It’s bigger and more expansive than the RCA Dome. My neighbor and I agreed it is like a much larger version of Conseco Fieldhouse. The place has plenty of personality and nice touches. The exposed metal structure to the various pavilions, the place (what we saw of it) is an experience.

My nine year old would have been happy to miss the whole tour to just hang out in the Chevy area. It has NASCAR decor and better, a NASCAR driving game that he would have loved to visited all day!

The seats (at least at club level) are cushioned and much improved over the dome’s cramped quarters.

My boys loved getting to feel the field and get a sense what Marvin, Dwight, Reggie, Peyton and Coach Dungy will be walking around on this season. All in all, a beautiful day and a good effort by the Stadium crew to show off the new digs. Only disappointment…they didn’t have the roof or the massive windows open (I understand they did open them on Sunday for the season ticket holders.) Hey, if you’re going to show off the place, go the whole way…it was a beautiful day! I don’t think they’ll want to be opening the windows in December.

*****  

The New York Post says Batman may be joining Dancing with the Stars! Not Christian Bale, but the first (and goofiest Batman) Adam West. The star of TV’s “Batman” series during the ‘60s is being considered for a spot on the new season of “Dancing With the Stars.” West is 80 years old, but in outstanding shape, a source tells the paper. “Dancing” casting decisions will be announced Monday, August 25 on “Good Morning, America.”

I love the speculation…just a few weeks ago, rumors were flying that former Vice President and Hoosier Dan Quayle was being considered. (His office said he would NOT be on the show.)

*****

The S.S. Minnow is getting restored so it can be a part of three hour tours again. You remember the S.S. Minnow, piloted by the Skipper and Gilligan and crashed on the deserted island. The original ship is docked in Canada and is owned by Ken Schley of the Quality Foods grocery chain. Apparently he isn’t a big fan of the classic sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” but plans to use the Minnow to raise money for charity and to promote his stores.

It was an exciting race…when the Goodyear tire issues actually allowed racing. It was okay for us though. My son’s favorite driver is Jimmie Johnson and Jimmie pulled a victory on Sunday despite the stop and go nature of this year’s bizzare race. All those cautions about every 10 to twelve laps were called by NASCAR to allow teams to replace tires under yellow. 

One of my friends was sitting in the second turn. When he got home from the race, his face was covered in dark tire soot. The tires were in such bad shape they created a slippery rubber residue. From our vantage point, we could see several pits. I was wondering why the Pit crews were sweeping the pit area after each stop.

No matter. Our driver won.

I enjoy going to the Brickyard. While the Indy 500 has more tradition (nothing comes close to the ceremonies leading up to the start of the 500) I enjoy the crowd and feel of the NASCAR race just a bit more. I don’t worry about my son seeing too many wild scenes at the Brickyard race. The Indy race tends to still draw people more interested in the experience of the 500, instead of the racing at the 500. Fortunately the IRL is on the right track to compete with NASCAR. Though NASCAR may have more well known drivers and drama now, I think the Indy cars made a tremendous leap forward with the reunification this year.

But for now, that doesn’t matter. Because on Sunday our driver won. Yea!

*****

Tuesday night at 10PM ABC NEWS is updating the excellent and emotional “Last Lecture.” Diane Sawyer profiled and interviewed Randy Pausch, the college professor that inspired millions with his internet supported last lecture, a love letter to his two young children. Pausch succumbed to cancer on Friday.

I dare you to watch this special and not be moved. It is inspiring television. Do not miss it. It will change the way you look at your life. Honest.