2013 Sentra Unveiling & College Football – Part Two

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                    [post_content] => In September, I was invited by Nissan and Zocalo Group to attend the unveiling of the completely-redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra in Dallas, Texas.  The event just happened to coincide with the 2012 Cowboys Classic, which kicks off the opening weekend of college football at Cowboys Stadium.  Since Nissan is heavily involved in sponsorship of college football and the Heisman Trophy, invitees would be attending the game as guests of Nissan.  This would be an event I'd never, ever forget.  

Running the show here at NICOclub since 2002, I'd been to new car unveilings before... but nothing compared to this.  Nissan went all-out, start to finish, and I've finally got some time to sit down and write about it.  I hope you'll join me as I recap the weekend's events in text and pictures.... LOADS of pictures - Let's go!

The team at Zocalo Group (which handles Nissan's social media marketing, growth, and consumer engagement campaigns) contacted me to gather pertinent TSA information for my reservations. The Zocalo team are a hard-working, fun-loving bunch, and their attention to detail is unreal - Nissan chose wisely, because these folks have got it on lock!  A day later, I was booked for a nonstop flight to Dallas - time to pack my bags!

Upon arrival at the Dallas airport, I was met by a greeter holding a Nissan sign in baggage claim, who knew my name and what I do - Total VIP treatment!  Our transportation to the hotel was a gorgeous black Platinum Edition Armada, and they booked us rooms at the luxurious Hotel Palomar in Dallas.



Checking in to my room, I find a letter from Nissan, welcoming me to the weekend's event... Not to mention, a totally sweet black Nissan sling bag, and a stack of goodies.  Check it out:

[gallery include="14747,14749,14748" link="file"]

I checked in downstairs for a quick catered snack, and got an opportunity to meet some of the other guests. The room was filled with a virtual "who's who" of automotive journalists and bloggers, and it was really cool getting to put names with faces. Around 6 p.m., we all loaded up in a fleet of brand new Nissan NV3500 vans to attend the Sentra Reveal at 129 Leslie, a cool location just west of downtown Dallas in the Design District. 

Speaking of the NV3500, these things are AMAZING. Colossal and classy, these leather-lined behemoths are definitely an impressive and comfortable way to transport a lot of people anywhere in style!



With an open bar, great lighting, good music, and the as-yet unveiled Sentras on display, everyone had a great time getting to know each other and "talking shop". This was a networking paradise, and Nissan had the Heisman Trophy on display. Of course, I had to have my picture taken with it - and no, I didn't do the "Heisman Pose"...

[gallery include="14755,14756,14757,14758,14759,14762" link="file"]

Soon the team from Nissan took the stage and introduced the Product Planners and some of the team that worked on the "Heisman House" series of Nissan commercials - A couple of them, I hadn't seen yet - check them out on YouTube, they're awesome.  Heisman Trophy winner, 10-year NFL veteran and ESPN analyst Desmond Howard was on hand to assist with the unveiling and chat with the guests.

[gallery include="14763,14764,14765" link="file"]

After the cars were unveiled, we all had an opportunity to check them out, speak with Nissan's representatives and Product Planners, and converse about the new designs.  The general consensus? A huge improvement from the B16 Sentra, especially in regard to appearance, comfort, luxury, technology and functionality. Many of you participated in the the 2013 Sentra Live Chat earlier in the year.  Lots of goodies for an entry-level price, and while it's down on power somewhat, it's also lighter, roomier, and more fuel-efficient. 

[gallery include="14768,14769,14770,14771,14772,14773,14774,14775,14776,14777,14778,14779" link="file"]

After the reveal, we sat down to a spectacular catered multi-course gourmet dinner. I wound up seated with some folks from the Heisman Committee and a few of Nissan's Corporate folks... Great times talking about cars, football, and the automotive industry.

