The ACC is very impressive even from the outside with the big video screen changing constantly. AA paid $195M in 2001 for naming rights for 20 years.
We're here -- now where is Don, our guide?
Here's Don -- this is his third tour but he had all the answers. (Plus he had his little notebook with him ...)
There are eight rotundas in the AAC and the floors depict events that are held there. This one was a hockey player.
Smile, Gary!
Iree and Randy Stratford seemed to be enjoying the tour.
Lots of questions (young Canadian gentleman in third row just joined us for the tour.) They are replacing all the seats as they had lots of use since 2001 when the arena opened.
Iree and Roberta Hill had big grins!
They are installing a new basketball floor for the Mavericks. The ice for the Stars' games will be poured in October.
Painting the floor markings went fast.
The floor is comprised of 4x8' panels which interlock. It can be disassembled in less than 90 minutes.
The area around the court is for extra chairs -- about $60K for a season ticket ...
Can you jump high? Our guide explains that every "basketball" that is pressed emits sounds of clapping -- the higher the jump, the louder the clapping.
Dirk Nowitzki can jump 138" (of course he's 7'2" in height, too, which helps.)
Wishful thinking, Ronnie!
Stretch, Jerry!
He made it -- that old basketball training came back!
Jack Daniels (against the wall) watches over old room No. 7.
Randy and Selmore Haines look short here but "Mr. Jack" is standing on a display -- he was only 5'2" tall.
Each light on the stairs has "No. 7" on its face.
The main two teams that have games at the ACC are the Mavericks and the Stars.
Buffets are available (for $25) at all events in the old No. 7 room.
We wanted to see the practice floor (created just like the one at Mark Cuban's high school) but the Mavs were working out and the area was closed.
This is the elephant tunnel -- everything raised so the elevents' trunks can't reach it.
Star's headquarters.
Ever wonder what happened to the old Dr Pepper clock on Mockingbird? Well, it found a new home here!
Helen found something neat in the Dr Pepper room.
Bet this is in heavy use during the events.
These are models from the first AA planes used to deliver mail.
Various models from the 40s and 50s fly above us -- the one in the middle cost more to make than the first AA mail plane!
The party room can be rented for $5,500/night. It holds 32 people and the price includes tickets, food and beverages.
The view is excellent from the suites. The new HD video system was just installed for $13M. It can be raised or lowered as needed.
No, we didn't have time to stop at the W hotel.
OK, it's lunch time at the House of Blues.
We had to have lunch after all the walking at the AAC arena.
Colorful shoes line the doorway to the gift shop -- whoops, one is missing.
They were ready for us in our own private room.
Lots of pictures on all the walls.
Look at the large, hard-backed menus.
Darrell Giles tried out one of their colorful chairs.
Looks definitely blue.
Famous performers pictures show up on the blue wall.
