Observations from Tampa & Raymond James Stadium

[RGIII]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Lol, I had no clue.. We walked in and I looked to my left and thought, damn, that guy looks like Lorenzo Alexander.. And that guy looks like Brandon Merriweather.. Wait a minute, that's DeAngelo Hall getting off the elevator! It literally was like bam, bam, bam before it clicked that it was the team hotel. There were also 2 weddings going on so the lobby was jammed with people so if I didn't know those players we probably wouldn't have even known they were staying there.

Lots of fanboys in the lobby though getting autographs and pictures. A couple of ladies were lingering about as well. My wife asked 'are those players wives or girlfriends?' I said, 'Uh no babe, those are groupies.' Gave me a chance to peek though, lol.

Me? I would've knowingly had my wedding and reception at the team's hotel. 'Oh honey, Look! The Skins are here too. What a coincidence.' [at the church].

[BDBohnzie]

I was listening on the radio late in the 4th quarter and you could audibly hear the RGIII chants in the stadium.

Sounds like a great experience. Thanks for sharing!

[Dirtbag59]

I gotta ask, what hotel did you stay at? I'm curious to see what kind of accommodations the guys get on the road.

[los panda]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag59

I gotta ask, what hotel did you stay at? I'm curious to see what kind of accommodations the guys get on the road.

most stayed at a holiday inn express, cundiff and a few others slept on the bus

[HailGreen28]

Originally Posted by los panda

most stayed at a holiday inn express, cundiff and a few others slept on the bus

Is this normal for NFL players, even for the "poor" six-figure incomes? Seems like a good night's sleep would be important...

edit: If a joke flew over my head, alright.

[los panda]

Originally Posted by HailGreen28

Is this normal for NFL players, even for the "poor" six-figure incomes? Seems like a good night's sleep would be important...

edit: If a joke flew over my head, alright.

i was going to say i hope you're joking w me because i was joking

[HailGreen28]

Originally Posted by los panda

i was going to say i hope you're joking w me because i was joking

Well, I figured if Carlos Rogers was actually in debt living in Jason Campbell's basement WHILE PLAYING for the Skins, and other eccentricities of player's lifestyles, then sleeping on the bus was possible....



OK shutting up now. lol

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag59

I gotta ask, what hotel did you stay at? I'm curious to see what kind of accommodations the guys get on the road.

It was a Marriott. Very nice hotel (on their higher end) but as someone who travels for a living it wasn't 5 star or anything. Last time I was in Tampa (earlier this year) I stayed at the Intercontinental which was a nicer property but further away from the stadium.

Most pro teams stay at a Westin, Marriott or Hyatt level hotels on the road.

[gangstalicious]

Great story! I was pretty calm for most the game, but I was basically yelling at my screen in the 4th Q! ahaha

[That Guy]

teams pay for travel and lodging. i'm 99.999999% sure of that.

[punch it in]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

The only picture I took was with D. Hall because I've got friend who can't stand him so I texted him the pic. He immediately replied, 'That's the tightest coverage Hall has had all year!'.

That is really funny.
Sounds like an incredible time - especially with the win. Awesome. I would love to see that video maybe you already posted it but I havent made it through this first post yet.
HTTR

[WilbursHomie]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Lol, I had no clue.. We walked in and I looked to my left and thought, damn, that guy looks like Lorenzo Alexander.. And that guy looks like Brandon Merriweather.. Wait a minute, that's DeAngelo Hall getting off the elevator! It literally was like bam, bam, bam before it clicked that it was the team hotel. There were also 2 weddings going on so the lobby was jammed with people so if I didn't know those players we probably wouldn't have even known they were staying there.

Lots of fanboys in the lobby though getting autographs and pictures. A couple of ladies were lingering about as well. My wife asked 'are those players wives or girlfriends?' I said, 'Uh no babe, those are groupies.' Gave me a chance to peek though, lol.

Darn it. I was at the Town Plaza Marriot next door and they weren't there. Looks like I picked the crappy marriot. But in my defense, I was hammered. It was a great weekend though.