Back to the hotel that evening, and many of us retired to the lounge for more drinks and social time. Such a neat experience to meet other automotive journalists - people whose articles you read frequently - and get to know them in-person.  I also had the pleasure of hanging out with Kyle Bazemore, who Infiniti aficionados will recognize as the Senior Manager for Infiniti Product Communications... turns out, he's a HUGE Alabama fan - and funny as all hell to boot. 

As we all turned in for the night, a great night's sleep was totally welcomed. The next day was to be exciting and extraordinary, a car enthusiast's and sports-lover's ideal day.  Join me?

Click here for Part Two of the 2013 Nissan Sentra Unveiling & College Football weekend!









                    [post_title] => 2013 Sentra Unveiling & College Football - Nissan Hospitality in Full Effect
                    [post_excerpt] => Earlier this year, NICOclub attended the private unveiling of the completely-redesigned Sentra - but that was JUST the beginning of an amazing weekend with our friends from Nissan!
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                    [post_content] => Bright and early Saturday morning, the team from Zocalo Group arranged for all the invitees to enjoy a hearty breakfast before the rest of the day's festivities, and it was great to meet even more of the automotive journalists and Nissan Corporate staffers that I hadn't met the previous day.  After eating our fill, it was time to begin the Product Drive event.

Nissan brought out several 2012 / 2013 models for our enjoyment, and had scenic routes planned out for each driver.  Basically, you could select a car and head out for a lengthy test drive, enjoying some of the most beautiful, upscale areas of historic Dallas.  I took full advantage of the opportunity, spending time with the Juke, the 370Z, and the newly-redesigned 2013 Altima Sedan 3.5 SL.  

[gallery include="14785,14786,14787,14788,14789,14790,14791,14792,14793,14794,14795,14796" link="file"]

The Juke is a peppy, fun-to-drive car, but I can't see myself owning one.  The 370Z has come a long way since the pre-production 370Z I drove during the Nissan Z tour back in 2007.  However, the highlight for me was the Altima SL. Fortunately, when I signed up for my stint with the Altima, no one else was scheduled after me - so I took the extra-long tour in a car I could easily see myself owning - it's that impressive.  Power, handling, comfort, style... it's such a great package, I found myself grinning as I hustled it through some twisty, tree-lined roads. The seats are phenomenal, the sound system is quite impressive for an OEM setup, and the technology package is totally worth the extra money.  The pearl white over tan interior oozes class, and I thoroughly enjoyed my date with the new Altima.



[gallery include="14798,14799,14800" link="file"]

Upon returning to the hotel with the Altima, there was just enough time to go change clothes and get ready for GAME TIME.  The buses... err, NV3500's... were loading up to shuttle us to Cowboys Stadium, and I didn't want to miss what was supposed to be the ultimate tailgate experience!  

My ride to the stadium...





Arriving at the stadium early, the unbelievably huge parking lot was already packed - Not to worry, our driver got ushered right through the gates and delivered us directly to the Nissan Media Tailgating Area, which was set up like a small city within the chaos.  Before we exited the van, we got this:



THIS was going to get even more epic.  Join me for the rest of the event?  

Click here for Part Three of the 2013 Nissan Sentra Unveiling & College Football weekend!







                    [post_title] => 2013 Sentra Unveiling & College Football - Part Two
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                    [post_content] => Arriving in the tailgating area, we were treated some incredible BBQ, catered by Big Bob Gibson.  Again, an open bar, big-screen televisions, and all the food you could eat made this the most amazing tailgating experience imaginable. Click the pictures to check it out:

[gallery include="14804,14805,14806" link="file"]

[gallery include="14807,14808,14809" link="file"]

Equally awesome was the virtual Heisman House, set up by Nissan.  It looks like the front of a college fraternity, and parked in front were two 2013 Nissan Sentra sedans, wrapped in Michigan and Alabama colors, respectively.


