I borrowed the above pic from @CCole_E twitter, cuz apparently her tickets were slightly closer then mine…LOL!! I’m not complaining though…I had a great view of everything I needed to see.

The set design and staging for the show were extremely well done, they had a main stage with a platform that went up and down centered in front of it, then opposite there was another platform which could be raised as well, bringing the artists closer to the crowd across the main stage.

The lighting and use of lasers, fire and effects = mind-blowing…I was seriously mesmerized.

Obviously I wouldn’t expect anything less from Hip Hop Royalty, but all the staging, paired with SO MANY hits…all that music…WOW, just WOW!

During the 2 hour show they each had their own sets in addition to performing several songs together from Watch The Throne and elsewhere….but more than anything, I loved hearing Jay’s hits that took me back a good decade + … and being surrounded with everyone else who felt it too.

And — the best part, they did “Ni**as in Paris” 5 TIMES!! Twice to close the show and 3 times for an encore….and each time they re-started the crowd loved it that much more! “THAT SHIT CRAY!!!”

Shouts to my concert date Kimi..it was her FIRST EVER rap/hip hop concert!! I know, right!?!? It was a hot, sweaty, humid mess inside the Arena, but worth every beat that we danced too.

How many artists can make tens of thousands (grown ass adult fans) throw the Roc symbol in the air and all be on the same beat…. If they’re coming to an arena near you…you DON’T want to miss it…simply EPIC.

Kickoff was set for 6pm, but the Virgin Atlantic crew headed out early to attend the NFL Tailgate festivities being held outside before they opened the doors…

It was quite a sight to see THOUSANDS of fans out early in an array of NFL jerseys, representing virtually every one of the 32 teams… I sort of wondered how the British fans were selecting their team garb, was it the colors, the team’s city, the player?? I even saw some fans who sort of mixed and matched team apparel..hehe That’s a first! Nonetheless, great to see them all in the spirit and having fun taking part in an All-American tradition!!

Once inside, we made a beeline to the Virgin Atlantic Suite at “Pitch West,” where I was greeted/escorted by the gorgeous Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew…

…into a stunning suite!! VERY “SWANKY!!”

Next, I ventured down to the field level to hang out on the sidelines before the game while the teams warmed up. FYI – I used the “Queen’s Lift” to make my way down!!

While down on the field for pregame, I ran into Tony Siragusa doing his thing for NFL on FOX… And — I bumped into my buddy Major Wright who is a Safety for the Bears.

When it came time for the game’s opening ceremony, it was very comparable to what you’d see in any NFL Stadium on a Sunday. They had the pregame performance by the cheerleaders, the anthems, the pyro, etc…

There’s just something about hearing the US National Anthem in another country…makes me proud to be an American! And, I think they did a little ‘extra’ for this game too, with a performance by the Goo Goo Dolls!

T and I even got to visit with some of his friends from Chicago who made a spur of the moment decision to fly out for the game! Talk about loyal fans…

Eventually, we ‘retired’ to the Virgin Suite to take in the beautiful view!!

We also got an unobstructed overhead look at the shirtless guy running laps on the field…LOL Sort of random, but even more amusing was how he easily ran up and down the field, stopping to “high 5″ one of the Bucs and eluding a few security before they could tackle him! WOW!

The NFL International Series game experience in Wembley was nothing short of awesome…definitely something I will never forget!

Sadly, the next day was time to travel back across the pond -I did try to extend my trip, but flights were tight, so I’ll just have to go back another time! However…BONUS!! We experienced the Virgin Atlantic VIP treatment once again when we got to Heathrow to check in for the flight home.

First was a separate VIP entrance for check in and security…

Then a MEGA 12,000 square foot Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, where we could chill out prior to boarding!

Talk about “swanky” this place was super plush with lounge seating, a restaurant, spa and salon as well as fully-stocked bar! See for yourself….

Usually I’m not trying to have a LOOOONG time at the airport before my flight, but I could hang out in this clubhouse all day! Too bad I didn’t have more time, as I would’ve indulged in ALL the services!! haha

Thank you Virgin Atlantic for hosting us on this absolutely FABULOUS, one of a kind, trip of the year!! My experience as #RedHotReporter was nothing short of AMAZING and I can’t wait to do it again!

T is from Chicago, so he suited up in his BEARS gear…and I did too for the occasion!

