New picks facility as sweet as a McFlurry

"What recession?" picks panel administrator John McAdams said with a Happy Meal-sized smile as he opened the door to the new multipurpose picks panel facility Friday. "I'm loving it."

The $40 million state-of-the-arts facility will house the picks panel administrative offices, the picks panel learning center, the picks panel testing center, the picks panel hall of fame and 25 luxury suites.

The McPratt House of Fame replaces the old Thumper Dome, which served as an administrative building and testing center. It was funded by former picks panel super fan Jack "Thumper" Thorenson.

"No other picks panel in the country can compete with this new facility," McAdams said. "We've got the best sponsor in America in McDonald's and it's just a matter of time before we have the best pickers.

"So why shouldn't we have the best picks panel facility?"

McAdams said no other picks panel facility has luxury suites, which will lease for $35,000 a year.

"You could live there year-round if you wanted," McAdams said. "All the suites have a bedroom and access to the McDonald's kitchen, which will be open 24-7.

"Another appealing aspect to the suites is that you can watch pickers studying, being tested or just hanging out. It's a rare opportunity for common, rich people to mingle with celebrities.

"In fact, that gave me an idea for the name of our lounge, which opens into both the picks panel testing center and the hallway of suites. We're calling it the 'Rich and Famous Lounge.' "

McAdams thanked both McDonald's and picks panel super fan Ronald McPratt for helping finance the project.

Blog This: Mickie Dees, who blogs about the goings-on of the picks panel, asked McAdams if he was concerned about opening such an opulent facility at a time when so many Americans are struggling financially.

Before McAdams could respond, the majority of the media, who were served a free McDonald's meal at the press conference, booed and hissed at Dees.

"Raise that arm again, and it might not come back the way it was," shouted picker Chip Kain, as he pulled a handgun from beneath his pants leg.

"Whoa, guys," the diplomatic McAdams said. "That's a legitimate question. Don't think we haven't thought a lot about it. That's why picks panel fans will be able to tour the facility for only $7 apiece.

"They will be able to meet the pickers and administrators. Also, we've got what we call our 'fake suite,' which looks similar to our real suites. Common people can hang out there for a few minutes while pretending they're rich and famous."

Help For The Homeless: McAdams said the Thumper Dome won't be demolished. Instead, it eventually will be converted into a homeless shelter.

"It might take another year before we get that going," McAdams said. "It will be our way of giving something back to the community.

"In fact, if former picks panel administrator John Adams would ever call me back, I would ask him if he's interested in running the shelter - just in case he doesn't have a job by then."

The former picks panel administrator, who "resigned" (under fire) during the 2008 season has spent this season visiting other picks panels and is keeping his job options open.

Last Week's Results: Brought to you by the McDonald's New Angus Third Pounders.

Rookie picker Eric Arnold topped last week's panel and joined eight other winners in qualifying for the post-season McOffs.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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