A perfect day for 'The Price is Right'

By Sophie Asmar

LOS ANGELES -- Six hours huddled up in line on a cold sidewalk, desperately trying to get even a few moments of beauty rest so that we might look good on camera, all to see a TV legend and hear those three little words: "COME ON DOWN!"

Millions of Americans have dreamed of meeting Bob Barker, host of the hit TV game show "The Price is Right." Unfortunately for most, that dream will soon become an unfulfilled fantasy, as Barker will retire his crown as king of daytime TV game shows in June after his 35-year reign.

Dressed in 10 layers and loaded with blankets, folding chairs and various forms of entertainment, my group arrived at CBS Studios around midnight the night before the taping.

After six hours of uncharacteristically cold L.A. weather, we finally traded our free mail-order tickets for placeholders and were told to return an hour later without cell phones, cameras or large bags.

As we skipped passed the hundreds of people in line behind us who would not get tickets, we did not realize how long the process would actually be.

It was not until they had us lined up and numbered like cattle inside the CBS compound, attempting to get through formalities as quickly as possible, that I realized how diverse the audience was.

Lawyers from Rhode Island, college students from Ohio, couples celebrating anniversaries, families celebrating Grandma's 95th birthday, women embracing divorce, people who had flown, driven, taken the train from around the country, all in hopes of shaking the infamous Bob Barker's hand -- and maybe winning a car.

After optimistically signing disclaimers, we were given our big yellow name tags, trademark of the show. At last, a tangible sign that it was really happening.

A pair of producers took the time to interview each of the 400-some audience members. People wore shirts with slogans like, "Without Bob, the Price is wrong," "Nerds heart Bob," and "Grandma is Bob's biggest fan," attempting to get noticed. In groups of 10, each person introduced themselves and tried to win the hearts of the weary producers.

Within that one-second introduction, you had to be compelling enough to warrant another question from the producers and a spot as a contestant.

Finally, eight hours later, after winding through security and the waiting line maze, we finally made it into the studio.

Each person paused at the door in awe of how small the studio was, thinking just how close they would actually be to Mr. Barker.

The colors and lights that covered the walls, along with the set, which seemed to have been decorated a few decades ago, set the surreal scene.

We were told that we would likely not be able to hear if our name was called as a contestant and to look for cue cards instead. And before we knew it, the music started, the announcer spoke and out walked the legend himself, Mr. Bob Barker, to an outrageous roar from the audience.

The first contestant's game was taped, and then they paused for a commercial. To my surprise, Bob stepped forward, welcomed the crowd and began taking questions from the audience.

Most people simply wanted to confess their undying adoration for him. One man, however, asked Barker's drink of choice, to which he quickly responded, "Why? What do you have?" with his classic smile.

As the show progressed, Rebecca, a girl from our group, was told to "Come on down!" After a nerve-racking game of Pocket Change, she ended up winning a Ford Fusion, though she sadly did not make it to the Showcase.

During another commercial break toward the end of the show, a woman revealed a tattoo of Barker's face on her arm. She requested that he sign it so that she may have his autograph tattooed, as well. He gladly obliged, on camera.

After 17 hours at CBS Studios, it was time to make the long drive back up north. We bid adieu to Barker, knowing we had been given a golden opportunity that we would be bragging about until we had grandchildren so far ahead of us that they could not even comprehend the concept of a "television."

Barker will be filming on various dates through June 6. To live the experience yourself, be sure to get your tickets before they are all booked. Visit www.cbs.com, and start thinking of what you will say in your interview.

Contact Sophie Asmar at (408) 551-1918 or sasmar@scu.edu.