THE COLONY – Eric Hunt and his two boys were seated in the domed area of Cosm, which can best be described as a sports bar on steroids.
With almost beyond-belief technology, the huge semicircle had the Mavericks’ game at Indiana showing on Wednesday and if you didn’t know better, you’d have thought you were right there in Indianapolis sitting courtside.
“This is our first experience. It’s pretty cool,” said Hunt, who lives in Fort Worth. “I’m already making plans on coming back. Not that the tickets are crazy at Mavs’ games, but it’s a just a little more chill. We’re able to walk in. It’s not as hard to get to your seats. Seems like it’ll be a lot easier to get to the bathroom.
“I’m not going to say it’s better than being there, but it’s pretty close – I’m pretty impressed.”
Braxton, 13, sitting next to Eric, looked like a kid in a candy store.
“It’s pretty cool. It feels like I’m actually at the game,” he said.
That was the universal theme at the official Dallas Mavericks’ watch party for the game that was being played some 750 miles away but seemed like a live event in many ways.
Cosm is a new venue that opened on Aug. 31 and features more bells and whistles than you can imagine. Service is impeccable. Sports of all kind are on screens everywhere you look. And there’s plenty of space to spread out.
And, of course, the dome is the headliner. It’s a giant screen, like a small planet cut in half and hollowed out. With the help of broadcast and league partners, it can provide jaw-dropping (and colossal) views from court level to overhead shots.
From the second-floor balcony, it’s almost difficult to figure out where the balcony ends and the screen showing the game begins. Be sure to pay attention walking down the steps.
“The best way we like to describe Cosm is we are a shared-reality venue,” said marketing manager Trang Nguyen. “We have multiple parts – the dome, the hall and the deck. Ultimately, our goal is to transfer fans to their favorite events and make them feel like they’re there.
“On the dome side, we have technology that makes you feel like you’re at the game, transporting you courtside at an NBA game. Reception has been great. Cosm is really an experience you have to see to believe. To see new faces come through constantly wowed by the experience and the hospitality, bringing food to your seats while you’re cheering your favorite team, it’s been great.”
The dome was sold out for the Mavericks’ watch party, as it is for most major events. But if your favorite team is playing at the same time that the Mavericks or Cowboys or Rangers on opening day are playing, there is a wall more than 100 feet long lined with screens showing various events.
And there is an outside area when the weather cooperates.
Quite simply, it’s beyond any sports bar.
“My first time – it’s awesome,” said Kevin Gentry, of Southlake, who was wearing a Dirk Nowitzki No. 41 jersey. “It’s easier (than going to a game) and you got a great view as well. We’re going to take a tour around and see everything. I’m already looking at MMA fights, the Final Four – looking forward to coming back.”
Gentry grew up in Atlanta and still follows the Hawks, but as a retired military man, he now follows and supports the Mavericks.
“Right now, we’re going through the growing pains,” he said of this year’s Mavericks. “A lot of people aren’t happy, but I think we’re going to come out on top. I’d like to see (Anthony Davis return) and get the momentum going for the future. We’re looking forward to coming back next year and having a healthier team.”
David Nash, who was at Cosm with his wife, Vida, agreed that he hopes the Mavericks can generate some optimism in the waning games of this season.
“It’s unfortunate, but I don’t make the decisions for the team,” he said. “I’m in Dallas, I’m going to be a Maverick fan for life. Good times, bad times, I’m with the Mavericks no matter what. Somebody else made a decision. They made it for a reason. I’m not in that position to make that decision. It is what it is. Maverick for life.
“With everybody getting hurt, it’s a struggle. On to next season. No matter what team you pull for – Lakers, Boston, Golden State — everybody has bad years. One player can make a huge impact. Show some pizzazz to what we can look forward to next year.”
His wife said it was their first time to Cosm, but won’t be their last.
“I really like it. I like the feel of it,” Vida Nash said. “This is a better option for people who don’t necessarily like to be at the arena and around all the people, this gives you more freedom. This is definitely something we’re going to come back and do.”
And Mavericks’ fans will have plenty of opportunities to take in Cosm and the unique viewing concept during the team’s upcoming four-game trip to the East Coast, which will feature early start times for family-friendly nights out.
For more information about future watch parties, go to mavs.com/watchparties.
X: @ESefko
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