The place was packed with British and American fans. Thousands of people flooded the square, and it was really cool to see the NFL getting so much LOVE in London! And even though it was technically Tampa Bay’s “home game” in London, there were clearly more BEARS fans in the crowd. BTW, did you know the Bucs owner also owns Manchester United, hence a great UK tie-in for them!  **NOTE: I kept thinking if the RAIDERS ever get to play in London, I KNOW the RAIDER NATION would be out in full force and England would be covered in Silver and Black!

We caught this moment of the Chicago Bears making a brief appearance at the event…

One of the main attractions were the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders…they can’t get enough of the NFL Cheerleaders in London! And — since the BEARS are one of the few NFL teams who do not have Pro Cheerleaders, the spotlight was squarely on ladies from Tampa Bay! I had the opportunity to interview a few of the ladies before they got on stage to perform, that will pop up On The Flipside soon!

At the same time I bumped into the cheerleaders, I also got the chance to meet NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He was very cool and took a few moments to chat with me about being the Red Hot Reporter and what I was doing for Virgin to share my NFL London experience with my peeps on social media..he was into it!

The rally was a cool experience, I met many NFL Legends, including members of the 85 Bears, as well as fans who trekked from the U.S. and other parts of Europe to experience the festivities.

Uhm, did I mention I was interviewed for NFL Network?? I have no idea if this has aired or what they are going to do with the footage, but I’m sure someone will let me know if they catch my interview!!

After the rally, the excitement did not stop as we did a quick wardrobe change and set off for the NFL London Bash!

It was a swanky “invite only” event with some “celeb” sightings…

Jerome Bettis (Above) & Cuba Gooding Jr. (Below)

I haven’t talked too much about the cuisine in London, and they are NOT known for it, but one kind of “interesting” dish they had at the party was a beef meatballs with tomato sauce over mashed potatoes dish…not bad! :/ hehe

The highlight of the evening was a performance by London native, now international superstar Estelle!

All in all, a FUN night, overall GREAT day..and the best is yet to come!! At this point, the credentials are stacking up and I needed to get a good night’s rest for the big game at Wembley Stadium.

DAY 3 of my Red Hot Reporter RECAP is coming up tomorrow!!

On this episode, we’ve got highlights from Zo’s Summer Groove, and this year special guests Alicia Keys and Cee Lo Green performed…I was a bit jealous I wasn’t on hand for this time around, but nonetheless I do have the highlights! Then, in Orlando, see footage from Dwight Howard’s Pro Camp, followed up with the SF Giants trip to the White House. This episode’s Sideline Distraction is Stephanie, a Seattle Sea Gal!! You can watch all the shows by visiting http://ontheflipsidetv.com

Look at how he gazes at his Auntie Aubrey with those big blue eyes… *sigh* He is a living cabbage patch doll!!

Then, later that night….I hit up Miami Beach and the Crown Royal Black Lounge at Mokai with Riza, where we met up with the Lady Dana!

Friday I attended the Irie Weekend Golf Tourney to shoot some interviews and footage for On The Flipside …

Lil Jon and his son DJ Slade were also in the house… Photos courtesy my photog Anthony Peraza

Friday night we LIV-ed it up…with DJ Irie and friends…

DJ Irie had one helluva party with lots of star power LIV-ing with the best of em….

The best part was when Irie was “on stage” with Flo Rida..so fun to WATCH him have fun..great vibe and atmosphere!!

Saturday I brunched on Ocean Drive with the girls…

And — I left the “Wet Willie’s” to Cat and Gabs!

When Sunday rolled around, we were close to running on empty..but we managed to get it in one last time at LIV!!

Above: Cherisse and Amy, Below: Gaby and Aubrey

Mind you it was really only about getting dressed up so I could rock the fabulous feather earring you see me wearing in the picture..Gaby spotted ‘em for me, and well, I was destined to have the earrings!

On another note…I learned oh SO MANY things from my friends this weekend, Blumpkin via Cat, Crippled Sparrow via Cherisse…but nothing could top Gaby’s “Cat Daddy” dance! She even shared this video with me of her dancing the dance….it’s dark and you have to turn your head to the side to watch…but you get the picture…enjoy!!

I interviewed him in the summer of ‘08, on set while he was shooting a music video… I remember this day because it was a totally last minute assignment, and I wasn’t really “done up” or ready to go, but he was nonetheless so complimentary and sweet while talking to me, just a cute teddy bear!

Just press PLAY!