Trip of the Week: Philadelphia

Trip of the Week - 10/30/09 - 11/1/09 - Philadelphia

Friday – Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00pm

Saturday – Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers – 1:00pm

Saturday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Sunday – New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – 1:00pm

Sunday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Four Teams – 5 games – 3 days.  Quite the sports dilemma in the city of brotherly love.  After Cliff Lee’s dominating performance in Game 1 in Yankee Stadium, the Phillies are heading home tied 1-1 with a chance to win the title in their own beautiful stadium.  At the same time, the Flyers, 76ers and Eagles all host big games at home.  So what to do?  Luckily for the Philadelphia sports fan, all of these important events take place all in one spot, all sharing one lot, so there is nothing to worry about or no where to go.  Here is the SportsBound guide to seeing ALL 5 games this weekend (and can make it 7 if you find a way to get Monday off).  Enjoy the weekend Philadelphia, you couldn’t find a better one.

About Philadelphia

It's been an intriguing evolution for The City of Brotherly Love since it saw the signings of the United States' two most hallowed documents in the 18th century - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Between the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the new National Constitution Center, Philadelphia still embraces its place in U.S. history, and it also has looked to achieve a new cultural sophistication despite its gruff exterior. A wide array museums and art galleries, a renowned symphony, picturesque parks and a revitalized waterfront area continue to prove that the nation's fifth-largest city has a lot more to offer than Rocky and cheesesteaks.

Pre Game Destinations

Because all the stadiums are packed into one spot, and all share the same local bars, restaurants and parking.  I have combined them into one section.

Bars/Restaurants

South Street

The Blarney South - The Blarney South is an Irish Bar that serves up good Irish-style food, plus an exceptional Philly cheese steak.  Definitely worth stopping into for a pint.

Who’s on Third - Who's on Third looks odd and small from the outside, but it is actually fairly large and is crowded.  Only a few beers on tap, but lots of beers in bottles.

Manny Brown’s - Manny Brown's is a good hangout place that isn't too crowded.  A lot of people start the evening here before going to the more well-known bars.  The menu is Tex Mex, but they serve Guiness as well.

Center City

Mcgillan Ole Ale House - McGillin's is a true brew pub with cheap food ($6-$13) and beer specials every night.  It has been in operation since 1860; the liquor licenses are on the walls to prove it.

The Bards - In addition to a wide beer selection, The Bards serves up traditional Irish food, including great shepherd's pie, at good prices.

Dr. Watson’s Pub - A nice pub atmosphere with live music.  They serve good food and also have some pool tables.

Philadelphia Sports Complex

McFadden’s Ballpark – 33 Hi Def Plasma TV's and 2 Giant projector screens, McFadden's provides the perfect venue to meet preand post game.  Also great food and great drafts. 

And of course tailgate for Eagles Game

NOTE: Liquor is sold only at state-run stores in Pennsylvania, so if you need a bottle you'll have to get it separate from your beer.

Trip Itinerary

Friday – Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00pm

Elton Brand, Andre Iguidala and the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Milwaukee Bucks.  While you’ve seen the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics play 2 or 3 games already, this is the Bucks first appearance on the court.  Losing top players last year, the Bucks struggled and look to step it up this year behind Hakeem Warrick, Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva and maybe make the playoffs for the first time in three years.  The Sixers had high hopes last season with the addition of Elton Brand and hope to live up to them this year.  If they don’t, expect some frustrated Philadelphia fans to let you (and them) know about it

Stadium Guide: The 76ers play in the Wachovia center, located int the Philadelphia Sports Complex.  Opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, later First Union Center and then Wachovia Center replaced the adjacent Spectrum as the home of the 76ers and the NHL's Flyers. Fans can check out the 76ers Zone, an area displaying memorabilia and historical highlights of the NBA in Philadelphia. The arena also has an on-site brewery and pub and a state-of-the-art HD scoreboard

Parking: A total of 6,100 parking spaces are available on the same site as the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum. There are eight parking lots that are brightly lit and patrolled by security personnel throughout the extent of the events. Reserved parking is available for numerous events and can be arranged when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster.

Saturday – Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers – 1:00pm

Stadium Guide: The Flyers play in the Wachovia center, located int the Philadelphia Sports Complex.  Opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, later First Union Center and then Wachovia Center replaced the adjacent Spectrum as the home of the 76ers and the NHL's Flyers. Fans can check out the Flyers Zone, an area displaying memorabilia and historical highlights of the NHL in Philadelphia. The arena also has an on-site brewery and pub and a state-of-the-art HD scoreboard

Parking: A total of 6,100 parking spaces are available on the same site as the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum. There are eight parking lots that are brightly lit and patrolled by security personnel throughout the extent of the events. Reserved parking is available for numerous events and can be arranged when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster

Saturday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

This should need no introduction.  Game 3 World Series tied at 1 game a piece.  Cole Hamels, last years World Series MVP, takes on Andy Pettite.  Whoever wins this game has a firm hold on the series and may win the title.  Enjoy the atmosphere, the game, and everything the World Series has to offer.

