Get this party started

Paul Higham bumps into some interesting Saints fans, and goes toe-to-toe with Sugar Shane Mosley.

Motorboating in Miami, and the fans finally hit town ahead of big game

Another day, and another bunch of unlikely stars to mix with at Super Bowl XLIV, and at last some real signs that a major event is actually taking place this weekend as the fans finally hit Fort Lauderdale. When attending such an event on a budget, you're always on the lookout for something free - and when the press release came through for a Reebok launch that included free food then there was no shortage of takers - who says there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world!? A large proportion of the assembled press marched over from the media centre to a huge yacht anchored in Fort Lauderdale harbour and were soon tucking in, and washing down some excellent fare with some free booze too (I obviously only had soft drinks since I was working). Then the character that is NFL star Chad Ochocinco came out along with actress and model Molly Sims, quarterback Eli Manning, boxer Shane Mosley, and MMA fighter Chuck Lidell. Ochocinco was the star - having a run with Santonio Holmes before skipping and shadow boxing with Sugar Shane and taking some roundhouse kicks with the pads from The Iceman Lidell - which seemed to smart a little before he offered to take him on for real 'anytime you want some' he said before getting out of range.

Stormy seas

The wind was getting up a little and even with the size of the ship we did have a bit of swaying and a short shower, but everything else went smoothly - until Ochocinco ran off to show off his huge customised truck parked just on the harbourside. I squared up to Sugar Shane, who was a really nice guy, and I really think I could take him if it wasn't for my dodgy right knee, luckily for him! Snoop Dogg turned up at the media centre, and he caused a big stir as he did the rounds at radio row, while Mark Sanchez also made a big impression as he spoke very well after a brilliant rookie year that came within a game of him making the Super Bowl himself. A quick filing of some stories for work, along with the now customary wrestling with the laptop when trying to send across some pictures, and it was time again to see what was happening away from the media glare and amongst the 'real people'. Making it down to Fort Lauderdale beach for the last few rays of sunshine, it was a pleasant surprise to finally see a few football fans around the place, and as we travelled further down North Ocean Drive the noise grew and grew until at last we found the big-game atmosphere that had been lacking so far.

Fans arrive

No surprises to see the local Irish bar packed to the rafters despite it being only about 4pm, and although the Colts fans made an early impression it was soon clear that the Saints would be winning this early battle ahead of the big game. With some crazy drinks offers on - only two dollars for selected beers (I can hear the groans from the boys back home who have to shell out the big money for booze!) - there was plenty of merriment all round. Although at the start the persistent cries of 'Who Dat', the Saints fans' rallying cry, it was hard not to get caught up in the fun, and the bar helped with renditions of 'When The Saints Go Marching In' going down very well as you would expect! Even a huge blast of rain (it always rains when I'm in Florida!) could not dampen the spirits of ourselves or the fans, who were amazingly friendly and determined to have a party regardless of the outcome on Sunday.

Party

A phrase taken from my brother's football team of 'Win or lose, on the booze', went down well with the fans I mentioned it to, and hopefully that will catch on throughout New Orleans. The rain limited food options and after few beers a rest stop was needed, but luckily in the same building was the fine dining establishment of Hooters, so it was only right to step in there for a culinary treat before heading back to the bars. Our man of the moment was Mike, a music producer from New Orleans who looked like a jester but turned out to be a tremendously funny character who was making friends left, right and centre - and who also assured me that I'd be welcome anytime in the Big Easy. "You sort out the airfare, then, I've got the rest," he said. "Believe me, I've GOT the rest." Sounds like a great offer to me, did I mention the Super Bowl is in New Orleans in 2013, I can't wait...