Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief fired up a group of Super Bowl volunteers Wednesday by donning sunglasses and doing his best impression of Hank Williams Jr.
“Are you ready for some football? A week-long party? Well, you better get ready," he said.
Moncrief spoke to 200 volunteer "ambassadors" who will fan out across the city during Super Bowl week to help answer visitors’ questions.
The Super Bowl kickoff at the Fort Worth Convention Center amounted to a pep rally, with the Western Hills High School band setting an upbeat mood.
The mayor relished in the city's role as host to the Pittsburgh Steelers and home to ESPN.
The sports channel is building a huge makeshift studio at Sundance Square to anchor its weeklong coverage.
"When that showcase game comes to Cowboys Stadium, it will put us front and center on the world stage,” Moncrief said. “How cool is that?"
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The ambassadors underwent last-minute training right before the pep rally began.
"It's not going to be our normal, convenient parking, but there is adequate parking in the downtown area,” an organizer told the volunteers.
Moncrief thanked the ambassadors for volunteering their time.
"You will be the soldiers on the front lines making that first impression,” he said. “You only get one chance. And Fort Worth, you are going to knock it out of the park."
Volunteer Cathey Karnes said she was happy to help.
"This is going to be such an exciting time,” she said. “I would not miss it. It's great for Fort Worth too. I love this opportunity."
