Sports Travel Book Review: 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live

I've always considered myself a big sports traveler. I've been to sporting events all around the world, some big ones like National Championships to UEFA Tournament soccer matches, to the College Baseball World Series and the Frozen Four as well as attending every current MLB Stadium and almost 40 in all. I knew there was a lot I hadn't seen and thats why I checked out 100 Sporing Events You Must See Live by Robert Tuchman. Robert Tuchman runs a company dedicated to Sports Event Travel, so he was the perfect guy to write this book. In his 100 events, Tuchman not only gave us 100, he listed them as well. From the Masters at #1 to a UFC Title Fight at #100. The list goes on. As I went over it (to see how many I have been to) I realized that I haven't even hit 1/5 of his 100 favorite spots (though I have a few I would add here)

As a sports fan, this book is a must read. It gives you the events you must go to, and the means to get there. Tuchman describes the entier experience, from where and when the event takes place, to the significance, history, notable athletes and records and travel advice. His travel advice includes things to know, how to get there, how to get tickets, where to stay, what type of packages are available, and where to eat. He also lists Notable Quotes which really make you feel as though you can grasp the significance of the event.

What does the book include you ask. The usuals: World Cup, Super Bowl, Summer Olympics, Kentucky Derby and more, to the unusual: Little 500, Iditarod, Head of the Charles. The book lists every type of event any sports fan would want. I personally have added many events to my Sports Travel Bucket List.

I would thoroughly recommend this book to everyone I know, and I continue to use it as I plan trips, think about new ones and to continue to add to my wish list. Thanks Mr. Tuchman!

MNF Guide: Houston

Tonight's Monday Night Game takes us to Houston, Texas where the Houston Texans bash against Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans. Get out there early for some more awesome tailgating (make sure to check out the Texans Tailgate Party in the Budweiser Plaza) and get in the stadium early to check out all the awesome amenities in this new retractable roof, stadium. Enjoy the game as Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub try to finally live up to expectations and make the Houston fans happy.

Reliant Stadium is a multiple-use stadium in Houston Texas. The stadium is the home of the Houston Texans, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Bowl, and many international soccer matches for the US National team as well as many other events.   The stadium served as the host facility for Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1, 2004 and Wrestle Mania XXV on April 5, 2009.

Reliant Stadium is part of a collection of venues (including the Astrodome), which are collectively called Reliant Park The entire complex is named for Reliant Energy under a 32-year, $300 million naming rights deal in 2000. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of 1,900,000 square feet (177,000 m²) with 97,000 sq ft (9,000 m²). of natural grass playing surface. The stadium was constructed at the cost of $352 million^.  Reliant Stadium is the first facility in the NFL to have a retractable roof.

Before the game, stop by the B.U.S. bar, the most popular bar to hit up before Astros games. This bar has a huge interior equipped with pool, darts, video games, multiple alma mater flags, big screens, couches and multiple bars. They are also known to have the promo girls walking around, giving out free tastes of Jack Daniel’s, Miller Lite, and other alcoholic beverages. If you want it a little more laid back, hit the Houston Pavilions, filled with stores, restaurants such as Micormic and Schmidts, and other forms of entertainment.

Interesting Article: Time to Start Spending On Sports Again by Robert Tuchman

I knew 2009 was going to be an uphill battle for my business when last October President Obama stated at a town hall meeting in Indiana “You can’t get corporate jets. You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers dime.”  See my niche segment of the sports marketplace specializes in corporate incentives wrapped around major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. Many of the prize packages we create for incentive contest winners include private airfare, hotel accommodations, and event tickets. The contests we develop mainly for Fortune 500 sales teams aim to drive revenue and raise ebitda increasing a businesses bottom line production. The program costs a company incurs on these incentive trips helps to keep thousands of hospitality industry personnel employed. There is powerful trickle down effect on each piece of business which flows through hundreds of hands all the way through to the guy making a $5 tip for handling your bag at the airport.

