Bringing in the New Year with Lady GaGa

Happy New Year to all.

At the Fontainebleau Lady GaGa ushered in the New Year to a packed crowd. The show started at the strike of midnight with three songs, "Bad Romance," "Just Dance," and "Pokerface." Rumors were circulating the performer was unhappy her "demands" weren't satisfied and only performed those three.

Before access to the roof of the Fontainebleau was closed to members of the Iowa Football Orange Bowl party, we were able to get a closer look at the set-up and performance area of the concert.

Hawkeyes with the Stars

New Year's Eve ended up being an off day for the Iowa Football team. Into game week, this is the squad's Monday. After an morning weight training session, many of the Hawkeyes made their way to one of the many pools at the Fontainebleau.

The Fontainebleau is preparing for popular singer and performer, Lady GaGa at poolside. While preparations were underway, the Iowa Football players were not the only stars lounging around. Movie producer and director Spike Lee spent time with the Hawkeyes. Above Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt is invited into Spike's poolside area.

Spike Lee also takes time to meet Adrian Clayborn.

Spike also spends time with other players on the roster. Iowa quarterback John Weinke overherd Lee talk to the players about life after football is over.

The opportunity to meet Lee was special for the entire team.

Also poolside was Kevin Connolly of HBO's "Entourage." Connolly wasn't able to spend as much time with the team, but did take a moment for a couple of pictures. Many of the stars are at the hotel for the concert, but they are also taking advantage of the many features the Fontainebleau has to offer.

(Photo Courtesy John Weinke)

Sophomore quarterback John Weinke gets a photo opportunity with the Entourage star.

With a beach so close to the hotel, the Fontainebleau is a favorite spot for the Hawkeyes and Holloywood stars. While Iowa City is suffering through a cold, snowy spell, this is part of the reward the Hawkeyes worked hard for during the season.

The Fontainebleau

This week the names Ferentz, Stanzi and Angerer are on the guest list of the Fontainebleau hotel, but this famous hotel has also hosted the likes of Sinatra, Kardashian and Lee. While in Miami for the 2010 Fed Ex Orange Bowl, this beach side residence is the home of the Iowa Hawkeye football team.


Just a year after a multi-million dollar renovation the Fontainebleau is one of Miami Beach's "chic" spots for the rich and famous. It is home to the best in entertainment, food and health and fitness.


The finest of dining opportunities abound at the Fontainebleau. Gotham Steak, Hakkasan, and Scarpetta are among the many choices. Steaks, Cantoneese and Italian are the specialties, but it is not limited to those establishments either. There are a number of smaller delis and snack shops that are available as well.


There isn't a lack of places to unwind and relax. Lapis is the spa to the South Beach royalties and the number of swimming pools and hot tubs give people of all ages to lounge around. A gym and workout room overlook the ocean, or one can run for miles steps from the hotel on the boardwalk that lines the Atlantic Ocean.


There is plenty to do at night. LIV is the hottest night club on South Beach. New Year's Eve is expected to bring over 8,000 people to the club. Just outside of LIV is the Bleau Bar which was home to the Max Weinberg Orchestra's tour opening nights. Also on New Year's Eve, the Fountainebleau pool area will host what Perez Hilton has called the "hottest ticket", Lady GaGa. Pricing for the concert starts out at $425 for a general admission ticket with reserved tables as high as $20,000.


While the Hawkeyes have called the Fontainebleau home, the team's stay may be secondary to many at the hotel. On the day the Hawkeyes arrived an Indian wedding was in progress. Hotel officials worked with the City of Miami Beach to stop traffic for 15 minutes on the busy Collins Ave outside the hotel to allow the wedding party to walk down the street following the groom atop a horse. Over 800 people were in attendance for the million dollar affair.


With many rooms going for $1500 a night...and filled, the Fontainebleau is definitely the place to be this New Years.