Saturday, May 21, 2011

Torii Hunter Autograph Signing

Angels outfielder Torii Hunter made an appearance at Metro PCS in Stanton to sign autographs. I arrived at the event shortly after 6:00 am and about 40 people were already in line. Later in the morning Metro PCS staff handed out wristbands to the first 200 people.

This signing was scheduled to start at 11:30 am but started sooner than expected. Torii arrived about 20 minutes early which was surprising. It's always a rare thing when current athletes show up early for an event. The line moved quickly when Torii was signing since it was only one item per person. I couldn't wait to get my autograph and head home. I had to use the restroom if you know what I mean.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? About 200 fans.
  • Items per person? 1 item.
  • Giveaways? Metro PCS towels.
  • Free signing? Yes.

The line moved at a good pace. I took this photo of Torii signing my ball.


I noticed that Torii sweet spot every baseball.


While waiting in line this flyer was passed out by an employee from The O.C. Dugout.


Thanks to Metro PCS and Torii Hunter for this free event.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

UFC Gym Grand Opening

The UFC Gym in Corona planned a huge grand opening event for MMA fans. Chuck Liddell, Arianny Celeste, Urijah Faber, Leonard Garcia, Phil Davis, Donald Cerrone and Kenda Perez were all scheduled to make appearances. I arrived at 6:45 in the morning and workers were setting up booths and tents outside of the gym. When I went to go make line an employee from the gym handed out this schedule to the fans.


Fans were then allowed to go inside the gym. We were all there to meet Chuck Liddell and were told the signing would take place inside the Octagon located in the middle of the gym. A line then started to form outside of the cage.


Staff told fans that we could walk around the gym to take a better look at the equipment. Here are the bags.


The weight plates are bad ass. All of them had the UFC logo including the dumbbells.


This is the cardio section of the gym. It was very clean and empty.


Here is another picture of the gym. It was very empty. I began to think that nobody was going to show up.


Here is the gym a couple of hours later. The place was jam packed. I was beginning to feel a little claustrophobic.


Chuck and Arianny arrived on time. The line was very long. Staff wanted fans to get one item signed per person to keep the line moving faster. Some people still managed to get two items signed.


I was only in line for Chuck Liddell but had to take advantage of Arianny being there. Here she is signing my photo.


Here is Chuck "Ice Man" Liddell signing my photo.


Below is a short video of the signing.




Once I got my autograph from Chuck I headed outside to the Leonard Garcia and Urijah Faber line. Both fighters were signing together. The line was short.


Here is "The California Kid" Urijah Faber.


B.J. Penn also made an appearance at the grand opening. Here he is posing with a Marine. He was walking around at the event with a bunch of security so it was hard to get to him.


Joe Henle also made a non scheduled appearance. He was on the Ultimate Fighter season 11.


I left the event to get something to eat. I arrived a half hour later and made line for Donald Cerrone and Kenda Perez. Cerrone joked with the fans the whole time.


Here I am with Kenda. She is currently hosting the Best of Pride Fighting Championships. After I took this photo I headed home.


The sport has come a long way. MMA trading cards are now being printed. I had these cards signed that were given out at the event.


I have never been to an event with such a huge turnout. My guess would of been that over 1,000 people were in attendance. Yes, over 1,000 people. That's why I didn't stay until the end.

Thanks to Chuck Liddell, Arianny Celeste, Leonard Garcia, Urijah Faber, Donald Cerrone, Kenda Perez, Joe Henle, and the UFC Gym in Corona, CA for this free event. I would also like to thank the kind and courteous staff at the gym who were very professional. The event was well planned and organized.

Thanks for reading.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Greg Townsend Autograph Signing

The Raider's all time sack leader Greg Townsend made an appearance at a Raider Image store in the Ontario Mills Mall. When I arrived the the Mall was packed but the Raider Image store was empty. Greg was there just talking with a few fans.

This was not a free signing. Fans had to purchase an item from the Raider Image store or Greg to get an autograph. Greg had football cards and photos available that he would sign after being purchased. I had a Raider Image gift card good for $25 and used it to purchase a mini helmet for $29.99. I just paid the difference out of pocket. Since I made a purchase it entitled me to the free autograph.

Signing Recap:
  • People in line? Zero. I was in and out of the store in about 5 minutes.
  • Free signing? Hell no. A purchase was necessary.
  • Giveaways? None, but a lot of girls were walking around.
  • Which Raider Image location? Ontario.

I asked Greg if he could inscribe Super Bowl XVIII on my mini helmet. He wanted to charge me $10 for the inscription. I told him "nevermind".

Greg is 16th on the NFL's all time sack list with 109.5 sacks. I'm glad I was able to meet him again. I say that because I also attended a Greg Townsend appearance at the same Raider Image store a couple of years ago. If you would like to read about that signing then click on the link here.

Thanks to Raider Image and Greg Townsend for this appearance.