Stadium Guide: Citizens Bank Park opened April, 2004, as a fantastic facility replacing the old run down Veterans (known as one of the worst stadiums of all time) which the Phillies played in since 1971.  The ballpark combines Philadelphia's rich tradition of sports architecture with unmistakably modern style. The $336 million, baseball-only stadium has a natural grass field, multi-angled "bowl style" seating, breathtaking views, dazzling amenities and a staggering array of special, fan-friendly features.  The greatest feature is Ashburn Alley, one of the best outfield concourses in baseball.  Ashburn Alley is filled with shops and consessions named for Phils' legend Richie Ashburn, and a highlight there is Bulls' BBQ, where you may find former Phils' slugger Greg "The Bull" Luzinski hanging out.  Another great spot is McFadden’s Ballpark Bar.  Attached to the stadium this place is great for a pregame Phillies stop.

Sunday – New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – 1:00pm

An NFC East battle that cannot be matched.  When the Giants head to Philadelphia.  The Eagles are coming off a big Monday Night victory over the Washington Redskins, while the Giants are hoping to prevent their third loss in a row after starting off 5-0.  As many know, the Eagles eliminated the Giants from last years playoffs, beating them in New York after the Giants were favored to win the title.  This will probably be in the Giants minds when they head to Lincoln Financial Field, so look for them to play with some added emotion

Stadium Guide: Lincoln Financial Field, a $512 million dollar complex opened in August, 2003.  The stadium was created, many believe, as a key component to transform the Eagles into anelite NFL franchise. The front row is 60 feet from the field's sideline, or half the distance of that at the old Veterans Stadium.  Stadium seating capacity is about 68,000 while they have 172 luxury suites, both improvements from Veterans Stadium.  The Eagles Pep Band strolls around that wide concourse before games and leads followers in rousing renditions of "Fly, Eagles, Fly," the team's fight song. The Eagles Honor Roll, a list of the franchise's greatest players, from Sonny Jurgensen to Harold Carmichael to Tommy McDonald, is located in the HeadHouse Lobby, next to the pro shop, and is open to the public.

Parking Information: $20 for cars.  $40 for oversized vehicles.  Wachovia complex opens at 6am for tailgating.  When full, the Citizens Bank Lot opens at 10am. 

Sunday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Game 4 is a MUST win for someone.  Whoever loses game 3 must win this one or the series could be over quickly.  Maybe the biggest ame for both teams.  If Philadelphia wins game 3, New York must win this one to prevent possible elimination in Philadelphia.  If the Phillies lose game 3, they need this one to prevent 3 must win’s including 2 in New York.

My Trips - From Seeing the Sports - Dudes Weekend Notre Dame

This trip wasn't for the day or just the game, it was for the weekend.  The first time I saw some roomates since college, embracing the city of Chicago once again enjoying the Holy War, and celebrating my birthday.  Couldn't have asked for anything more.

Reunions are sweet, and I am slowly starting to realize that.  As a recent Boston College Graduate, I'm still getting used to not seeing my friends every single day.  In the dining hall.  In the hallways.  In the quad.  In the bars.  EVERYWHERE.  I miss everything about college. 

The one thing I will not miss about college is the pure joy we all had when we first saw eachother, and that we kept all weekend.

Since my junior year my buddies and I have run an annual Dudes Weekend.  For this weekend we have all of our dads, brothers, friends etc in town for a weekend of good food, good sports, a lot of drinking and the chance for the guys to be guys with their old man.  This year we decided to have our Dudes Weekend in Chicago for the ND game!  (We actually made a video about it for class which I posted at the bottom of this write up)

While the official weekend didn't begin until Friday, I showed up to spend the night with the Chicagoians on Thursday night.  We figured we'd go to the bar, get a few beers, watch the FSU-UNC game and relax for the weekend.  Instead, we went to my friends bar where we ripped free shots, dollar beers and partied till 3am when we were forced out of the bar. 

You could say we were a little banged up on Friday when we got up and embraced one of the best parts of Chicago - Deep Dish Pizza.  Though it took a while and our pounding heads wernt happy about it, we finally got through the whole thing.  The rest of the day was spent with slow entries of our friends, where they were all greated with a jump up and down hug, some yelling and a few tears. 

