July 24, 2004 - New York, NY - What do Elton John, Michael W. Smith, The Rockettes and the Detroit Shock have in common? The Answer: They all have performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City this summer.

Due to the Republican National Convention invading Madison Square Garden this August, the New York Liberty organization decided to move over a few blocks to Radio City Music Hall. Our beloved Shock had the honor of playing the first game at Radio City on Saturday, July 24. In front of a sellout crowd of 5,945, the teams took center stage - literally - as they played on the same floor that has hosted the Grammy Awards. The Rockettes, the world-famous line dancers, performed at halftime.

When the Shock arrived at Radio City, nobody knew what to expect. Shock.com asked Barb Farris to share some thoughts about playing at the unique venue.

What was the atmosphere like at Radio City on Saturday night?

Barb Farris: "It was great. Even if you are not familiar with New York City you have probably heard of Radio City Music Hall. However, for me it felt like home because it felt like Tulane. There were three tiers and it was not a mega-stadium but a homier atmosphere than the large Madison Square Garden."

How was the crowd and the seating?

Barb Farris: There was the majority of the crowd to the one side, but behind the baskets there were a couple makeshift bleachers that they had put in. Also behind each basket they had added a few bleachers for fans to see the game. However, New York fans occupied all the bleacher seats, which was a bummer. It was really fun playing there, it brought back memories of the recreation leagues I would play in college and high school. We really did not pay much attention to the crowd and the seating because we were battling with the Liberty on the floor.

Did it get really loud in the crowd and the music hall?

Barb Farris: "I can’t say that we really heard the crowd because we (the two teams) were getting on each other and competing in a basketball game. I can’t say that I heard the crowd."

Any highlights of your experience at Radio City Music Hall?

Barb Farris: "Swin almost fell right off the stage. There was the stage which was where the court was and about fifteen feet off the one side of the court was a drop-off that went to where the orchestra would usually be for a play and Swin attempted to save a ball and nearly went flying off the stage."

Being up on a stage like that did it make you feel like an actress in a play?

Barb Farris: "No, not really. But I think I caught a glimpse of one of the guys that is in the Sopranos. It was not one of the big guys of the show but I think it was the one that owns the restaurant in the show. So, I stopped and was like “Dude that is the guy from the Sopranos!!”

Overall rating?

Barb Farris: "It was a unique experience, but winning would have made it much more enjoyable."