At the TC for Hilton's Press Conference

February 4, 2007

Mr. Hilton Koch was officially named the new owner of the Houston Comets on January 31, 2007. As a ten year season ticket holder of the Houston Comets, at every Comets championship and parade, you could bet if there was any way possible that I would be at the Toyota Center for this important event in Houston Comets history.

I had planned to arrive a little before 1pm for the pep rally but someone posted on The HRR that they thought there would be a tv in the lobby for the public to watch the press conference so I arrived about 12:15 pm.

Things didn't start too well as they were only allowing invited guests into the small, glass-walled room with the tv. They directed me to another entrance where the team shop is located but there was no tv there. I went back to the 1st entrance and security let several of us in to watch the press conference.

I missed the very first of the press conference, and there was no sound for a bit but I just felt lucky to be inside watching it. I was stoked listening to Orender, I thought she was inspiring. Yao Ming walking through the room was the only thing that took my attention from the screen. I softly said his name and he looked at me and smiled. Too cool, looking good, Yao! Hilton, yeah, he lost his place but kept cool and kept his enthusiasm.
Because of the cold, drizzly weather, the pep rally was moved inside the lobby, and a band was playing. We were given a "Get in the Game 2007" red t-shirt with the Comets logo, and a pamphlet with a note from Hilton and the Comets schedule.

After a good while Hilton, the C&D scrap iron guy, a minister, Tad Brown of the Rockets, and a few others took the stage. Dana Jackson, the former Comets PA announcer, was the emcee. At one point she asked how many of us had left work to be there, and Hilton seemed pleased at how many of us raised our hands. Hilton did fabulous. He was more comfortable and gave a very smooth, enthusiastic speech. It was pretty much the same speech as in the press conference but informal and relaxed. He really won me over. I know Swoopes and Cooper were at the press conference so I was disappointed when they didn't show up for the pep rally. I'm not sure I would have called this a pep rally, a lot of praying and not enough "pepping" but I was still glad I went and had a good time. One lady made her way to the front before the speeches, and Hilton signed her WNBA basketball.

Sightings:

1. Little Baby Paris and her nanny were standing right beside me for a little while. A planned "bang" went off and it didn't scare Baby Paris one bit. Something tells me she is used to loud noises with Daddy. ;-)

2. Calvin Murphy walked up and visited with the very pleasant couple standing next to me.

3. I saw Andrea Young in the lobby but away from the crowd before the speeches started. She was just watching a bit. Later, on a local newscast, it was mentioned Andrea will remain with the Rockets organization.

4. I ran into April, and she said she would still be with the Comets.
Watching the press conference was the best part of my experience, and I left feeling very positive about our team.