Last week I was in Arizona to see the Cardinals play the visiting Raiders, where the red birds survived a last second field goal attempt by Oakland to preserve the victory.  This week, the Cardinals flew into San Diego to play the Chargers in a game that had long term significance for both teams. But from the get go, only one team proved to be a serious contender for post season honors.

The Chargers thoroughly dominated the Cardinals, exposing their lack of a strong running game and an NFL caliber quarterback.  For the Chargers, the return of running back Ryan Matthews from injury and the reemergence of a dominating defense offered a glimpse of what this team can be when healthy and playing with fire.

The Chargers scored first on a touchdown pass from Philip Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates.  The Cardinals evened the score on a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown by safety Kerry Rhodes.  But that would prove to be the highlight of the day for the visitors from Arizona as the Chargers would score three consecutive first half touchdowns to essentially put the game out of reach.  The Chargers shocked the Cardinals, 41 – 10.

In another shocking development, I was not hassled for a second consecutive game so I was able to get some electrifying photographs of the Charger Girls, the hottest dance team in the NFL.

As is customary, let’s begin our coverage by acknowledging the Line Captains: Tiffany, Katie, Giselle, and Ashlie. Unlike the game on the field, the competition for this week’s Charger Girl of the Day was a close one with three girls providing me with some outstanding images.  But in the end, one set of images stood out a tad more.  This week’s Charger Girl of the Day is a rookie from San Diego, introducing Hannah.

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I like visiting Arizona.  The drive from Los Angeles is relaxing and not too long.  The people are nice.  The venues and professional sports teams are more fan friendly (e.g. camera policy).  And the cheerleaders are hot.  It makes for a nice overnight trip.

My good friend Max, our Arizona Correspondent, invited me out to catch the Raiders game.  Now, I was out at UOP Stadium in April to cover the 2010 Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders auditions and I was in awe at the facility.  It’s an amazing venue and I wanted to see what it was like when packed with cheering fans, so I quickly accepted Max’s generous offer.

When the Raiders come to town, it’s always a bit of a freak show with all the bizarrely dressed Raiders fans. It makes for a great photo and Max ventured among them to take a few shots of these colorful individuals.  I used to be a Raiders season ticket holder, so it was nothing new for me.  As Max worked the crowd, I went in early to try to avoid heat stroke.  It was very hot and I was not accustomed to such blazing and intense heat. It reminded me of that scene in The Chronicles of Riddick, where Vin Diesel’s character is trying to escape the intense solar storms on the prison planet Crematoria.  Arizona in the summer time is an inferno without the flames.  But they have a cool new stadium that’s a must see.

As I entered the stadium, I was immediately hit with a rush of chilled air.  It was quite refreshing and my senses were overloaded with the sights and sounds of all the fans in attendance.  Visually speaking, UOP Stadium is brilliant.  The outer facade with its metallic silver skin resembles a coiled snake.  And the inside seating areas and inner concourse are well designed for functionality and aesthetics.  It’s a beautiful stadium inside and out.

But when the game started, one design issue became apparent.  The acoustics were terrible.  Perhaps that was due to all the raucous noise the Raiders and Cardinal fans were making as their team’s fortunes ebb and flowed.  It was as loud as I have ever heard at a sporting event.  As for the game, it was surprisingly suspenseful, a back and forth affair right until the very end.  Raider kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed his third field goal of the day to seal the win for the Cardinals, 24 – 23.

And for those people interested, I was able to snap a few photographs of the beautiful Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders.  Like UOP Stadium, the ACC are a must see too.

Let me say that even indoors with air conditioning blasting on full, it seemed a tad warm.  Perhaps it was just me suffering the lingering effects of the heat, but I think it can get quite warm inside, especially with all those rabid Raider and Cardinal fans cheering their team.  I must say that the sight lines in the stadium are great and aside from the hardcore fans standing up all game long, you can get a decent view of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders because there doesn’t seem to be as many people (photographers, sound men, game officials, and NFL types) along the sidelines.  So, I was fortunate to get the type of photographs that I like….clean backgrounds.

So, let’s begin our coverage of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders by introducing my Cheerleader of the Day, Amanda.

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If you have read my previous article, you may remember my odyssey in trying to take some meaningful photographs of my beloved Charger Girls.  You see, the Chargers changed their camera policy this year to a much more restrictive policy, but failed to inform the ticket buying public of these changes.   Thus began a series of events, which would be worthy of a Greek comedy.

