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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. (kahorowitz@gmail.com) www.kathyhorowitz.com. |
| I admit that I’m not a big football fan, however, I do love new adventures, especially in Manhattan. The NFL Experience (www.NFLExperience.com) is a state-of-the-art interactive and immersive attraction located at 20 Times Square (West 47th Street & 7th Avenue) that enables fans to feel closer to the NFL and their favorite teams. The NFL and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group (whose shows are fabulous) created this partnership to thrill young and old fans alike. Danny Boockvar, president of the endeavor, summarizes the experience as “Disney meets the Hall of Fame meets Dave and Buster’s.” The Experience. Begin on the 4th floor where you have an opportunity to take a picture on a green screen with Gatorade being poured on you as if you won the Super Bowl. From there a video teaches football basics. Authentic memorabilia is placed throughout the exhibition floor. The Stadium (4D Theater) gives you the thrill-ride of a rollercoaster (180 seats) and brings you onto the field where you feel the effects of weather and the aromas from NFL games while motion seats recreate movement from the plays. The 32’s. Explore team traditions, fun facts, top plays, and get a look inside home stadiums around the country. That’s right. All 32 of them! Did you know that 32 panels of leather are used to make a football? Or that there’s a play called “32” where the halfback gets the ball and runs it through the 2-hole? On the 3rd floor enter the Equipment Room where you can assess your strengths against NFL standards, envision yourself as a NFL player, or stand in front of a screen that uses Xbox Kinect technology to overlay your favorite team’s uniform. The Huddle-up with Gruden (former coach, now ESPN analyst) is a live video game where you pick the tight end and receiver. The technology recognizes the voice of guests to provide a real-life simulation of calling a play during a game. Grab your football and try to complete your throws to your receiver under the pressure of time like the NFL quarterbacks do. Descend to the 2nd floor to experience The Championship Feeling and become a Super Bowl Champion on the Champions Stage. There you can examine tickets and view every Super Bowl Championship ring ever issued as well as have a look at the real Lombardi Trophy. Before exiting, visit the souvenir shop and café where weekly matchups determine which teams’ food is available. Or sit at the bar and watch a live game. Whatever level of football fan you are, you will be moved (literally), thrilled, and educated. Now, go get your game on! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 