IRVING, Texas - Legendary: the only word even close to being big enough to describe Texas Stadium and all it encompasses. Maybe names would be more appropriate, names like Lilly, Meredith, Aikman, Landry, Smith, Sanders . . . Jones, Romo and Owens. Whether you've been a Cowboys fan for four or over 40 years, the magnitude of this final game at Texas Stadium is understood.

Jerry Jones, despite recently spending a good bit of change to build Texas Stadium's successor, spared no expense when it came to honoring the people and the place that have made this franchise America's Team. Former players such as Emmitt Smith, Randy White, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Chad Hennings and Bob Lilly enjoyed a special reception at the Stadium Club prior to Saturday's match-up between the Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens. Nate Newton (offensive lineman '86-'98) was beside himself as he met Larry Cole (defensive end '68-'80) while walking into the reception.

"I've been a Cowboys fan since '70, so when they opened the stadium in '71, I was excited," Newton said. "I've been a Cowboy virtually since I was 10. I'm getting to meet all these guys: Ralph Neely, I played with Randy White, I just missed Preston Pearson and Tony Hill; that's big. And I go out on the field today and talk to Marion Barber or DeMarcus Ware and they say to me, 'Man, I watched you play!' and I turn around and tell Ralph Neely the same thing. What comes around goes around."

As old teammates mingled with those who either preceded or followed them, memories of locker room gags and big plays floated through the air. D.D. Lewis (linebacker, '68, '70-'81) remembered a few pranks pulled on John Dutton (defensive end '79-'87) after he was traded from Baltimore.

"When Dutton came from Baltimore, he was told he had a phone call, from Mr. Bear; so he called the number he was given and asked for Mr. Bear . . . well, the phone number was to the zoo!"

For Calvin Hill (running back '69-'74), who also played at the Cotton Bowl for a few seasons, one of his favorite memories of Texas Stadium goes beyond a great play.

"My son was born on a Thursday and we played that Sunday; I threw a touchdown pass to Ron Sellers and they put on the digital scoreboard 'That pass was for Grant Hill,' so I got very excited when I saw that."

The night's opening ceremonies paid tribute to a Texas Stadium legend of whom you may not have heard: Tommy Loy. Before the Joneses moved into the Cowboys front office, Loy played the national anthem on the trumpet before every game. Remembering that tradition, the national anthem was played by a trumpeter before Saturday's game, while the sold-out crowd provided vocals, emphasizing the line "STAR-spangled banner."

All in all, it was a farewell fit for the king of NFL stadiums. But don't worry, we know there was a game being played too.