Friday night, the real party started.  After going to MARKET, Kenny William's new restaurant/bar in downtown Boston, we hit up the Lasalle Power Company and were greeted with recent grads, newly seniors and even the occasional 21 year Junior (and plenty of those that wern't quite 21 yet).  The open bar event (which cost a cool 35 bucks) went from 10-1 with wild dancing, beers, mixed drinks and a lot of "how have you been's."  With a smaller group of friends (some part of the "crew," though many couldnt last the night) and plenty of others we added along the way.  Finally, at 3:15, we decided the night needed to be ended as we had a 9am train meeting the next morning.

After a rough morning, a long shower, and slowly getting dressed, we headed out in the rain and freezing cold, to meet our train to head to the stadium.  Though we took a bus last time, we tried a new package led by Dodds Athletic Tours that gave us open bar and food on the train both ways, and a bus inbetween with open beer and snacks.  Most trains, my bartender told us, were filled with quiet fans sipping on a few bloody marys and bagles and reading the paper... not ours.  We were ripping drinks, shotgunning beers, dueling against fans (a drinking game that involves shotgunning beers and throwing them at ur opponent) and having just a good ole time.  The same thing continued on the bus until we arrived at ND at around 1:00.  Giving us 2 1/2 hours to gametime. 

The tailgate came and went, multiple trips to the bathroom, more beers, brats, burgers and, more trips to the bathroom.  There were "Lets go Eagles" chants followed by boos, beers being thrown at us, and the occasional guy that would get in our face, as if we actually wanted to fight.

Then, it was finally time to enter the  famous stadium. The "home" of college football.  Where legends of the 40s and 50s played and Jimmy Clausen reigns (?) now.  We were entering College Football Heaven.

We had awesome seats, directly across from touchdown Jesus, upper deck corner where you could see absolutely everything. In the freezing cold and rain we sat through a tough BC loss after a drive that almost led us to victory.

For most people that would devastate you, I think on any other trip it would have done the same to me.  Instead, we got back on that party bus, had a few waters, only to lead to the train with more mixed drinks, beers and even some wine (?).  One friend got so drunk he passed out on the train and had to be brought back to his room, where he was then put to bed.

That night was just as wild as the others.  I turned 23 :( at midnight and proceeded to announce that I was "no longer college age" as I was bought shot after shot from my dad, friends and people I didnt even know.  Having all the guys and girls I spent the last four birthdays with at this event made the whole thing absolutely amazing and an experience I am happy about.  For the third year in a row my birthday happened on a big weekend (See BC-Virginia Tech 2007) and I am very greatful.  By the time the disaster finally subsided we headed back and got into our rooms at 4:00 that morning.

As I woke up in pain all I could think about was the awesome trip I had and how we had, once again, done it right.  Dudes Weekend was a success!

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my trip to Notre Dame for the 17th Annual Holy War.  Hope you follow me again for my next journey. Make sure to follow me on twitter @sportsbound, for up to the minute updates on all my sports ventures.

DUDES WEEKEND FROM 2007 - WEEKEND TOOK PLACE WHEN BC WAS #2 FACING FSU.  ENJOY!

Thursday Night Football Site: Virginia Tech

This weeks Thursday night game takes us to Lane Stadium where the Virginia Tech Hokies host the North Carolina Tar Heels.  While the Hokies lost their National Title hopes (and maybe ACC as well), with a loss to Georgia Tech two weeks ago, they are still alive in the ACC, though they MUST win out in order to be eligible for the conference title.  On the other side, North Carolina is still eyeing its first conference win of the season. The Tar Heels haven't beaten a ranked opponent on the road since 2001.

The Virginia Tech football team has enjoyed well over a decade of success, going to 16 straight bowl games. A big part of that success is the home-field advantage the Hokies enjoy at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field. Billed as the toughest place in college football for opponents to play by Rivals.com, the Hokies play on not only one of the best playing surfaces in the nation, but with the south end zone and west side additions, the Hokies also compete in one of the best stadiums in the nation.
Now entering its 45th season as an arena of collegiate football competition, Lane Stadium/Worsham Field has gone through numerous changes, renovations and additions. But through it all, it has always been regarded as one of the finest places to watch - and toughest places for opponents to play - a college football game.

