Philips Arena ready for All-Star events (photos)

Here are a few photos I took at Philips Arena today, as things were being set up for the 2008 NHL All-Star Game.

Lots of TV trucks are parked below street level.

Here's the NHL Network truck.


Now from inside the arena, looking out through the L and A. The flags advertise the All-Star Game.


Looking out to the street that runs between the arena and the Georgia Dome. I assume this is where the red carpet arrivals will happen. It's on the opposite side of the arena as the locker rooms, but it's the only side that makes sense logistically.


The bowels of the arena are filled to the brim with stuff. Here are the nets and bumpers for the Skills Competition.

Cones and target.


Media event with the YoungStars. Below is Jack Johnson. There were more media than I expected, and it will only get more crowded. There was someone there from the Portland Tribune. Yes, Portland, Oregon, who only has a WHL team. I'm not sure this is the best use of their travel budget.

Anyway, I have a feeling knowing the location of the freight elevator is going to come in handy this weekend as the hordes descend.


On the floor of the arena they were setting up a stage for the concert that will be part of the morning skate. This photo was taken from the top of section 319.