Unfortunately this business as well as many other businesses in the sports industry slowed earlier this year after the credit crisis virtually shut the faucet on corporate spending. It was obvious that many companies directly and indirectly affected by the recession as well as the eventual economic collapse needed to work to get their balance sheets back into shape. This meant reducing operating costs which included trimming marketing budgets and laying off employees. The good news is many businesses made quick rebounds in just a couple of quarters to show profit gains. The bad news is in many cases this was caused by extreme cost cutting measures having nothing to do with revenue generating business growth. The next earnings report is where it is going to get very tricky for companies to look good as they need to start producing revenue again. Incentive contests, promotions, and sports sponsorship programs are now needed more then ever to get the engine going.

Interestingly enough many companies no longer face the dilemma of not having actual dollars to spend on these meaningful initiatives. You would think the solution would be quite simple then. The issue currently is that these companies are so fearful of being singled out by politicians for what they term frivolous spending that they are shutting down some of these needed practices. Fortunately our overall business as well as many others in sports have picked up some in the last couple of months but we are still having to prod some clients who act like a deer frozen in a headlight when it comes to spending on sports. They want to get back in the game but they are terrified of being perceived in a negative light. This trepidation will have a devastating effect on a companies ability to grow its business.

Why is sports being targeted? When a company throws ten million dollars into a campaign for one of their products to tie into a Hollywood film no one bats an eye or asks questions. Tying in with Tiger Woods or the Super Bowl? That’s another story. My specific business niche in many ways gives a better ROI then most advertising campaigns. Winners of these incentive contests have to produce sales above their quotas to get invited on the trip. There is a clear cut revenue goal. If you hit it you go on the trip. If you don’t you stay home and watch it on television.

A short while after hearing President Obama’s words on going to the Super Bowl I happened to catch him on ESPN sitting front row at a Wizards/Bulls game. How come he gets to go to sporting events on the tax payers dime but I have to stay away? Earlier this month Nancy Pelosi and our house of representatives approved a bill for 550 million dollars to purchase private aircrafts including a Gulfstream plane so our leaders can fly to places like Costa Rica and Panama for “government educational trips.”  This smells of  hypocrisy.

Moving forward its imperative that we in the sports industry not be hesitant in promoting our business. We shouldn’t be embarrassed for using the word “luxury” when selling suites at a game.  We all know sports is a huge business around the world nowadays. Sponsorship, promotion, media, and hospitality are all legitimate must have business practices that help companies grow and succeed. There is nothing wrong with that.

Video You May Not Have Seen: Time Lapse Photography

World Series Time-Lapse by Robert Caplin from Robert Caplin on Vimeo.

I know, I know.  Everyone's sick of hearing about the Yankees World Series.  I don't blame you, and if this video wasn't awesome, I wouldn't post it.  But its just so cool.  See all of game 7 from inside Game 6 in 3 minutes (and I mean everything!) and check out the experience once again.  As a fan of the team not named the Yankees, I wish I could be able to have my team winning this World Series like this and enjoyed it as I know so many Yankees fans have.

Anyway, let the video load and enjoy it, seeing the fans, players, and everything with this time-lapse camera is absolutely fantastic!

(From the CHG) Hidden Gem: Harvard - Yale

Article from the CHG

Though no longer considered dominant Division 1 programs (they aren't even allowed in the FCS tournament), the annual Harvard - Yale game is still one of the biggest and most important in the country.  This game is so big, it is simply called "The Game," I cant think of a better rivalry game than that.  Since 1875, Harvard and Yale have alternated between Harvard Stadium and the Yale Bowl.  Though usually proper, for one day these schools act like every other college kid.  Rude Cheers and dirty pranks have become a big tradition.  The tailgates are filled with grills and kegs to eat and drink, and tents constructed with buffets that serve shrimp cocktail and champagne.  Since this event happens every year, I thought I would post a write up of both stadiums, though this years game takes place at the Yale Bowl.

