanta, GA – Lights are flashing. Music is pumping through the speakers and the roar of the crowd can be heard. Super Bowl LIII Opening Night was a fun and exciting night for everyone involved. With a 12-foot platform raising the floor of the State Farm Arena, a massive entrance stage and Super Bowl LIII logo, the thousands of fans in attendance were treated to a fairly up-close view of both the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. There was roughly over 2,000 media members on the floor, bumping into each other, trying to find space to work and interview players and coaches from each team.
The atmosphere was intense, with fans cheering for their favorite team, music playing over the loud speakers, all while players were being interviewed. Both teams entered the arena on the entrance stage and when the Rams entered, several of the players entered with a “deer in headlights” look across their faces. Numerous players even remarked in amazement that they had not expected a turnout like this. It took a little while for the Rams players to get comfortable with the atmosphere and the number of media but once they did, it was smooth sailing.
Conversely, the Patriots players seemed to be very at ease during Opening Night, as for several of them, it’s their second or third Super Bowl appearance. While they were comfortable, many of them seemed to be very buttoned-up and rehearsed with their answers at the same time. There were a few players though who were having their first experience at Super Bowl Opening Night and like the Rams players, they were amazed by the turnout and the overall spectacle of the event.
Though players from both teams were excited to be at Opening Night, the consensus from both sides was that they are ready for the game. Players from both sides weren’t very interested in hyping up this game more than it already has been and are firmly ready to do all of their talking on the field, this coming Sunday.
The Rams and Patriots will face off against each other on February 3rd, at 6:30PM EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
