Sweating In The Bird's Nest: Live From Opening Ceremony

Despite Stifling Heat And Humidity, Neirotti Calls Opening Ceremony "Incredible"

The heat and humidity in the Bird's Nest is unbearable. Everyone is sweating like marathon runners. Johnson & Johnson should have put deodorant in our goodie-bags! At least water was provided. Other than the heat, the ceremony is great. The use of light is incredible and the Chinese people are keeping up the energy throughout the long parade of nations. Typically, by halfway through the excitement dies down. But not here! Since I don't know the Chinese alphabet, I keep waiting for the U.S. team.

TWO-HOUR JOURNEY: The journey to the Opening Ceremony began at 3:30 p.m. by boarding the new Line 2 metro. We then transfered to Line 10 and exited to a checkpoint area where we had to show our tickets to move on to a massive security control center. There we spent an hour going through the security line, which included taking a photo and scanning in the ticket. After this enjoyable experience we got back into a metro, dedicated just for ticket holders, finally heading to the Bird's Nest. From here on out it was smooth sailing. The Olympic Green is spectacular. Everywhere you look could be another photo. The Chinese actually had time to plant grass and trees around the venues, compared to Athens. Diverting back to the security process, it was interesting that while going through the security process there was not one person providing instructions in English and just a few saying anything in Chinese. In Sydney and the Salt Lake Games, volunteers were posted on lifeguard stands making announcements and jokes to keep us all humored while waiting in line. Here, it was not until we finally made it to the Green that we heard English-speaking volunteers greeting us and providing directions. They even have some lifeguard stand with, who else, Aussies on the post. Another thing about the security lines -- as I got closer to the actual screening, I saw signs dedicated for people "without" bags. Unfortunately there was no way to read these small signs without super powers. Because of this, the "no bag" lines were filled with people with bags and as slow as the rest.

THE ANTICIPATION BUILDS: Although the Games open tonight, it is still hard to find other non-Chinese Olympic spectators. With a city population of over 15 million, I guess I should not be surprised. Nike seems to have taken over the shopping area near Wangfuijing. Each Nike store is Olympic themed with life-sized mannequins and eye-catching exhibits, creating a major "wow" factor. Word got out that I have Opening Ceremony tickets and the phone has been ringing non-stop trying to get me to sell them. Unfortunately, I am a true Olympic fan and would rather attend my 14th consecutive Opening Ceremony than build my children's college fund. One offer was, "Whatever you want." That did get me to stop and think, but I didn't sell out. Thus far, no sign of people selling tickets on the street or elsewhere. All I have seen are people asking for tickets.

Do you have a question for Lisa? If so, e-mail us at beijinggames@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

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