Harvard Stadium (Boston, MA)
The first concrete stadium in the world was constructed in 1903 for a cost of $310,000. Harvard Stadium accomplished permanence for the game of football. Since the stadium was made of immovable concrete the field dimensions were set to their modern proportions. Harvard Stadium may be old, but it still plays an important role every other year playing host to one of the nations longest standing rivalries (Harvard vs Yale). Harvard Stadium is also home to a professional women’s soccer club.
 

Yale Bowl (New Haven, CT)
The Yale bowl was built soon after Harvard stadium. While Harvard brought in the modern area of football, the opening in 1914 of the Yale Bowl became the template for the football world and can hold upwards of 64,000 people. Like Harvard Stadium, the Yale bowl is no longer in its prime. However its design was duplicated at Michigan Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium, the Rose Bowl, and LA Coliseum among others. All of these stadiums are still considered to be some of the best places to catch a game.

I personally have a couple friends attending this game.  They are spending the weekend in New York and taking the amtrak down to enjoy the event.  With the times they are going (leaving at 7:00 and coming back at 4:15) they will have plenty of time to tailgate both before and after the game, and are spending only 29 bucks each way!  Sure a fun way to spend a weekend in both New York and at one of the greatest rivalries in sports!

MNF Guide: Cleveland

Tonight's Monday Night Game takes us to Cleveland, where the Cleveland Browns host the Baltimore Ravens.  Though you could see a lot of angry Browns fans (there is a rumor many are going to boycott the beginning of the game to send a message to the owner and make his team look bad on national television), the atmosphere is one to enjoy as Cleveland has some of the best football fans.  Enjoy as Ray Lewis and Joe Flacco try to hand it to Brady Quinn and their division rival.

Cleveland Browns Stadium is the fantastic home of the Browns. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the stadium has great sight lines from all seats, and features sports bars in the main concourse.

Plenty of parking is available, around the stadium at $10-$20 per car. There is tailgating along the railroad tracks running east of the stadium as well as in an unpaved lot just west of the stadium. The Flats and Warehouse District are a short walk south.

Cleveland is a friendly town, but be careful if you're sporting an out-of-town jersey or hat at a ballgame. While the vast majority of fans won't give you any trouble, there are some who will pile on the verbal abuse.

Overall, Cleveland is about average expense-wise once you're there. Getting there by air is about as cheap as it gets, as both Southwest and Continental have hubs there.
Be careful walking to the stadium with an open container; citations are given out for such offensive conduct.

Bars/Restaurants
Basement - There is usually a line, but it is worth the wait. Balcony's that overlook the streets and a deck-bar are the highlights. Techno and New Wave music rule the dance floor, but not the entire bar.

Rock Bottom Brewery - Don't let the name fool you, the Rock Bottom features some of the best microbrews in town, great fare, and a good selection of cigars available as well. Live music filters down from the second floor balcony.

The Humidor - They have cigars, and lots of them. Couches and loveseats provide for comfortable seating. It is a little dark and smokey inside, but what would you expect?

Other Attractions
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Located down the street from the football stadium this amazing museum houses the best music, never before seen artifacts, and more.  Plan to spend a good four or five hours here.

Great Lakes Science Center - Great place to spend a day especially if you have kids.  Enjoy a film in the Onimax theater and more 

Thursday Night Football Site: Rutgers

Rutgers Stadium is the home stadium at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.  IT is located in the Busch Campus of RU in Piscataway, NJ and overlooks the Raritan River.  Rutgers Stadium was opened on September 3, 1994 when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights hosted the Kent State University Golden Flashes.  Rutgers Stadium seats 52,454 spectators.

The first intercollegiate football game, in which Rutgers beat Princeton by a score of 6-4 on November 6, 1989 was played on College Field, which is now the location of the College Avenue Gym and its parking lot. From 1891 to 1938 the Rutgers football team played at Neilson Field on the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick, NJ (That field was across College Avenue from College Field, and the site is now occupied by the Brower Commons, Records Hall, and the College Ave. Parking Deck.)

