Expert: Duke Ha - 10/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Duke,
My husband and some family members will be going to Dallas for the Nov. 1 game.  We will be staying until Sunday and were wondering if they have any open practices during the week that we can go to during the season.  And if so how we would go about getting in.
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Tiffany,

Aah...going to the Dallas Cowboys vs the Seattle Seahawks.  That was one game I thought about going to as well, but may end up just going home to visit the family during Thanksgiving when they play the Oakland Raiders.  To answer your question, I do not know of any open practices during the season as the team is constantly game planning for their upcoming opponents.  I believe Valley Ranch or wherever they practice now because of the accident with the huge tent, is off limits to everyone but team members, as all teams can be fearful of "spying".  Especially during Parcells' reign as he was notorious for being suspicious of everyone.  The only time fans can view practices are of course at Training Camp prior to the season.  

Good luck and maybe try calling to see for sure...     

Cowboys Center
One Cowboys Parkway
Irving, Texas.   75063-4727
Executive Office: (972)556-9900
FAX: (972)556-9304
Public Relations Department: (972)556-9959


hope that helps and thanks for asking!!!

Duke
Dukesta22@yahoo.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info Duke,
I have another question for you... getting ready to go soon... Do you know if the super bowl trophies are kept somewhere for the public to view?  I'm full of all kinds of questions... Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello again,

Ha Ha its totally fine as that is what we "experts" are here for, to help you with any questions you may have.  I do know that the actual Lombardi Super bowl trophies are housed and displayed in Jerry Jones personal office and I believe that is at Valley Ranch.  Hard to imagine Jerry Jones allowing a tour group to frequent his office on a daily basis, but at Training Camps (at least the ones in Oxnard, CA.), there was a huge 16-18 wheeler truck that housed the Dallas Cowboys mobile experience.  It had all kinds of photos, interactive games, memorabilia, and of course replica Super bowl trophies and rings.  Although it could've been the real thing, but hard to imagine it would be.  I did remember that for a certain fee, they would even let you wear all of the rings for photo ops.  I believe you may be able to find this truck out near the concessions and pro shops outside of the stadium, of course that was at Texas Stadium.  The new Cowboys stadium is so state-of-the-art, I'm sure they must have a display somewhere that you can see the trophies.  

Sorry I wasn't much help, but I think your best bet is to arrive at the stadium early as there has to be numerous things to see and do.  I think that is exactly what Jerry Jones envisioned when he built the place, to be a sort of a Cowboys mecca.  That's why some people call it Jerry World.  Good luck and have fun at the game!!

Here is a photo of the trophies I took at Training Camp several years ago.

Duke
Dukesta22@yahoo.com