About the Stadium

Original construction of Lane Stadium began in April of 1964 and was completed four years later. The Hokies did not wait for completion, playing their first game in the stadium on Oct. 2, 1965. Tech defeated William and Mary 9-7 that day, with only the west stands and the center section of the east bleachers completed. Official dedication ceremonies took place Oct. 23 before a 22-14 win over Virginia.
Through the years, the stadium has seen several changes and renovations. In 1982, the lighting system was added to the facility. The system was first used in Tech's nationally televised 21-14 Thanksgiving Day victory over Virginia that season. The game was broadcast on WTBS and was the first nationally televised game from Lane Stadium.

Prior to the 1989 season, Lane Stadium underwent further improvements. Tech received a donation of 16 flags with the "VT" logo for the stadium. Lane Stadium also received a new paint job that included the addition of maroon and orange stripes around the inner walls of the facility.
In 1991, a new scoreboard bearing BIG EAST Conference logos replaced the old scoreboard at the south end of the stadium, while a new auxiliary scoreboard was placed at the north end. In the spring of 1994, renovations were completed on seven lower sections of the east stands. Renovations included replacing concrete risers and the addition of wheelchair seating.

Before the 1994 season, plaques bearing retired jerseys of Tech heroes Bruce Smith, Carroll Dale, the late Frank Loria and Jim Pyne were added to the wall in the north end zone. With the addition of the north end zone seats, the four retired numbers now fly on flagpoles above those stands.
In 2002, three more flags - those bearing the names and numbers of Frank Beamer, Michael Vick and Cornell Brown - were added, retiring their jerseys, but not their numbers. Two years ago, a banner for center Jake Grove was added to that collection.

Last season, banners were placed on both the east and west sides on beams honoring conference player of the year and national award honorees, including Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award winner Corey Moore and Outland Trophy honoree Bruce Smith.

Prior to the 1998 season, the oldest bleachers were replaced with new locust wood and the stands were waterproofed and top coated. On the east side, the roof on the former visitors' locker room was replaced along with the wooden bleachers in the three sections above the dressing room. Also, additional handicapped seating was added.

In addition to the seats in the north end zone constructed before the 1999 season, the interior block walls and concourse tunnels were seal-coated to match the exterior of Cassell Coliseum and the Merryman Center.
Prior to the 1999 season, 2,100 permanent seats were added in the north end zone. Before the 2000 season, another 3,000 permanent bleacher seats were added in the north end zone and a new scoreboard complete with "Hokievision," was installed behind the bleachers.

In 2003, permacaps were installed over all the wooden seats in the stadium to enhance fan comfort.
The south end zone construction project eliminated the old wooden bleachers in that area. But the north end zone bleachers were expanded down to the field, adding close to 600 new, permanent seats to make the north end zone look similar to the new south end zone. This is where The Marching Virginians - one of Tech's two marching bands - sit.

The past five years, fans saw new conference logos around the stadium, as the Hokies made the move to the ACC prior to the 2004 season. In that time, the Hokies have won three conference titles.

Before the game, I would recommend hitting up the tailgates that probably started 3 1/2 hours ago.  VT tailgates are supposed to be some of the best and friendliest in the country.  If that doesn't fit your fancy, head to Arthur's Aweful, famous for their daily-Steaks,Pastas, Salads and Seafood.  Stop by for their Thursday night Shrimp night and grab a few brews before you head out. Bar,Thurs Shrimp Night.  If you are more in the mood, stop by Cinco de Mayo Tavern and Grill.  Still, I'd suggest going to tailgate... maybe like now!

Parking Lot Hours of Operation

Saturday Games	Arrival	Departure
RV's (contributor)	after 3pm Friday	5pm Sunday
RV's (public at airport)	Noon Friday
Cars (contributor and public)	6am Saturday	6am Sunday
Weekday Games	Arrival	Departure
RV's (contributor and public)	Noon game day	6am following day
RV's (public at airport)	Noon game day
Cars (contributor and public)	5pm game day	6am following day																	e

Forecasted Weather
Forecast for Thursday, October 29, 2009
Lane Stadium BLACKSBURG, VA Updated: 10/29/09 11:45 AM ET	Lo: 51°F Hi: 67°F Precip: 10%

World Series Stadium Guide: New York Yankees

What a way to open up their new stadium.  Dominate the regular season, dominate the first two rounds with a few of their now famous walk off wins and face a cocky NL team that many people call "even," and have one of the best Game 1 matchups of all time with the last two AL CY Young winners on hand.  This is exactly how the New York Yankees would have wanted it, and exactly how they got it!.  Check out SportsBound's Guide to Yankee Stadium and some advice of what to do there.

