The $1,000 seats that Jordan referenced in his speech were VIP tickets in the lower level. My seats were in the front row of the balcony for $150 each, purchased directly from the HOF. Not cheap, but still an awesome experience.
I was able to meet several people during the HOF weekend events including George Gervin, Ernie and Kenny from TNT, Malik Rose, Sam Perkins, Big Baby, Calvin Murphy, Hubie Brown, Doug Collins, and Bobcats owner Robert Johnson.
I took my Robinson jersey to try to get signed. I was within about 10 feet of him a couple of times, but was unfortunately not able to meet him. Security for him, Jordan, and the others in this year's class was really high.
I never saw Jordan, Robinson, or Stockton anywhere outside of the organized events, but Jerry Sloan was at my hotel restaurant and bar at night with his family and in the hotel lobby several times.
There were many others around part or all of the weekend that I could have probably talked to, but didn't because I didn't want to interrupt them while they were with family and friends, including Roy Williams, Mike Fratello, Mark Eaton, Brad Daughtery, Vinny Del Negro, Peter Vescey, Mike Breen, Ahmad Rashad, Travis Best, Howard Eisley, Earl Monroe, Bob Lanier, and Dee Brown.
The other guys I saw up close but couldn't talk to due to security, restricted access, etc. were Duncan, Barkley, Rodman, Pippen, Oakley, Bowen, Finley, R.C., Popovich, Avery, Kerr, Kukoc, Malone, Pat Riley, Ray Allen, Jared Jeffries, and Manute Bol.
All in all, a very cool experience. I agree with what many on here have already said - Robinson's speech was way too short, but he probably did that at the request of the NBA, HOF, etc. Hearing it in person did give me goosebumps though, and is something I'll never forget.
Reply With Quote