Now, I am a law and order type of guy.  I believe in complying with the rules and regulations.  I am not anti-authoritarian by any means and I don’t believe it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.  I want to abide by the rules.  But the problem was, how can one comply with the current rules and regulations when they are not published anywhere, when the organization (The Chargers) publishes conflicting and out of date information.

That was the Catch-22 circumstance that I faced the last two preseason games (you can read more about it here).  After a lengthy discussion with the manager of guest services, my legitimate question of what constitutes acceptable photographic equipment in some small part forced the organization to revise and publish online a new set of guidelines, just in time for the first home game.

Well, now that a more descriptive policy was defined and let known to the public, I purchased some new equipment to comply with the new policy, which I must say is amongst the most restrictive and anti-fan friendly in the NFL.

In a letter of complaint to Dean Spanos, the President of the Chargers, I reminded him of a Los Angeles Times article which noted that the average attendance to NFL games was down for a third consecutive year and that a few NFL clubs, such as the Dallas Cowboys, were actively trying to create a more fan friendly environment to increase attendance in a down market.  I guess high ticket prices and consumer acceptance of HD televisions is cutting into the bottom line of NFL teams.

Now, that makes sense…that is to try to make a fan’s experience at an NFL game more enjoyable…perhaps in the hopes that fans will let other people know of their enjoyable experience so that that excitement might generate even more interest in attending a game.  Gee, you think sharing photos of your game day experience with family and friends might be a good idea?

There is a lesson to be learned for NFL team owners and that is, if you make it less enjoyable for ticket buying fans to come to your venue, less people will come out and spend money in support of your team.  In a down economy, the Chargers should be reaching out to fans to ask them what they want in an experience that entices them to support the team with their dollars.  If I was the Spanos family, I would be asking my season ticket holders what value can we add, so that I, as a fan, renew my season tickets and encourage others to buy.  Going to an NFL game is a luxury, not a necessity.

And if my point is falling of deaf ears, the Chargers failed to sell out Qualcomm stadium for first time in years and the game was blacked out locally.  There were thousands of empty seats, but those in attendance were very loud as the Chargers mauled the Jacksonville Jaguars,  38 – 13.

So, where did my odyssey take me?  I bought some new equipment to be in compliance with the Chargers new restrictive, non-fan friendly policy.  I am an experienced photographer and I can adjust to the changing dynamic to get the goods.  It just makes it more difficult and more time consuming to get the same type of results.  There’s always a little learning curve with new equipment and I had to replace my old CRT monitor, so the color balance of these images is still in a work in progress as I try to calibrate my new LCD monitor.

So with new camera equipment in hand, let me introduce you to the 2010 Charger Girls, one of the more compelling reasons to attend a Chargers game.

As is customary, let’s begin our coverage with the Line Captains: Michelle, Katie, Giselle, and Ashlie.

This week’s Charger Girl of the Day has always been a very remarkable Charger Girl.  A former NBA cheerleader and a striking Marilyn Monroe look alike, this week’s GGOTD is Katie, a two year veteran and first year Line Captain.

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I have been going to NFL games since the mid 1980’s and I have seen many changes since 9/11 that have made it increasingly difficult to take photographs at such events.  Since then, many venues do not allow fans to bring in certain types of camera equipment, mainly “professional” cameras or lenses.  Whether it is for security reasons or for image control reasons, it is often left up to individuals, often lower paid contracted security people, to define what is “professional” or not.  In truth, this is an arbitrary term and as any first year law student would tell you not sufficiently descriptive to be understandable.  The real impact of such vague definitions is that some people, people like me, are arbitrarily subject to increased scrutiny and action whereas others people in similar circumstances are left unfettered.

Why am I discussing this matter as opposed to subjecting you to my usual game day drivel?  Well, the past two weeks I have been asked to stop taking photographs of the beautiful Charger Girls because there is an issue with the camera equipment that I have been using for the past several years.  And I have been a season ticket holder since 1999 and have been taking photographs for all that time.  My specific equipment may have changed over time, as I have upgraded, but it is essentially a DSLR and a long telephoto lens.

To their credit, the Chargers organization has had a very generous policy with respect to photographic equipment, that is digital and video photography is allowed provided it is for noncommercial use.  But apparently this year, the policy has been amended to say that long or large lenses are not allowed.  I have no real issue with their right to impose such restrictions, since it is their prerogative.  The issue I have is that this new policy was not communicated to the season ticket holders in the A-Z fan guide provided, nor was it published anywhere on line.  I only discovered this new policy when the security people stopped me from using my gear during the first quarter.

