Dear ESPN:

First of all, let me say that I'm glad you're here. This city went three seasons without hosting a game on Monday night, a stretch that began in 2008 -- Mike Holmgren's final year as head coach - and continued all the way until last year's game against the Rams in December. And for all the marketing and made-for-TV hoopla that surrounds Monday Night Football, there is something very cool about being featured.

So thanks for being here.

But at the risk of being an overly particular host, wondering if you might entertain a small request. It seems that every time a game in Seattle is televised nationally, footage of the fish being thrown at Pike Place Market always gets included. Can we, like, NOT do that this time around?

I love the market. I'm a devoted Sosio's fruit shopper, and consider Pike Place one of the truly unique things about this city. And Pike Place Fish Market is a really cool business that has built itself into a national brand that has gone so far as giving motivational presentations on how to energize the work place. And who can argue against the visual impact of fish being thrown? It's great. At least it was for the first 11,392 times that was shown as part of a sports telecast.

There's lots about this city to show. From the state ferries to the sculpture parks to that ginormous ferris wheel that's now sitting on the water front. Heck, Bruce Lee is buried here, and there's a Jimi Hendrix statue up on Broadway. And if you need more ideas, ask a few folks around town because I think most of us will tell you that footage of fish getting hucked is about as innovative and creative as coffee jokes.

But again, glad you're here, and hope you enjoy your visit.

       Sincerely,
       -- This Seattle sports reporter