Thousands of revelers turned out to watch the pre-game festivities at Columbus Circle on September 4, as the NFL staged a grand concert and celebration of the championship New York Giants leading up to kickoff of the 89th season.

The Giants went on to defeat the Redskins 16-7 Thursday night in the season opener at the Meadowlands.

 At Columbus Circle, Harry Carson and David Tyree, who helped take the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII, got a rousing welcome from the crowd.

Natasha Bedingfield kept the energy pumped up in her opening performance. Fans were also treated to headline performances by Keith Urban and Usher before the game got underway. 

No tickets were needed for the outdoor free concert, but those who couldn't get up close to the stage could see all the action on giant screens. The backdrop of Columbus Circle framed by the Time Warner Center, with the reflections on its glass facade, and the blimp cruising overhead against a clear blue sky, made for spectacular staging. 

Related Street closures in the immediate area are expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m. Friday.

On Friday, TV coverage of the concert and pre-game parties will air on 4 New York at 7:30 pm, as well as at 9 pm during the NFL/NBC Fall Preview.

posted by: Elise Rosen, September 4, 2008