Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SOCHI — One of the best places to see all sorts of things is right in the heart of the games at the Olympic Park. One thing you'll notice right away is that a lot of American music is playing.
However, there is also plenty of Russian music, which is pretty cool, because you don't get to hear it that often in Utah. Of course that isn't the only thing to see and hear at the Olympics. The fans are sometimes as big of a spectacle as anything else.
You don't have to know what this girl is saying to know she's excited you're here.
And as soon as fans walk across this bridge at the main entrance and see the Olympic torch burning ahead is when the cameras come out.
That's when Russians show their pride.
Even kids get into it. This little Russian guy put on a show, took off his hat then gave us a thumbs up.
It's not too often you see a line of female drummers in high heels turning heads. But something a lot of people really wanted to see is something Park City resident Michael Jerome had — an American flag.
"I'm proud to represent my country wherever I am, it doesn't matter," Jerome said. "So I'm happy to be here with a flag and why we're here and we're kicking." Aside from that though, security is tight, a reminder that more has been spent to produce and secure these Olympics than any other games in history. Those who come here need a spectator pass just to get into the park. An athletic ticket isn't enough.
"Even our parents are here and they can't get in today," said Great Britain figure skater David King. This group is with Great Britain's figure skating team and say even though crowds are getting bigger by the day, it's nothing like their London Games in 2012.
"Yeah, it's quite strange," said fellow Great Britain figure skater Jenna McCorkell. "I think if everyone was allowed in it would be a bit more of an atmosphere. But I guess as the games go on and the medals start going and stuff like that, the atmosphere will lift as well."
