I did not take a count on how many thousands of images I shot in the last five days. From the game alone I shot more than 1500 frames. Included in them  were a few behind the  scenes shots from the National Championship game

For those who want to see photos from the game click here.

I arrived at the stadium more than four hours before kick off. After setting up my computer and getting my camera gear and long lens stowed away for the game, I went out in search for Linn County fans tailgating. I was equipped with  cell phone numbers of dozens of fans from the area and even a general locations of one local tailgate party and one spot a local fan was waiting to purchase a ticket.

Shortly after starting my walk, which lasted nearly two hours,   I met a man who’s relative had been an employee for the Democrat-Herald for decades into the 1970s, I also met a OSU grad who grew up in the Ankeny area north of Jefferson he was wearing green and yellow helping support the Duck side of his family.

While walking I was also calling, leaving a few messages but rarely getting out with my cell phone. I guess the 70,000 plus fans that were entering the area were putting a high traffic toll on the cell systems.

We were hoping to include in our coverage a story on ticket sales. I blogged briefly about this on the day of the game. I did run into a group of Albany fans that were looking for a couple of tickets but the story really did not come about and I was running out of time to find my tailgaters so I headed towards the green parking lot. Bad timing on my part because I had to wade through a Auburn ritual that was clogging my path. I still don’t know what exactly was going on but it was almost a mini parade complete with horse mounted security band and cheerleaders.

In the parking lot with time running out I went from tail gate party to tail gate party asking about the group I was looking for, but had no luck. Finally it was time to head into the stadium for a mandatory photo meeting.

Below are a few photos from behind the scenes.

Media members wait to get their bags checked and a pat-down before entering the stadium. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Once inside it was a hike through tunnels to the media room.

The Media work room. We each had assigned seats with the tables segragated based on the coverage areas. My seat was next two the Register-Guard photographers seven seats down on the left.

My work station was right next to the Register-Guard Graphics director Rob Romig. I worked for Romig at the Springfield News while I was in college. He also is the former Democrat-Herald photographer whose position I took over some 15-years ago when he left for greener pastures.

Our entance into the stadium.

Chip Kelly checks out the field while walking on grass sold to the stadium by Turf Merchants in Tangent. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Phil Knight, in black, walks the sidelines prior to the start of the game. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Photographers line up two rows deep wait for a TV timeout to conclude. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Tight end Sam Doman gives the "Yell O" sign as he comes onto the field. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Releasing the Bald Eagle during the pre game activities. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

Rob Beard puts the first points on the board with a field goal. (Mark Ylen/Democat-Herald)

West Albany graduate Will Murphy, 90, shakes the hand of teammate Ben Butterfield during warmups. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)

One of the cannons used to shoot confetti during post game celebrations.