As one might expect, the season opener for the Dallas Cowboys was one of grand spectacle and elaborate preparations. A video showing some of the Cowboy history from the beginning to today opened the official ceremonies for pre-game. “Texas, this is the time of legends,” a booming voice said to the more than 100,000-sized crowd. “It’s a new chapter for America’s team because tonight the Cowboys have come home.”
With the video’s final frame, shown on the world’s largest high-definition television screen measuring 160 feet by 72 feet, attention was directed to center field where the turf was pealed away to display the Cowboy blue and white star and the crowd erupted in cheers and standing ovations. Attendees were clearly thrilled to be a part of the Cowboys’ showing off a new home.
A flag was carried out by military individuals of all branches of the service who seemed proud and excited to be selected to help display Old Glory, which by the time everyone was in place, stretched the entire width of the field.
Former American Idol winner Jordan Sparks led the crowd in the Star Spangled Banner. When she finished the phrase “Oh say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave,” the men and women attending the flag began to move the fabric up and down so it looked like it was waving.
President George W. Bush and wife Laura were ushered onto the field from the western end zone for the ever-common coin toss which assigns the ball’s first carrier in every football game. At his introduction, the crowd began to cheer and applaud. One person yelled out “We love you George” and the phrase was picked up by others who repeated it. Bush tossed the coin and the small group gathered on the blue star immediately looked down to see it’s outcome. The Cowboys won.
Some might have claimed that win to be a good omen for what was to follow, but unfortunately, the Cowboys were upset by the Giants in the inauguration game for their new stadium home.
Nevertheless, a new kind of excitement filled the air as players ran onto the field with fanfare of cheerleaders waving pompoms, loud music and smoke.
Even mother nature cooperated with a beautiful sunset sky to show through the openings at the western end of the stadium.
