What an eye opener that was. Going to the game just expecting to watch a basketball match may have been a little naive on my part. As soon as we got into the LA CBD, I should have realised this was not going to be an "ordinary" sports event. More like watching some form of rock concert with sprinklings of sporting prowess thrown in to remind people why we were actually here . Have never been to an event that has six story high electronic screens showing ads of Coca Cola, Nokia and other multinational companies detailing their products with the sports stars we were about to go and see. Did I mentioned that these screens were mounted on the adjoining buildings of the Staples Center ( Nokia building, ESPN head office, and the Marriott Hotel). If the entry to the Staples Center was one thing then making our way to our seats in the arena was something else. In the darkened arena the digital boards flashing up numerous messages, advertisements and player stats, was at times blinding. How someone could actually concentrate on the game was beyond me. In addition to the non stop barrage of visual effects was the continuous church organ playing little jingles and tunes to keep the audience constantly involved in the game. The camera men were constantly scanning the crowd for celebs and anything else to keep the crowd entertained ... Bill Murray's face pops up on the big screen mounted directly over the basketball court and he gives a reluctant wave, Benji Madden (Good Charlotte) jumps up and down like a lunatic as the camera director throws his mug up on the big screen, kissing couples and people dancing on the spot are also given a couple of seconds of fame.
Hang on weren't we here to watch some basketball? Someone must have forgotten to tell the production manager that. I turned to my colleague to ask him how he was enjoying the game and his mouth was open in awe of what was happening around him. Every now and again the crowd would cheer and the court announcer would declare that someone had scored or fouled or a timeout had been called and you would remember that there was a basketball game going on. It seemed to be playing a supporting role to the light and sound show. It truly was a fun filled and memorable night for two Aussie blokes attending their first sporting event here in the US of A. A must see for any visitor to LA.