LAS VEGAS | As an NFL columnist, I have the great privilege of experiencing a 12e Super Bowl on site and if the week goes like my arrival in Las Vegas, then it promises! One day I will be able to tell my future grandchildren that I ended up in the City of Vice with none other than the President of the United States.
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Well, we'll get it straight away, it might be a bit intrusive to say “with” the president. For the simpleton that I once was, who dreamed about football day and night, that's a big deal, 12 Super Bowls, but let's be honest. It didn't get me an invite on Air Force One either!
However, when you arrived at the Las Vegas airport just after noon, there was quite a bit of turmoil.
While waiting for an Uber to drive to the hotel, a security guard told everyone that Joe Biden's plane would be landing shortly and that all traffic around the airport would have to stop for at least 45 minutes.
Upon arrival at the airport, travelers are immersed in the atmosphere of the Super Bowl. Stephane Cadorette
You should know that Mr. President is not in Las Vegas out of love for the Chiefs or the 49ers, but because of the primaries in Nevada on Tuesday. And we never bother with presidential trips.
So I waited among a horde of frustrated people murmuring against their country's leader. Hearing that, you'd think the primaries were off to a bad start…
After about an hour, the ever-growing crowd was finally able to leave the airport one by one. Joe Biden was able to arrive on time for his support rally and I for one was still on time to receive my accreditation. Everyone is happy.
In Super Bowl mode
The Super Bowl LVIII logo can be seen in several places on the Strip. Stephane Cadorette
Don't worry, dear readers, I didn't come to Vegas to talk politics. It's Super Bowl LVIII week and there are quite a few stories to tell about this matchup. I can't promise you I'll be in the same room as Mr. President very often, but the Chiefs and 49ers players, yes.
It's the first time ever that the Super Bowl will be held in Las Vegas and the city is definitely in football mode.
You can quickly see this when taking a walk on the famous strip. In front of the Bellagio and its fountains, the CBS station was busy setting up its huge studio late Sunday, which attracted a lot of curious onlookers.
The CBS station set up its platform in front of the Bellagio fountains. Stephane Cadorette
A little further away, in front of Caesars Palace, is a giant replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which the two teams will fight for on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
A huge replica of the Vince Lombardi trophy stands in front of Caesars Palace. Stephane Cadorette
The Super Bowl LVIII logo is ubiquitous, especially on the numerous pedestrian bridges that cross the iconic Strip.
Some hotels, like the chic Aria, have even changed their décor to suit the taste of the moment with helmets and balloons.
Even the chic Aria Hotel has football-themed décor. Stephane Cadorette
For those with a sweet tooth, there's even a giant football made from over 1,000 pounds of milk and dark chocolate. The 10-foot-long object of my dreams reportedly took over 230 hours to create. The Amarrricans have it in their hands, as the others would say!
There's nothing better than this giant chocolate football for when you're hungry! Stephane Cadorette
In short, the next few days promise to be great and I invite you to follow me.
The only thing is that the mercury temperature will only be around 10 to 12 degrees in Las Vegas this week. It's even colder in the evening. I thought I was running away to the south!
Obviously no one will shed a tear. That's completely true, I'm not complaining. On the other hand, it would be nice to spare a thought for the famous feathered dancers who parade on the Strip. Poor people, that's really not good for your butt.