"I asked."
It always sounds so simple, yet it never really is. Hardly anyone knows that the process of obtaining a pass is so unnerving - for me, at least. 'I'm not gonna get it...nope...it's not gonna work...I'll get in trouble...' and so on. But you know what? It did work and I did get one. And for the sixth time in the past two months, I was able to be where I liked it best: behind the scenes.
August 20, day 8 of the 2001 X-Games was a scorcher. After walking through the labyrinth entrance to the First Union Center facilities, my blood-red shirt had turned into a deep, almost maroon color, and began sticking to my body. Outside, the sponsors had set up their tents and freely handed promos to the public. I, along with my friends JC and Mark, headed indoors. The decision was made partially because we wanted to eat lunch and cool off. I, of course, had more in mind than just that.
After being sent to the outside office, first floor office, second floor, balcony level, and event floor media relations offices, and after explaining my situation to seven or so people, I found myself pacing the main media room, palms sweating and heart racing. Finally, the EXPN representative I had been waiting for finally came out.
"I can't get one?" I asked, brimming with pessimism.
"You can." She smiled.
Right then, the familiar 'I-wanna-call-everyone-back-home-and-tell-them happiness' took over. We went back up to the balcony level, I signed the contract, and was handed a media packet and photo pass laminate. I then took time to eat and established meeting places with my friends. (Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get passes for them.) Soon, I headed down to the event floor. As always, once I arrived, it hit. Now what?
Well, moto-X guys were practicing and I was right there so I took pictures.
Next, I found myself in the BMX vert area. I saw Kevin Robinson, Mat Hoffman, Dave Mirra, and others. I quickly learned how to ignore the screaming mass of fans behind me and understood why the athletes do the same. Once you acknowledge one, you would have to satisfy the rest of the crowd. Kids as well as parents handed me their books, shirts, and souvenirs so that I could ask the stars for their signature. What was I supposed to do?
Later on, I braved it and went up on the BMX vert. I didn't know if I was allowed up there. Nobody demanded that I get off, so I found Rick (Thorne) and showed him our pictures from Warped Tour. He liked both of them, asked to keep them, and in the process, made me feel like I accomplished something great. I even saw him showing the photos to other athletes and techs.
After BMX practice, I headed over to the skate vert to watch them prepare for Best Trick. On the way, I saw Matt Dove and talked to him about the Warped Tour. I was surprised to see him because he previously told me that he wouldn't be at the X-Games. During our conversation, I found out that he was also from Baltimore and that he was planning to go out there that night. We discussed few of the night spots in the city before we each headed separate directions.
I found an empty seat on the ramp and situated myself. To my surprise, Matt soon came and dropped his bags to my left - he was included in the Best Trick contest. A minute later, someone else dropped his bags on my right side. My personal space was being invaded and I was about to get upset when I decided to look up and see who it was.
Okay, so it was Tony Hawk. Tony Hawk, who had just nodded to me and said, "hey." The pictured goofy look on my face describes how I felt. I made small talk until cameras surrounded us and feeling uncomfortable, I got up to leave. Matt, however, kept talking to both of us and showed us his controversial homemade 'E$PN' shirt. I felt cool right then. Yes, yes I did. Did I ever!?! And that 'I-wanna-call-everyone...' feeling came rushing back.
So that was pretty much the highlight of the day. I went on to watch the Best Trick Competition from the Moto-X floor, and what do you know? Matt and Tony came in 1st and 2nd, respectively.
Here are pictures of the other guys:
-Andy McDonald (Jason Ellis in the background)
-Bucky Lasek (as Bob Burnquist watches)
-Bucky Lasek & Tas Pappas
-one of Matt Dove's many attempts before landing his winning move (as Tony watches)
-Matt Dove losing Bucky's board as Bucky watches (Matt broke his own earlier)
-Tony Hawk during practice
-Tony nailing one of the 900's
As I already know all too well, journalism is fun, but also very tiring. We continued to watch Moto-X Step Up until 8:30 p.m., then headed home. I drove, but couldn't find a reason to complain.