Andre Ethier 2012 LA Auto Show Appearance

On Sunday, December 2, I planned on taking my kids down to the 2012 LA Auto show. This has been an annual trip for us and we were looking forward to seeing all the new cars. This year's show was held from November 30 through December 9. I was able to make it down to the Convention Center a few days earlier to meet Clippers Forward Blake Griffin and this second trip was to to see the cars.

While we were getting ready to go down to the Convention Center, I got a tip that Andre Ethier would be making an appearance that afternoon at the State Farm Insurance booth. I was heading down there anyway, so I might as well get an auto from Dre. I packed up a few items I needed signed and we headed downtown.

When we arrived, there were only three other people waiting for Ethier! I figured since there were so few people they would let us get outside items signed. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. Just minutes before Ethier came out we were told he would only be signing the provided State Farm 8x10 pictures. Although I was a little disappointed I wasn't going to get my items signed,  I'm also not one to turn down an auto. The picture they provided wasn't too bad anyway. 

Me and my two little monsters.

Andre was scheduled to appear from 1:00 to 2:30 and he showed up right on time, signing right away and even taking pictures with people. After we all got our autos, we decided to head to the convention. There were probably thirty people in line at that point and we could have easily gone back for more, but seriously, how many Ethier State Farm 8x10s do I need? Plus, my kids were really impatient and fidgety and wanted to get to the cars.

Although this year's Auto Show had less athlete and celebrity appearances than in previous years, it was still nice to get autographs from two of LA's bigger sports stars. Plus, the show itself is always a good time. Thanks to Andre Ethier and State Farm Insurance for the autographs and the nice meet & greet.

Blake Griffin 2012 LA Auto Show Appearance

The last couple of years the Los Angeles Auto Show has had some great athlete appearances, so I was looking forward to this year's convention. The 2012 show opened Friday and they got off to a nice start. Like last year, Kia Motors brought in their big spokesman Clippers forward Blake Griffin for an autograph session. Blake was scheduled to appear from 3-5.

I arrived at the Convention Center at at 1:00 and there weren't many people in line. We were told one autograph per person and he would not be signing outside items. I kind of expected this, so I didn't bring anything in. At 2:00 wristbands were handed out, so I decided to check out some of the cars while Mrs.Bobble held our spot in line. 

After checking out some new cars I got back in line. Blake arrived right at 3:00 and started signing and taking pics right away. As usual, Blake was very nice and talked with everyone for a few moments. This year's 8x10 was very nice too. Much more impressive than last year's picture. 

I had a great time at the Convention Center. Blake Griffin and KIA were awesome. And even though I didn't get to see all the cars at the show, I would get another chance a couple days later, along with another autograph opportunity.

Player Appearance: Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan and Craig Smith

I took the family to the LA Auto Show today. It was a great time. There's some great new cars coming out. Anyway, we were strolling through the South Hall at the LA Convention Center checking out the Saabs, when someone from the neighboring Kia exhibit announced over the loud speaker that two members of the Los Angeles Clippers, DeAndre Jordan and Craig Smith, would be signing autographs.

I had no idea they'd be signing. I knew former Laker AC Green was there Friday night and golfer Michelle Wie will be there Wednesday, but there was nothing on the show's website about Jordan and Smith. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Not that either one of them are stars, but it's still cool to meet a couple of young NBA studs.

I got in line right away. There were about 20 people in front of me. We were told they'd only sign one item each. I didn't have anything for them to sign. Luckily they had some free pictures at the signing table. I got to the front of the line and a Kia rep said she'd take a picture for me. When the guys were signing for me, I asked them if they saw any cars they liked at the show. DeAndre said he hadn't looked and Craig said he liked the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Nice. There were a couple of Clippers cheerleaders there too. They were very nice ladies who signed a picture for me.

This season the Clippers are off to an awful start, 1-13. Despite having one of the top studs in the league in Blake Griffin, this team is going nowhere. Looks like they'll be lottery-bound again. Jordan and Smith are just role players on this crappy team, but it was nice of them to sign and represent the Clips today.Thanks again to DeAndre Jordan, Craig Smith, Kia and the Clippers for the autographs.