After the 2012 Chic-Fil-A Bowl, Tucker McLaughlin, Jr. of the South Boston New & Record & I headed for New Orleans, LA driving through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. We spent the night in Auburn, Alabama, and then along the way we passed the Kia plant in Georgia, the Hyundai plant in Alabama, and Hank Aaron Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. We got to enjoy lunch at Golden Corral in Montgomery. Driving into New Orleans, we could still see remnants of Hurricane Katrina. We picked up media credentials at the Riverwalk Marriott and then headed to Bourbon Street for a media party. In the days before the game, there were bowl game events held around town, including a pep rally at Jackson Square. Fans from both University of Michigan and Virginia Tech University were visible all over town. I took a river boat cruise on The Natchez along the Mississippi River, learning about the history and industry of New Orleans. In the photos, you will see that the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome has not only been restored, but greatly improved and is a wonderful facility. Some of the highlights of the photos: this year’s Heisman Trophy winner–Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, several of the ESPN GameDay crew–Kirk Herbstreet, past Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (Michigan), Erin Andrews; past NFL players Bruce Smith & Eric Dickerson. The game was most enjoyable to me because I got to photograph former Bassett High School players Andrew Miller & Martin Scales. Having been a sports photographer for Basset High School in Bassett, VA, I have followed these players all through their high school careers.
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