DeleteARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger was focused on the tiny screen of his video camera as he walked toward his assigned podium for Super Bowl media day. Like so many others new to Cowboys Stadium, the Steelers quarterback was in awe.
While a crowd of cameras surrounded him, Roethlisberger's own camera was focused on the $1 billion-plus building and the massive high-definition TV screens hanging over the field.
The Steelers and Green Bay Packers both had one-hour media sessions Tuesday at the stadium where neither has yet played a game.
"Awesome, awesome," Green Bay defensive back Charles Woodson said. "If every stadium could look like this, it would be awesome."
A crowd of more than 100,000 is expected for Sunday's game. The stadium built and financed mostly by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones opened before the 2009 season.
"It's sweet, I like it. Jerry did a good job, as you thought he would. Jerry's World," Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. "I don't know what to say about it, it's sweet. I'm not very often speechless, I talk a lot."
Packers fullback John Kuhn said it is clear why "they call it one of the wonders of the world."
About 15,000 temporary seats have been added for the Super Bowl. Hanging over the field as usual are the twin HD screens, about 72 feet high each and stretching nearly 60 yards between the 20-yard lines.
"It's unreal. ... It's worth every penny," Steelers receiver Mike Wallace said. "I can't even imagine it on Sunday. I know it's going to be crazy. It just feels different. It feels like the Super Bowl. It just feels like you're supposed to have a good game in here."
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RING TIMES TWO: John Kuhn already has a Super Bowl ring. This time, the Green Bay fullback will get the experience of playing for the championship.
Five years ago, Kuhn was a practice squad member for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they won.
"It was a tremendous experience, something I'd never trade back for anything," Kuhn said Tuesday. "But I always wanted to get back here and play in this game since I was on the sideline. I wanted to get in and play between the lines."
Kuhn made his NFL debut playing nine games for the Steelers in the 2006 season. He went to Green Bay the next year.
"I'm just thankful to be here with the Packers playing in the Super Bowl," he said. "It could be against anybody and it would be just as big. The fact that we're going against (the Steelers), that's just like a little added bonus."
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SAINZ STEPS OUT: The Mexican television reporter who said she felt uncomfortable in the New York Jets' locker room drew plenty of attention on media day.
Ines Sainz of TV Azteca conducted interviews wearing a slinky silver dress and shiny black heels, standing out among the more conventionally dressed media.
Actually, Sainz appeared to spend more time being interviewed by other reporters and posing for photographs than she did talking to players from the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It's the greatest day," she said, "and all of us can share it together."
Sainz was at the Jets' training facility in September, waiting to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez, when a few players made catcalls. The NFL responded by developing a workplace conduct program, underwritten by New York owner Woody Johnson.
"Actually, I think it's an overreaction," Sainz said. "I never wanted to cause any problems to the Jets. I work a lot with the NFL. ... Right now, everything is clear. The NFL recognizes I didn't do anything. They offered the opportunities to do my job and keep going."
Sainz is picking the Steelers to win Sunday's game, though she wouldn't have had any problem covering the game if the Jets had made it. They lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC title game.
"It doesn't matter," Sainz said. Besides, "I support the Chargers. I want to see the Chargers here someday."
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CAPED QUESTIONER: There are always some oddballs credentialed to attend Super Bowl media day. There are strange questions and even stranger get-ups.
Among those who stood out Tuesday was the man dressed as a superhero, mask and cape included, as he interviewed players and coaches.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he was comfortable with capes. His sons dressed up as Batman and Robin for Halloween, then wore the capes for several more days after that.
"I did see that guy dressed up as Batman," Pittsburgh linebacker LaMarr Woodley said. "(Two years ago) somebody was out here in a wedding dress. Somebody's always doing something that's funny. It's entertaining."
There were no wedding dresses this time, but there was a female reporter wearing a crop top and doing push-ups using only one arm and with only one foot on the ground.
"I was like 'Wow!' That makes me know I have to work harder," Pittsburgh defensive tackle Steve McLendon said. "It gave me a lot of motivation."