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The Rivalry And Revelry Begin Fans Get Their Footing Around Stadium

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By BAIRD HELGESON

bhelgeson@tampatrib.com

Published: February 2, 2009

TAMPA - They came from Pittsburgh wearing Steelers bandannas, yellow and black camouflage pants and miners' helmets with beer cans attached to the top. They had face paint, wide smiles and gulped $10 beer.

Arizona fans got goose bumps when they saw the field the first time. They dyed their hair red and glued toy cardinals to wood for luck. When the team bus arrived at the stadium, fans lined up and watched with more reverence than fanaticism. They didn't want to disrupt the team's focus. Too much was at stake.

Fans from both teams made laps of the stadium, stopping to take it all in. Reflection was brief as security guards interrupted every pause with "move along."

Steelers fans met up in concession stands, laughing and whooping.

Arizona fans chanted "Cardinals" and exchanged high-fives as if they had finished a grueling race.

A Minnesota Vikings fan cheered the Cardinals because he loved their underdog story.

A cotton candy vendor in the stands lowered his load to watch a Steelers first down.

Camera flashes in the stands crackled like fireflies in the night sky.

Baird Helgeson

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