With the aid of grants from the WPA, and after three years of construction, the original Rutgers Stadium was completed in 1938^. The stadium was dedicated on November 5, 1938 and served the university's football program until 1992, hosting 225 football games.

The current Rutgers Stadium was built on the site of the original Rutgers Stadium. During the construction of the second, and current, Rutgers Stadium, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team played the 1993 season at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, a facility operated by the NJSEA. The NJSEA financed the construction of the current Rutgers Stadium through a bond issue. The Scarlet Knights had previously played several games at Giants Stadium, including the first college football game hosted at that venue: a 47-0 victory over Columbia University on October 23, 1976.


Heralded by many newspapers, sports writers, and Rutgers fans as the "most important game in Rutgers history", on November 9, 2006, a then record crowd of 44,111 attended a football game between the Scarlet Knights and the Louisville Cardinals. The Scarlet Knights were ranked #15 and the Louisville Cardinals #3 in the nation in the AP pole at the time. The game drew the third ESPN's third-largest audience for a college football game.The usual official capacity was exceeded by the addition of bleachers for extra student seating in the Southern end of the stadium, as well as by moving the marching band from their usual spot in the stands to temporary bleachers in the corner of the North end zone. At the next home game, against the Syracuse Orange on November 25, 2006, Rutgers Stadium posted its second largest crowd with 43,791 in attendance.

In addition to football, Rutgers Stadium has also hosted NCAA tournament soccer and lacrosse games, including the NCAA Division 1 Men's Lacrosse Championship Game games in 1998, 2001, and 2002. It is also worth noting that, prior to 1994, the original Rutgers Stadium hosted the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship games in 1974, 1978, 1983, 1987 and 1990.

On Septembe 25, 2005, Rutgers Stadium was the site of a lecture delivered by the Dalai Lama
Every first weekend in December, Rutgers Stadium plays hosts to several championship games in the NJSIAA state football playoffs. The stadium is one of two venues that hosts multiple championship games in one weekend (Giants Stadium is the other). However, unlike Giants Stadium that hosts games on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, Rutgers hosts games on Sunday in addition to its Friday and Saturday games (Giants Stadium is unavailable for Sunday games due to its NFL commitments)

The stadium attendance records were repeatedly broken in the 2006 and 2007 football seasons, with the record number of spectators from those seasons being 44,267.This record was set on October 18, 2007, when the Scarlet Knights played against the then #2 ranked South Florida Bulls This record was broken in the 2009 season opener against the Cincinnati Bearcats with the attendance of the first game at the newly renovated stadim totaling 53,737 fans.

The Rutgers Stadium provides seating for 52,454 spectators. The stadium features a 5,000-seat upper deck on each side of the field, as well as 968 loge and club seats on the mezzanine level of the East side of the stadium. Electronic ribbonboards spanning the length of the field have been installed at the bases of both upper decks prior to the start of the 2008 season, which compliment the video scoreboard in the South end zone.
The stadium also features light stanchions that allow for night games, a two-level press box on the West mezzanine level, a cannon for firing when Rutgers scores, eight 1,000-square-foot (93 m²) concession stands, and restrooms. Until 2004, the field maintained a grass surface, but has since been replaced with Field Turf


In January 2008, the Board of Governors of Rutgers University announced a $102 million stadium expansion project in order to increase the stadium’s seating capacity to nearly 56,000.  However, the scale of the project has since been reduced, resulting in a new maximum capacity of precisely 52,454.

The first phase of the project, which included 968 loge and club seats, and related infrastructure, was completed on time and within budget for the 2008 football season^.  The second phase of construction has also commenced, and has added approximately 11,500 seats, restrooms and concession stands to the south end of the stadium. There is a new scoreboard, which is 38' tall by 112' wide, for a total surface area of 4,256 sq ft. The old scoreboard (since demolished) was 22' tall by 30' wide, for a total surface area of 660 sq ft. The sound system will also be enhanced as a part of the expansion.

