Before a real snap was ever called in the Dallas Cowboys brand new $1.15 billion stadium, the virtual Cowboys took to the $46 million HD screens inside. Sony and EA Sports joined the Dallas Cowboys and their season ticket holders by inaugurating the new stadium with Madden NFL 10. While about 10,000 season ticket holders checked out the new digs, the only action on the field was in videogame form.

Sony brought 256 PlayStation gamers to the stadium, where some were able to play on the 60 yard-long screen, as well as the regular-sized Sony Bravia HD TVs that were strewn throughout the real field. Sony also had its PlayStation truck on hand. The stadium is massive. It’s the largest in the world. Cowboys Stadium contains a retractable roof, glass doors behind each end zone that can be opened, and the aforementioned largest HD TV in the world.

Although the real Cowboys were at training camp in San Antonio while their virtual incarnations were playing on the big screen, wide receiver Isaiah Stanback and running back Tashard Choice chimed in on just how big a deal the new Madden game is to the Cowboys in these exclusive interviews.

Isaiah Stanback

The former quarterback for the University of Washington Huskies is a wide receiver on the Dallas Cowboys, who now have more room to maneuver in that position with the departure of Terrell Owens. Stanback talks about his love of videogames, taking a break during pre-season camp.

What videogames did you play growing up?

Double Dribble, Tecmo Bowl, Madden once it started coming out, NBA Live.

What’s the first game you remember really getting hooked on and playing non-stop?

Probably Double Dribble and RBI Baseball on Nintendo.

How realistic do you think these games are today?

They’ve gotten a lot more realistic, but they need to correct our speed.

Since the games now have team plays and offensive and defensive playbooks, how might a rookie take advantage of Madden for more than just playing for fun?

You can’t take Madden too seriously; it’s only a video game.

With Madden NFL 10 out now, how big a deal is it in the pros to check out your player ratings in the new game?

That’s the first thing you do, you go straight to the rating and check it out, and either you’re going to be happy, or pissed off. I remember the first time I got on NCAA Football, I ran around the block because I was on a videogame, finally.

If you were in charge of Madden for a year, what would you add or change?

Player Ratings upgrades every week. Like speed, strength and stuff like that.

What are your thoughts on the fact that the Madden NFL 10 game was played in your new stadium on the big HD screen? So a football videogame inaugurated your new field before a real football game?

I think it’s awesome that they’re playing on the big screen; I wish I could do that. The first time I walked into the stadium I said we need to play some Call of Duty on this thing.

Do you think the guys might try playing some games on that $46 million screen when you get a break?

If they let us, I’ll be there. I guarantee you.

Who’s the best videogamer on the Cowboys?

It depends on the game. We’ve got some guys who are good at certain games and not so good at others. Jay Ratliff is pretty active on the videogames and don’t pass up Flozell Adams, he’ll play Gears of War until it’s time to go back to practice.

Where do you stand in the mix?

I’m pretty good, most people don’t know about me, but ask Ratliff and those guys they know because we get online and play together.

What do you guys like to play besides Madden?

Call of Duty and Gears of War.

What role, if any, do videogames play in building camaraderie during pre-season?

They play a lot to be honest with you, I got a lot closer to some of the guys when Gears of War came out. We would rush home after practice and play together.

Do you guys ever stay in touch off-season through gaming over Xbox Live or PlayStation Network?

We do stay in touch, most guys play Xbox.

Tashard Choice

The former Georgia Tech running back has found a home in Dallas, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Choice complements the Cowboys’ Marion Barber in the running game. He talks about his own background in videogames and how the team plays together.

What videogames did you play growing up?

Madden, Mortal Kombat, and Mario Kart

What's the first game you remember really getting hooked on and playing non‐stop?

All of them. I played them all the time

How realistic do you think these games are today?

Very. I love them all. Call of Duty is my favorite

With Madden NFL 10 out now, how big a deal is it in the pros to check out your player ratings in the game?

You got to check it out, but they always mess it up.

What are your thoughts on the fact that the Madden NFL 10 game was played in your new stadium on the big HD screen? So a football videogame inaugurated your new field before a real football game?

Cool, all the way cool.

Do you think you guys might try playing some games on that $46 million screen when you get a break?

No, not me. I will watch.

Who's the best videogamer on the Cowboys?

I don’t know who is the best at Madden, they talk about it but I don’t know who is the best.

What do you guys like to play besides Madden?

Call of Duty.

What role, if any, do videogames play in building camaraderie during pre‐season?

It can. You know, we like to hang out with each other and play them, so that’s cool.

Gamers at the New Dallas Cowboys Stadium