 

Inside the Heisman House, fans of college football can experience the game in virtual reality. Participants get a scannable lanyard as they enter. Then, for example, if a fan does the field-goal kick game, their results are automatically uploaded to their Facebook page because the lanyard gets scanned before they make a kick... same with all of the other events. 



While enjoying the tailgating, I got the opportunity to meet Dan Patrick, who cruised through for a visit - How cool is that!!! Oh, and the 100-degree temperatures and brutal Dallas humidity was no match for the countless ice-cold beverages...

[gallery include="14813,14814" link="file"]

Right before game time, I got the chance to meet University of Alabama Heisman Trophy winner and current New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram - and his mom (pictured below).  Now, being born and raised in Alabama (ROLL TIDE), this was a special experience for me... I wish my Dad could have been present, he'd have been ecstatic.  This one's for you, Dad:

[gallery include="14815,14816,14817" link="file"]



Even if the day had ended right then, it would have been one of the highlights of my life - but there was MORE to come... The folks from Nissan got us all together and gave us our tickets to the game. Now, COwboys Stadium is incredible, enormous, and majestic - I couldn't wait to see the colossal screens that everyone had been talking about and the amazing facilities in "The House That Jerry [Jones] Built".  Little did I know we'd have a field-level, catered suite!  Check THIS out:

[gallery include="14819,14820,14821" link="file"]



As if that weren't perfect enough, Nissan also had box seats for everyone, right above this area... I chose to watch the game from field level, and while everyone had high hopes for an evenly-matched battle between two iconic college football teams, Alabama came out strong and never let up, hammering Michigan in true SEC football fashion.

The enormous video screen (one of many) in Cowboys Stadium, the down marker for the Cowboys Classic, and some of the team from Zocalo Group and Nissan (Hi Rob and Madelyn!)
[gallery include="14826,14827,14828" link="file"]

Alabama's "Million Dollar Band" pre-game show:

[gallery include="14830,14831,14832" link="file"]

Alabama scoring the first of many touchdowns (sorry, Michigan fans!):

[gallery include="14834,14835,14837" link="file"]

Hey look - Right in front of me - It's ESPN's Lee Corso!  He turned around to say HI, and I promptly dropped my camera... Duh!

[gallery include="14838,14839" link="file"]

Hey look - ALSO right in front of me - It's ESPN's Samantha Steele!  Interestingly enough, she didn't say HI... No matter, I'd have dropped my camera again.

[gallery include="14841,14842,14843" link="file"]

Right before halftime, I got to chat with some of the members of the 'Bama Band... Made me miss my marching band days - These kids are the best of the best!

[gallery include="14844,14845,14846" link="file"]

I'll add the rest of the pictures below so you guys can peruse them as you wish - Of course, I had to get the cheerleader pics for my staffers!  I hope you guys enjoyed this little glimpse into my weekend with Nissan in Dallas.  Please feel free to share the article with friends on Facebook, Google+, and other forums... Please also help support the Heisman Trust, and go out and test drive a new 2013 Sentra!

Thanks for joining me - Enjoy the rest of the pictures (click for full-size), and until next time: Go Nissan and ROLL TIDE! 

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                    [post_title] => 2013 Sentra Unveiling & College Football - Part Three
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            [post_content] => In September, I was invited by Nissan and Zocalo Group to attend the unveiling of the completely-redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra in Dallas, Texas.  The event just happened to coincide with the 2012 Cowboys Classic, which kicks off the opening weekend of college football at Cowboys Stadium.  Since Nissan is heavily involved in sponsorship of college football and the Heisman Trophy, invitees would be attending the game as guests of Nissan.  This would be an event I'd never, ever forget.  

Running the show here at NICOclub since 2002, I'd been to new car unveilings before... but nothing compared to this.  Nissan went all-out, start to finish, and I've finally got some time to sit down and write about it.  I hope you'll join me as I recap the weekend's events in text and pictures.... LOADS of pictures - Let's go!

