INDIANAPOLIS -
WTHR Channel 13 asked our reporters and anchors about their favorite moment during our Super Bowl coverage over the past few weeks. Please share your memories in the comments section below, and we'll add more responses from WTHR staff soon!
Andrea Morehead, Eyewitness News anchor/reporter:
I heart Jimmy Fallon! After the Nightbeat, I would get home just in time to watch his show on Channel 13. I stayed up into the early morning hours to see his show from the Hilbert Circle Theater. I literally had tears streaming down my face seeing the theater filled with Hoosiers; the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra playing; students representing our colleges and universities; and Colts players. And I loved Fallon's "Thank You Note" to Indianapolis for being such a great host! From the Host Committee to the thousands of volunteers to everyday Hoosiers, WE came together as a community showcasing the true spirit of Indiana that made lasting impressions around the world! I am so proud!
Scott Swan, Eyewitness News anchor/reporter:
I loved my trip to New York City the week before the Super Bowl to interview Giants fans, Today Show anchors and seeing Giants cakes baked at Carlo's Bake Shop (aka "Cake Boss) in Hoboken, NJ.
When I returned to Indy, I had a blast riding the zipline, seeing the Super Bowl rings in the NFL Experience, walking through the Village with my wife and kids, introducing LMFAO to the largest crowd I have ever seen, taking a photo of a fan who had the Patriots logo shaved into his head, going "behind the scenes" at the Bud Light Hotel and seeing celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Katy Perry at Victory Field's DirectTV party.
I really enjoyed meeting Channel 13 fans and realizing we share a pride in Indianapolis. Naptown days are over. We are a Super Bowl city that extends "Hoosier Hospitality" to everyone, regardless of which jersey they wear. The organizers, volunteers and public safety officials did a great job. I have never been so proud to be a Hoosier! Well done Indianapolis!
John Stehr, Eyewitness News anchor/reporter:
My top Super Bowl memory: On Friday, January 27th, I saw the Super Bowl Village for the first time and I could not help thinking about the way downtown looked 30 years ago. There was Market Square Arena and virtually nothing else to attract people to the area. To see the number of people in the heart of the city, and to see such a festive atmosphere, is a memory I will never forget. We are no longer Indiana-no-place or Nap-town. We live in a world-class city that does not have to feel inferior to any other city in the world.
Chris Wright, SkyTrak chief meteorologist:
My favorite memory was of watching the crowd's reaction to the nightly fireworks that were set off on the music stages and on the roof of the convention center. Most people were pleasantly surprised.
Kevin Rader, political reporter:
My best Super Bowl moment involves [NBC/NFL commentator] Chris Collinsworth. He was making the rounds at Radio Row.
His handlers had him on a very tight leash. I asked if we could interview him for our story that day and was told that would be possible if I waited around. I did so for over thirty minutes while he did interview after interview.
When he was done and leaving, I was waiting in the hallway only to have his handler say to me in a very stern voice that there was no time for an interview with me.
I said, "No time for the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis that is hosting the network?"
"No time," the young man abruptly repeated in as strong a voice has he could muster as he never broke stride.
But Chris Collinsworth slowed his gait, looked at the back of the handlers, now in front of him, and then back at me. He stopped and calmly stated, "Oh, I think we can do one more interview, don't you?"
He stopped right in front of my camera. We did a short interview and he was off. It only took a minute. He didn't have to do it. I am sure he was already tired of doing all those interviews and I am also sure he had places to go that were far more important than my interview but he stopped and did it anyway.
I have covered national political conventions since 1988. I have put in many such requests over the years and many kept walking. I remember two who stopped. NBC Anchor John Chancellor and the legendary Walter Cronkite, to name two. I never forgot their kindness. Now there are three and I for one am grateful.
Jeremy Brilliant, reporter:
It was great to see the city come together. As much of a celebration this was for Giants and Patriots fans, it really was a community happening. I met people from all over Indianapolis and beyond bursting with pride about what a huge accomplishment it was for the city to host the Super Bowl and do it in such grand fashion.
Kris Kirschner, reporter/anchor:
My favorite part about this whole week was hearing visitors, especially those from the East Coast who will "call it as they see it," genuinely fall in love with this city. I'm from here, and am proud of it. It was nice to hear so many out-of-towners enjoying and appreciating this great community.
Steve Jefferson, crimebeat reporter:
Even as a person who is afraid of heights, my favorite moment during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis is riding the zipline. The euphoric feeling of flying was incredible and I would do it again. My intention was to scream aloud the entire ride but I was literally speechless and could not produce any audio at all!
Chikage Windler, SkyTrak meteorologist:
All of it! I played tourist all week, taking pictures and video to document this historic event! Where to begin?
From meeting viewers at the NFL Experience to riding the zipline, climbing to the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to watching Ludacris in concert at the Maxim Party, meeting celebs like Miss America and Top Chef Tom Colicchio, being in Super Bowl Village as the Super Bowl ended and the fireworks went off…Super Bowl XLVI is something I won't soon forget!
While most of my Super Bowl experiences were when I was on my own or at work, I brought my four-year-old daughter downtown one afternoon. She thought the Roman Numerals (we called them "letters") on the Circle were so cool! Sharing an amazing event with family makes it even more "super!" (Sorry, couldn't help it!)
Rich Nye, Eyewitness Sports:
Having grown up in Indianapolis, I was confident my hometown would do a great job hosting the Super Bowl. I attended Indy's first Final Four as a fifth grade fan in 1980. I was a high school volunteer at the 1987 Pan Am Games.
When this city takes on an event, everyone buys in - from government officials to law enforcement right down to every single volunteer. We all take ownership of and pride in the event.
I was so pleased to hear so many media, celebrities and fans from all over the country say so many good things about our town and the celebration we put on for Super Bowl XLVI. My congratulations to everyone involved.
It was my pleasure to help tell the story. I have no doubt that Indy will host another Super Bowl, whenever we decide to go for it again.
My only disappointment is that I did not get to zipline down Capitol Ave. I think God even gave us great weather to reward the great planning and preparation.
Mary Milz, Citybeat reporter
Watching foster mom Betty Bledsoe squeal in delight as four of her children soared overhead on the zipline. Her laughter and delight was contagious. For me, she represented the the excitement I saw on so many faces as they strolled thru Super Bowl village on an absolutely brilliant day downtown.