On July 14, 2009, the Rutgers Board of Governors unanimously approved a $5 million donation specifically appropriated for a recruiting lounge in the newly expanded endzone. The lounge had been included in the original expansion design, but was deferred after the Board of Governors revised the expansion financing plan. The donation was provided by two Rutgers alumni. The lounge will be named after one of the donors, Greg Brown, who is the President and Co-CEO of Motorola. The second donor requested anonymity. Construction on the lounge will commence in August 2009, with a scheduled completion date set for December of that same year.

The $102 million cost of the stadium expansion project was originally to be financed by raising $30 million through private fundraising and $72 million by the issuance of Rutgers bonds The private fundraising effort, however, fell significantly short of the original goal.
This situation prompted the Board of Governors of Rutgers University to approve a new financing plan for the stadium expansion in which the entire amount of $102 million will be borrowed. Specifically, the university will issue $85 million in bonds, and has borrowed the remaining $17 million by way of low-interest commercial paper. In addition, a few aspects of the stadium expansion project have been scaled back, e.g., approximately 12,500 new seats are to be added instead of the original plan for 14,000, and the addition of new locker rooms is being deferred to a later date.

Holiday Travel Advice

The holiday season means seeing family & friends and being thankful for everything you have.  It also means Sports, Sports and more Sports.  Unfortunately, travling during this holiday season, no matter what your go, is an unavoidable nightmare:long lines, rude people, expensive tickets, delayed flights and stressful phone calls.  So here is some advice for the travel season.

When buying tickets, figure out what a good price should be - there are plenty of sites to help you with that - and be flexible on dates and times to improve your odds of getting close to that time.  I use tools like Fare Compare, which has historical data of what fares have been in the past.  Also Bing Travel can help predict when they think fares will go up or down in the coming time.  Adjust your expectations to your search and when you see your price, take it, dont wait

The biggest mistake you can make when traveling is choosing a flight at peak time.  If you can be flexible, you can save hundreds of dollars.  Try flying Tuesday Night or Thursday Morning instead of Wednesday.  Also, look for last minute deals.  If an airline doesnt sell out its seats it allows on standby passengers which go for free, they would rather fill up the seats with paying passengers.

If your flight is cancelled because of a mechanical breakdown or crew scheduling, you should be provided a hotel and food accomidations, if its for weather your on your own.  If you need to rebook a flight, go to the kiosks and to get ahead of everyone else trying to do the same thing asyou.

Trip Advice: Plan Your Ski/Snowboard Vacation

This blog isn't just about trips to watch sports events.  It's also about advice to take your own sports trip.  With ski season coming up I thought I'd give some advice on how to save some money on ski/snowboard trips.

1. “SKI WITH FRIENDS. Tip: Take a ski apartment for 6 or more and the cost per person tumbles. Fill it with friends, set up a Facebook page or ask around for people to share.”

2. “PLAN EARLY. Tip: Booking now will save you money on your travel.  Waiting until the last minute may cost you hundreds of dollars.”

3. “SKI WITH A GRANNY. Tip: Bring a relative to look after kids as it’s often cheaper to take an extra person than to use local nannies and kindergartens.”

4. “DIY MOUNTAIN LUNCH. Tip: Pop into the local supermarket or bakery for an inexpensive alternative to mountain restaurants. (Of course we wouldn’t suggest you snaffle from the hotel’s breakfast buffet).”

5. “PAY AS YOU GO. Tip: Book early and pay in installments to break up the cost into affordable chunks.”

6. “SKI AN UPCOMING DESTINATION. Tip: Ski a less well-known, less expensive ski destination.”

7. “BOOK ONLINE. Tip: Avoid tour operator’s brochure marketing costs and travel agents’ commission and book online with an internet-only ski company.”

8. “PRE-BOOK SKI EQUIPMENT HIRE. Tip: Pre-book ski tuition and equipment to save time in resort and get a fixed price on skis, boots, sticks and lift passes.”

9. “THINK SMALL, SKI BIG. Tip: Choose a less well-known resort that rubs shoulders with the glitzy, big ski areas.”

