Access Blogs
Let The Games Begin!!
We are two hours early for the opening ceremony here in Beijing. Rob Silverstein, our Executive Producer, and I are sweating like two Greco-Roman wrestlers in a sauna.
That said, our shirts are off and faces are painted....I kid.
The "Bird's Nest" is massive in size. The flags of the 205 countries participating in the Beijing games hang breezelessly limp but proud.
The idea that some 160,000 some odd people will in some capacity fill this stadium at the peak is almost unthinkable.
Two young Chinese girls came running up to me and said the darndest thing, "Are you from Access Hollywood?" They are half-Chinese and from Boston. The world has traveled far. The Chinese sit braced for a review of their colossal effort. Will there be subtle activism as the athletes enter...you'll know before I will as the NBC broadcast will capture it.
Speaking of NBC, "Ebersol's Army" as I call this almost 3,000-person team of NBC employees under the leadership of NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol, has done an amazing job. Chairman Dick, in his iconic status, is like Chairman Mao, and these games will no doubt be a big part of his legacy.
It’s an honor to be part of this.
When the USA enters the stadium, Lopez Lomong carrying the Flag, tears will fill my eyes as I feel how great we are. It's an exciting time. My only regret is that my sweet wife Sydney couldn't be here to take it all in with me.
A report to come when all is done.
BB
The Opening Ceremony was incredible! I don't think it was the most impressive torch lighting I have ever seen, but overall China did a great job!