Stadium Facts
Capacity: 52,325 (including standing room)
Modeled it after the original Yankee Stadium, and the famous roof overhang and other touches have returned.Same Field Dimensions of Old Yankee Stadium
56 Private Suites, 410 Public Suites
1 restroom for 60 Fans
LED Screen: 59' high by 101' wide
Monument Park moved from old stadium to Center Field

Gameday Recommendations
If you have never been, and even if you have, get out to Yankee stadium early and check out the scenery around the stadium.  Start by going to Stan’s Sports bar, the most popular by the stadium.  This bar gets crowded but everyone is friendly (if you aren’t wearing the opposing teams stuff) and get a few beers before it becomes uncomfortable.  After that, head to the Yankee Tavern, family owned since 1923 to grab a few beers and a bite of food.  Yankee Tavern is known as the best food by the stadium and its probably a little bit cheaper than an 8 buck beer and 5 buck hot dog.  Be sure to get into the Stadium early as you’ll want to see it.  Monument park is free to walk up to half hour before the game and its more than worth seeing all their history.  Whether you like the Yankees or not, its pretty amazing to witness all their history before they try to make more!  Get to your seats by the top of the 1^st and listen to the players roll call.  In the right field bleachers, the fans take turns chanting players names until they are acknowledged, every player participates (some more excited than others) and it is a famous tradition.  After that, enjoy the game!  It’s WORLD SERIES BASEBALL in BRAND NEW Yankee Stadium!  Not quite sure what could be better!

NBA SEASON BEGINS TONIGHT

Its the day many NBA Fans (especially those of the Celtics, Cavs and Magic) have been waiting for... Opening Night in the NBA!  And boy what a great set of games on tap tonight.  The night starts with KG, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and new addition Rasheed Wallace heading to Cleveland where LeBron has a new buddy and high title hopes with their addition of Shaq.  Next, see Gilbert Arenas and his Wizards head to Dallas to face off against Dirk Nowitski's Mavricks.  The night cap takes us Portland and Los Angeles.  In Portland, the Yao Ming(less) Rockets with new addtion Trevor Ariza take on Brandon Roy, Jerryd Bayliss and Greg Oden.  The night ends with an in-city rivalry as the Los Angeles Clippers, without #1 draft pick Blake Griffin, head to the visitors locker room and take on the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and their new addition Ron Artest in the Staples Center.  

The season has a lot of hope.  Will the Lakersdefend their title? Can the Celtics win one more for Kevin Garnett and co.? Will Shaq help put LeBron over the top (and maybe keep him in Cleveland)?  While these questions won't be answered on opening night, there's always a good time to start the debate!

Boston Celtics @ Cleveland Cavilers - 7:30pm - TNT

Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks - 8:30pm

Houston Rockets @ Portland Trialblazers - 10:00pm

Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers - 10:30pm - TNT

      -For a guide to the Staples Center, check out the Sports Bound Guide's Trip of the Week from 10/15

       Trip of the Week: Los Angeles

Video You May Not Have Seen

Please dont try this at home!  Would love to hear this guy talk and see if its actually real, I can't believe that it could be.  If it is, wow.  Anyway, enjoy!

MNF Guide: Washington

FedEx Field is the largest and one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The stadium was built in March of 1996 and completed in April of 1997 only 17 minutes after construction. Since he bought the team in 1999 Daniel M. Snyder has spend more than $100 million dollars to enhance the Field making the stadium even bigger. Located in the upper deck is the Redskins' Ring of Fame, with plaques honoring the team's greatest players and executives, including George Allen, Sammy Baugh, Joe Gibbs, Vince Lombardi, Sam Huff, Joe Jacoby, Sonny Jurgensen, Billy Kilmer, Doug Williams, Art Monk, John Riggins and Joe Theismann.

While your in D.C. there is always something to do, between the Capitol, the White House, the Smithsonian, the Presidential Memorials and the Holocost Museum, there is plenty to do that could take up multiple days. Once it gets to 5:00 and the game is around the corner, however, head over to the stadium and embrace the whole atmosphere. If you are on a budget, I’d recommend going to Fast Eddie’s Sports Bar and Grille where they have 5 meals under 5 dollars including a Hoagie Sub, Pulled Pork Sandwich and Personal 8”Pizza. You can also stop by the ESPNZone where they always have good food, all the games you can think of on TV and plenty of awesome arcades and more to entertain yourself.

After that head over to the stadium and enjoy the Hog Haven. As you may know, the Redskins are known as fans that dress up as Hogs. Get out there and enjoy the scene, Washington D.C. is a top notch. Tailgating is allowed for 4 hours so at 4:30 you will see a packed lot filled with people grilling, drinking and hoping the Redskins can put the ball in the endzone.

Cash parking is available at and operated by Jericho Church, located on Jericho City Dr., and easily accessible via Arena Dr.