Thomas Jones had the big run of the drive, a bullet up the middle for 52 yards.

The Colts go three and out, and then Cedric Benson fumbles the ball right back. There's two minutes left in the half, and we've already seen a kickoff return for a score, four turnovers, and an injury. Wild first quarter.

On 4th and 8, the Bears go offside-making it 4th and 3 at the Bears 35 yard line. This could be a big statement for Dungy. Go for it, you tell your quarterback it's his game and you're going to let him be the difference maker. Punt it, and well, you know-you're saying something else.

They opt to punt.

The Colts answer with a downright methodical drive. After two first downs, Manning finds a hole. On 3rd and 10, Charles Tillman gets lost in the zone coverage and Peyton hits Wayne for a 50-yard strike. Touchdown.

Hunter Smith bobbles the extra point snap, and the Colts don't get a kick off. Shades of Romo. Meanwhile, a million Americans with "7,7" in their Super Bowl box pools just ripped their sheets up in frustration.

A female Colts fan-wearing a Reggie Wayne jersey-is jumping up and down a few rows in front of us. She does not weigh less than 300 pounds.

I love the Super Bowl.

Wow. Devin Hester fields the opening kickoff at the nine and goes 91 yards for the score. You can't hear yourself think in here. Hester's kickoff return is the first to ever begin a Super Bowl. The Bears fans begin chanting their fight song, while the Colts contingent just stands in awe.

Thoughts of Ted Ginn in the BCS Title Game. Luckily for the Bears, Hester doesn't hurt himself celebrating the score.

"Crazy Train" kicks in and the stadium is rocking. There's something about Ozzy Osbourne that just screams "Taking back the opening kickoff for a score." Seems like the right song at the moment.

Indy answers with a dreadful drive. A deflected pass, two false starts, and a terrible interception. Ugh.

The Colts are introduced to The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" and the scoreboard is zeroing in on defensive back Jason David. David's arms are outstretched, and his palms are open to the sky. Great image. He's just soaking this moment in. Manning's throwing some darts to Harrison, and the Indy contingent in the stadium is alive.

Moments later, the Bears are introduced. The place erupts. We've got a Chicago crowd, folks. "Ditka", "Ditka", "Ditka"-I hear it like a siren's song. Just echoing. Walking in here, you couldn't take two steps without seeing Bears fans hug and embrace. Touching. It's been 22 years--and they're back.

Billy Joel sings-actually sings, not lip synchs-the National Anthem. Fabulous version, too. Always been a fan of Joel, and having him a part of this Super Bowl is great. Unfortunately, he won't be the halftime act. Prince will be taking that one on.

Great.

Greetings from Dolphin Stadium. The joint is hopping. I'm perched right above the Southeast end zone with the Bears logo. Joe Budden's "Pump It Up" is blasting, and everyone in the stadium is collectively bobbing their head as one. There's no way to properly describe or re-create the vibe moments before a Super Bowl. It's a vibe that just pulsates. Sitting directly to my left is J.A. Adande of the Los Angeles Times. I introduce myself, he points to a guy wearing what appears to be a homemade Walter Payton jersey below us, mutters "Worst throwback jersey...ever", and we're good to go.

To my right, is nobody. Yet. But I see Peter King. And he's on the phone. I'm assuming he's discussing Starbucks or his aggravating travel experiences from the week.

Colts tight end Dallas Clark is the only player on the field, running a 10-yard corner route to the back of the end zone over and over and over again. Don't be shocked if Dallas Clark catches a goal-line pass in the corner at some point.

The wind is picking up and the rain is coming down lightly. Pre-game festivities begin shortly. James Woods just greeted us on the big screen. The Shark!

Taking a look at the inactive list, Ricky Proehl will not be dressing this evening. There goes scoring a touchdown for three different teams in three different Super Bowls. Doesn't mean he can't collect his second ring. We'll see how that plays out.

Vertical Horizon's "You're a God" is blaring now, as the Cirque Du Soleil show gets ready to begin.

Here we go.

Whoa.

There are strange balloons and stuff. There's a referee riding an ostrich? People in Bears uniforms playing the drums. Things are getting weird. I think I'm on mushrooms. No idea what's going on here. Scared. Frightened. Please just give me football. I am so very scared at the moment. I look to Adande. He's in the bathroom. It's just me and this hallucinogenic pre-game show. Did someone slip me a mickey on the shuttle ride over? I'm glad there are no drug tests required for entry to this stadium.

Phew. It's over.

I'm back from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory chocolate river ride.

That was quite horrifying.

Game starts in 30 minutes.