The team at Zocalo Group (which handles Nissan's social media marketing, growth, and consumer engagement campaigns) contacted me to gather pertinent TSA information for my reservations. The Zocalo team are a hard-working, fun-loving bunch, and their attention to detail is unreal - Nissan chose wisely, because these folks have got it on lock!  A day later, I was booked for a nonstop flight to Dallas - time to pack my bags!

Upon arrival at the Dallas airport, I was met by a greeter holding a Nissan sign in baggage claim, who knew my name and what I do - Total VIP treatment!  Our transportation to the hotel was a gorgeous black Platinum Edition Armada, and they booked us rooms at the luxurious Hotel Palomar in Dallas.



Checking in to my room, I find a letter from Nissan, welcoming me to the weekend's event... Not to mention, a totally sweet black Nissan sling bag, and a stack of goodies.  Check it out:

[gallery include="14747,14749,14748" link="file"]

I checked in downstairs for a quick catered snack, and got an opportunity to meet some of the other guests. The room was filled with a virtual "who's who" of automotive journalists and bloggers, and it was really cool getting to put names with faces. Around 6 p.m., we all loaded up in a fleet of brand new Nissan NV3500 vans to attend the Sentra Reveal at 129 Leslie, a cool location just west of downtown Dallas in the Design District. 

Speaking of the NV3500, these things are AMAZING. Colossal and classy, these leather-lined behemoths are definitely an impressive and comfortable way to transport a lot of people anywhere in style!



With an open bar, great lighting, good music, and the as-yet unveiled Sentras on display, everyone had a great time getting to know each other and "talking shop". This was a networking paradise, and Nissan had the Heisman Trophy on display. Of course, I had to have my picture taken with it - and no, I didn't do the "Heisman Pose"...

[gallery include="14755,14756,14757,14758,14759,14762" link="file"]

Soon the team from Nissan took the stage and introduced the Product Planners and some of the team that worked on the "Heisman House" series of Nissan commercials - A couple of them, I hadn't seen yet - check them out on YouTube, they're awesome.  Heisman Trophy winner, 10-year NFL veteran and ESPN analyst Desmond Howard was on hand to assist with the unveiling and chat with the guests.

[gallery include="14763,14764,14765" link="file"]

After the cars were unveiled, we all had an opportunity to check them out, speak with Nissan's representatives and Product Planners, and converse about the new designs.  The general consensus? A huge improvement from the B16 Sentra, especially in regard to appearance, comfort, luxury, technology and functionality. Many of you participated in the the 2013 Sentra Live Chat earlier in the year.  Lots of goodies for an entry-level price, and while it's down on power somewhat, it's also lighter, roomier, and more fuel-efficient. 

[gallery include="14768,14769,14770,14771,14772,14773,14774,14775,14776,14777,14778,14779" link="file"]

After the reveal, we sat down to a spectacular catered multi-course gourmet dinner. I wound up seated with some folks from the Heisman Committee and a few of Nissan's Corporate folks... Great times talking about cars, football, and the automotive industry.

Back to the hotel that evening, and many of us retired to the lounge for more drinks and social time. Such a neat experience to meet other automotive journalists - people whose articles you read frequently - and get to know them in-person.  I also had the pleasure of hanging out with Kyle Bazemore, who Infiniti aficionados will recognize as the Senior Manager for Infiniti Product Communications... turns out, he's a HUGE Alabama fan - and funny as all hell to boot. 

As we all turned in for the night, a great night's sleep was totally welcomed. The next day was to be exciting and extraordinary, a car enthusiast's and sports-lover's ideal day.  Join me?

Click here for Part Two of the 2013 Nissan Sentra Unveiling & College Football weekend!









            [post_title] => 2013 Sentra Unveiling & College Football - Nissan Hospitality in Full Effect
            [post_excerpt] => Earlier this year, NICOclub attended the private unveiling of the completely-redesigned Sentra - but that was JUST the beginning of an amazing weekend with our friends from Nissan!
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