Okay, I am a law and order type of guy and though disappointed, I complied.  And this is where my dilemma comes in.  I asked, for future reference, if my lens was unacceptably large or long, then what is an acceptable length so that I could be in compliance for next time.  He couldn’t tell me.  All he knew is that he thought my lens was too long…and in all fairness it is a long telephoto lens.  And in fairness to me, I would not have brought it in if I knew that it was, in a change from years past, too long because all I want to do is to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls.

Upon his recommendation, I went to Guest Services at halftime to seek clarification so that I will be able to continue to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls in the future.  Now, the two points I raised were valid and perhaps was the reason why the very nice and understanding Guest Services people granted me permission to continue to use my gear for this game.  Here are my two points: 1) if there was a new policy or amended policy, why is it that the fans weren’t made aware of it because I was not the only one with a DSLR and long lens at the game.  And 2), so that I could be in compliance for next time, what is an acceptable length of lens that fans could bring in?  Well, to that second point, there is no specific or definable answer, as of yet.

Other stadiums restrict, if they do so at all, lenses to be of a certain focal length.  200mm is common, if any restriction exists.  Or they restrict lenses by length in inches.  No longer than 8 inches is common, if any restriction exists.  Some venues are more restrictive.  Some venues, like at Qualcomm stadium until this year, have no such restrictions.

Now why am I bring up this up here?  There is no reason other that as a long time season ticket holder, I want to be able to comply with their restrictions and be able to photograph the absolutely fabulous 2010 Charger Girls in the future…ostensibly with the same equipment that I have been using for years, but that might not be possible.  And I am certain that the Chargers organization will find some acceptable middle ground where my interests can coexist with theirs.

No.  The real reason why I am discussing this matter is the larger issue of personal freedoms in the post 9/11 era.  In this security conscious day and age, we have lost so many of our personal freedoms, little freedoms like taking photographs in certain public places or accepting increased scrutiny and security screening when entering places such as an NFL game.  Certainly most of these sacrifices are reasonable and necessary to ensure our overall security.  As a law and order Republican, I sympathize with the most ardent Progressive who passionately defends his rights to exercise his personal freedoms without unnecessary governmental interference.

This little incident, while impacting only me and only in a small way, though a very personal way…made me think about all that we have lost since 9/11.  We have lost our innocence.  We have lost our sense of safety and security in era of modern anti-American terrorism.  And we have lost many of our personal freedoms as a consequence of this new reality.

I am not suggesting that we eliminate all the restrictions in what we can bring into a stadium.  But what I am suggesting is that we not lose the essence of what made America the greatest country on this earth.  The freedom to do what we want to do, when we want to do it.  This a founding principle of the American way of life.  I expect my little issue to be discussed amongst the powers that be within the Chargers management and clarification to be reached.  It may even be a league issue because in the digital era, image control issues are a hot button topic and protecting your rights is a concern.

What I am suggesting is that to the powers that be is to take a stance for the fan and allow a few more personal freedoms to be reinserted in this game day environment.  Let the old policy stand.  Do not take the easy road and take a hard line stance against “professional” cameras and lenses.  Let people like me to continue to enjoy taking photographs of the Charger Girls and photographs of our game day experience, so we can share them with our families and friends.  So, we can share the joy of going to an NFL game with those who may not be so fortunate.

So, let us be bold and take a stand for more personal freedom and take a stand for the American way of life…the way it used to be before 9/11.

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And now let us return to our regularly scheduled programming….THE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS CHARGER GIRLS!

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Football season is upon us once again and the Chicago Bears were in town to play the San Diego Chargers in the first preseason game for both teams.  When the Chicago Bears come to town, thousands of Bears fans usually make the trip to San Diego.  So, there was a nice crowd on hand to enjoy the mild California weather and get their first look at football.

Preseason is where coaches and fans get to evaluate the new players and see what they have to offer.  Now if you’ve read this blog, you know how I feel about preseason NFL football.  Hint: it’s a rip off and the caliber of football sucks.  So for me, preseason is where I get a chance to evaluate the latest crop of Charger Girls and get to size up the rookies.  And let me say this to all Charger Girl fans…these girls are amazing and are worth the price of admission alone!  This is a hot looking squad and I was very impressed with rookies and veterans alike.

With all due respect to Katy Perry, introducing the 2010 Charger Girls.  California Girls, each and every one of them.