10. “BEGINNERS’ BARGAINS. Tip: Learn to ski away from the bright lights of a top resort. Pick somewhere smaller for cheaper equipment and learn to ski packages.”

Video You May Not Have Seen: Best College Stadiums

This is an awesome video made by my buddy from The Cross Hair Guide. Please enjoy and check out his site when you get a chance. The Cross Hair Guide is one of the best sports travel blogs I have seen and this video should prove the writers knowledge and expertise.

The Last Baseball Note In A While: Best Ad Ever?

Now, I'm not a Yankees fan, but this might be the best advertisement ever.  Enjoy

Baseball season begins in 4 months...

MNF Guide: Denver

This weeks Monday Night Football Crew takes us to Denver where the 6-1 Broncos take on the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC game of the week.  

The City: A gold-rush town that has blossomed into a banking and financial center, Denver's location at the base of the Rocky Mountains has made it a top destination for nature lovers, even as it has embraced art and culture. While the Mile High City boasts mountain views and the nation's largest city park system, it also features the Denver Performing Arts Center, second largest in the country. Museums, galleries and shopping populate downtown Denver, and the city's historic district, LoDo (Lower Downtown), is home to bars, restaurants and jazz clubs.   Cherry Creek and Central Denver are two other nightlife options.

The Stadium: Invesco Field at Mile High is the home of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rapids. The stadium opened in 2001 and seats 76,125. Denver is known for having a tremendous home-field advantage. While that is still true at the new Mile High, it is not nearly as loud as the old stadium. The altitude still tends to have a big impact on Bronco opponents, however. A 25-year fixture at old Mile High Stadium, Bucky the Bronco stands 27 feet tall, is made of iron and steel and weighs four tons. The statue made its Invesco debut in August 2001 for the new joint's first event, which came on the heels of the team's 41-year stint next door. The Ring of Fame, honoring Denver greats including John Elway, Steve Atwater, Karl Mecklenburg and Tom Jackson, encircles the facade of Level 5 and is visible from every seat in the place. Counties Gateway Plaza, located on the west side of the stadium, is a pedestrian walkway featuring personalized bricks, marble sculptures and six monuments that represent and fly the flags of the six counties in the Denver Metro area. Public art works also are displayed at various locations outside the stadium, notably "Broncos" – with its five broncs, a mare and a colt, the sculpture is the largest in the state and was made in Italy as a gift from team owner Pat Bowlen and his family to the people of Colorado.   

Parking: Limited parking is available on the east side of Invesco. Additional lots are available at the Pepsi Center and Auraria Campus. Shuttle buses provided by RTD and a pedestrian walkway run between these lots and the stadium.  Denver fans are really into tailgating, no matter where you are around the stadium you will see the lots packed with burgers, dogs, beers and everyone having a great time.

Bars/Restaurants
Soiled Dove - The Soiled Dove is located nearly adjacent to Coors Field. It features a rooftop bar and is an excellent place to hang out for some frozen drinks in the summer.
Denver Chop House - he Denver Chop House is a first-class restaurant that serves up excellent micro brews as well. Located right across from Coors Field, the restaurant is a favorite of many local athletes.
Wynkoop Brewhouse - Wynkoop's was one of Denver's first microbrews. It is a large bar with great beers, great pool, and an upscale atmosphere. 
Sports Column - The Sports Column is a huge sports bar with a roof top bar. The bar offers plenty of beer, and the menu consists of typical (but good) bar food.

Other Attractions
Denver Art Muesum
U.S. Mint
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver Zoo
Larimer Square

College Gameday Look: U.S. Airforce Academy

This week College Gameday takes us to Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, home of the U.S.
Air Force Academy to see the Falcons take on their rival the Army Black Knights.

Falcon Stadium opened in 1962, at a cost of $3.5 million, and has a current seating capacity of 52,480. The first game was on September 22, 1962, when Air Force Falcons defeated Colorado State 24–0. 

