Super Bowl XXXVIII

January 28, 2004
Houston, Texas
Reliant Arena

When Jim Nantz conceived a unique idea to produce the first-ever Opening Ceremony for Super Bowl XXXVIII in his adopted hometown of Houston, the award-winning CBS Sports anchor turned to longtime friends Chris Begala and Jim McGrath to handle media relations, assist with event scripting and video production, and otherwise help make his vision a reality.

“It took a team of talented professionals to pull this history-making event off, and Jim and Chris were absolutely vital to our success,” Nantz recalled. “I relied on their judgment, creativity and advice throughout, and their fingerprints were all over the final product. Together, we gave the city of Houston — and indeed the sports world — a special night to be remembered.”

In the end, the event, dubbed “A Houston Salute,” generated national and international headlines by featuring the greatest group of sports stars that Houston, or probably any other city, has assembled in one place. Former Oilers’ running back Earl Campbell, pitching legend Nolan Ryan, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, basketball great Clyde Drexler — each entered Reliant Arena via the red carpet walkway, went onstage to the applause of a sold-out audience, and passed the game ball that would be used that Sunday for the kickoff between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.

Houston Salute host Jim Nantz visit with Super Bowl 38 coaches John Fox of the Carolina Panthers and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots.

Internationally renowned recording artist Yanni performs at Houston Salute with his orchestra.

Officially celebrating the launch of Super Bowl 38 week with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and dignitaries unfurling the game banner.

‘A Houston Salute’â creator, CBS Sports Anchor Jim Nantz on stage as he holds the ceremonial football that on game day would be used to kick-off Super Bowl 38.

One of the greatest collection of world-class athletes ever assembled by a single city on one stage...period.

‘A Houston Salute’ creator and host Jim Nantz addresses the sold-out crowd at Reliant Arena.

The stage at ‘A Houston Salute’,the first ever Opening Ceremony for a Super Bowl, which Begala-McGrath helped produce.

GALLERY