So let’s begin with the 2010 Line Captains: Tiffany, Katie, Giselle and Ashlie.

Let me apologize in advance if I incorrectly identify any of the Charger Girls.  The audition photos online are not very good and after their makeovers a few girls look vastly different from their squad photo from which I got their names.

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A couple of years ago, I started a new tradition called the Charger Girl of the Day.  It was my way of identifying that Charger Girl who left the most memorable impression.  This week’s Charger Girl of the Day is Kylie.

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A longtime reader of the blog, Nick M., sent me some photos of the 2010 Charger Girls at FanFest from this past Saturday.  So, here’s our first look of the 2010 Charger Girls in uniform.

Notice something different this year? Michelle is a brunette.

Thanks to reader Nick M. for these wonderful photos.  The first preseason Charger game is this Saturday…stay tuned for the first Charger game day report of the year.

From a fan’s perspective, major league sports organizations can be impersonal.  For these teams, the relationship with their fans is strictly a business affair and one that can be operated from a healthy distance.  There are boundaries that are not crossed and sometimes you feel like their interest in you is only for your financial support.  You don’t get that warm and fuzzy feeling and sometimes you feel like you are only a number to them…your customer number, to be precise.

Now, I am not criticizing them because I understand it is a business and big business at that.  And with an organization at that level, you really can’t allow that closeness with the fans for obvious reasons.  My only point in bringing this up is to say that my experience in going to an Inland Empire 66ers game is the complete opposite.

I have been out to Arrowhead Credit Union Park three times to visit the Inland Empire 66ers and I can honestly say that as a fan, you do feel a sense of community with this team.  Every employee that I have met is really nice and you do get that warm and fuzzy feeling with this organization.  Perhaps it is in the nature of minor league sports that they have to get closer to their fan base.  Or perhaps it’s just the people.  I don’t know.  But every time I come out to visit the Inland Empire 66ers, I have a great time.

And the fact that the 66ers have a hot looking dance team is a plus.  The Inland Empire 66ers Dance Team is definitely worth the price of admission.

The last time I was out here, the 66ers Dance Team was performing in 50’s style hoops skirts for a special promotional night and that made a lasting impression on our readers.  On Friday and Saturday, I got to spend some time with them in more conventional attire and all I can say is WOW!

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I’ve been to Phoenix three times in the past year and each time I come back to this place it is hotter than ever.  I knew that Phoenix would be hot in July.  Temperatures were forecast to be 110 degrees.  They lied.  It was 115 degrees as I arrived at my hotel in Glendale, Arizona.   115 degrees.  Surely, this must have been the hottest place on earth.

Why was I back in Phoenix?  To cover the 2010 Phoenix Suns Dancers auditions.  Arizona has quite the reputation for beautiful people and in my experience, it‘s true.  The professional sports teams of Arizona have been very supportive of our endeavors here at UltimateCheerleaders.com, so it was natural for us to want to cover the 2010 Phoenix Suns Dancers auditions.  The Suns are a great NBA franchise with a rich tradition and they have a wonderful dance team.  We don’t often get the opportunity to cover an NBA dance team and when we do, it is a rare treat indeed…one that I hope our readers enjoy.

Kari Herrick, the Director of the Suns Dancers, allowed us full access to the preliminary auditions and in this report, I will document the audition process for our readers.  So, let us begin.

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When I arrived in Atlanta, I had an idea of the type of article that I was going to do, my customary event report.  I knew that James was going to cover each and every squad in attendance, but I wanted to do something different and I was searching for another angle.  So, when Saturday began, I took the opportunity to talk with each sponsor.  I wanted to find out a little more about their business and why they were here.

One sponsor stood out immediately. The Line Up is one of the leading designers of performance dance apparel.  I was impressed by the number of teams that wear their fashions and in talking to owner Deb Erickson, I discovered that many of the squads here would be wearing her designs.  I figured a little article covering the Line Up’s fashions might be in order, so I spoke with the organizers of PRO and received clearance to pose a few girls in their Line Up designed uniforms.

First up is the N.Y. Jets Flight Crew (NFL) and Houston Texans (NFL).

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The P-R-O Convention is the premier professional cheerleading and dance convention.  Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, P-R-O features instructors from NFL, NBA, MLS, and the WPFL.  Professional cheerleading squads and dance teams came from all over the country to attend the two day event.

The staff of All-Pro3 gave James and I complete access to the convention’s events.  In the second part of my article, we continue our coverage of P-R-O with a report on Sunday’s events.

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