Hey gang...
Nate Lundy here with the EA SPORTS team in Phoenix for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. So much going on right now that I don't even know exactly where to begin. Alain "sk88z" Quinto has flown in from Vancouver to be a part of this fantastic event. From the Live Production Team, Rob Thompson, Eric Gray, and I are here to help cover the event. Add to that a great group of the NBA Live 09 development team along with the qualifiers from the NBA Live Challenge events and we've pretty much taken over this hotel!
To give you an idea of what you can expect over the next few days...obviously Rob, Eric and I will be working on some great video footage for you of all the events. "sk88tz" is going to be blogging about what's happening and really giving you the inside story from here in Phoenix, including our Challenge winners who are ready to do battle. Tonight is the EA SPORTS party and charity event. As I write this, Eric is having a knock-down, drag-out fight with the iron and ironing board because his shirt is wrinkled because of the flight from Orlando. We're armed with 3 video cameras, three laptops, and a host of digital cameras to help capture the event and share the best moments with you.
Tomorrow we will get a chance to visit with the NBA Live Development Team along with the Challenge qualifiers. These guys have some great stories to share and you should enjoy the behind-the-curtain look at what is happening. Then, of course, we'll be visiting with Tim Ahmed who designed the Rookie and Sophomore Jerseys that will be worn in the game on Friday night. His experience is really a once-in-a-lifetime thing and we're looking forward to spending some of the day with him.
Rob "mamboking" Thompson & Alain "sk88z" Quinto in Phoenix
Beyond that? Who knows! If there's one thing we learned being at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa two weeks ago it is to expect the unexpected. So, we're keeping an open eye for everything happening and will bring it all to you right here on the Inside EA SPORTS blog along with EA SPORTS World. Another great way to catch us at some of the events as we're running around is to follow me or Alain on Twitter.
I only wish "The Judge" were here to enjoy this. He couldn't make the trip, but I know he would be loving this right now...and probably getting us arrested.
Until our next chance to chat ...
Nate