Falcon Stadium was built into a natural bowl southeast of the center of the academic campus (and 500 feet (152 m) below). As with the rest of the campus, Falcon Stadium lies at the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains , providing spectacular views. The design of Falcon Stadium is uniquely unbalanced, with the western side having two large grandstand tiers above the main bowl and the eastern having a single tier bordered by seven separate sections of grandstands.

The playing field is aligned in the traditional north-south configuration at an elevation of over 6620 feet (2017 m) above sea level.  Falcon Stadium is the second highest in Division I-A football, exceeded only by Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium, which is 600 feet (183 m) higher. The Walkup Skydome at Division I-AA in Flagstaff is also slightly higher, by 250 feet (76 m).

Falcon Stadium had a natural grass field for its first 44 years. Prior to the 2006 football season, synthetic FieldTurf was installed at a cost of $750,000. Natural grass remains around the perimeter of the FieldTurf surface. Permanent lighting was installed in Falcon Stadium in 2002 at a cost of $500,000, and the video screen at the south end of the field was installed in 2004. A new sound system was also installed for the 2006 season.

Trip of the Week: Atlanta

Trip of the Week - Atlanta
Saturday - Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech - 3:30
Saturday - Denver Nuggets @ Atlanta Hawks - 7:00
Sunday - Washington Redskins @ Atlanta Falcons - 1:00
Sunday - St. Louis Blues @ Atlanta Thrashers - 5:00

4 games in two days.  Hot-lanta is smoking... enjoy the weekend and rest up before you get down there.

Parade Tomorrow

The New York Yankees parade for 2009 will be held this Friday morning, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg announced after the Yankees wrapped up their 27th World Series championship. Friday's ticker-tape parade will begin on Broadway at Battery Place at 11 AM ET and continue northbound up the Canyon of Heroes to Chambers Street. After that, Mayor Bloomberg will present the Yankees with the keys to the city.

Yankee fans will surely be in a lovable (and/or rambunctious) mood as the parade festivities kick off. Waiting nine years for another World Series championship may seem like nothing to fans of other baseball teams, but Yankee fans expect excellence from their clubs. The Yankees' last title of course came via a Subway Series victory over the Mets in 2000 (something about the NL East, they also beat the Braves in 1996 and 1999)

Thursday Night Football Site: East Carolina

With Help from ECU Athletic Site

This weeks Thursday Night Game takes us to East Carolina where the Pirates host the Virginia Tech Hokies.  After two consecutive losses, including a Thursday Night defeat last week.  Since they demolished Boston College 48-14 for thieir fifth straight win and a move into the top 5, VT then lost to Georgia Tech and North Carolina to almost drop out of the top 25.  A trip to Dowdy Ficklen Stadium may be just what the Hokies need.

The Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is the on-campus facility for East Carolina Pirates in Greenville, North Carolina.  The official capacity of the stadium is 43,000, making it the 4th largest in North Carolina. The record attendance for the stadium was on November 20, 1999 against North Carolina State University with 50,092 in attendance.

The stadium opened as Ficklen Memorial Stadium on September 21, 1963 with a win against Wake Forest. Construction of the stadium cost over $300,000, most of which was raised by the college’s Society of Buccaneers, the school’s booster club. It was originally named for James Skinner Ficklen, owner of Greenville’s E.B. Skinner Tobacco Company. Skinner was considered a friend of the college, and had established a scholarship fund.

The stadium originally consisted of only the south side stands, with a small press box and a lighting system. In 1968, the north stands were constructed, bringing seating capacity up to 20,000. In 1975, a $450,000 lighting upgrade was completed, moving the light stanchions to the perimeter of the stadium rather than the edge of the field. The renovation added 288 fixtures of 1500 watts each on six 162-foot towers. By 1978, the grandstands had been widened out towards the edges of the stadium, nearly doubling the size of the stadium to 35,000. The press box was also updated at this time, and a modern scoreboard was installed. In 1983, a modern drainage system was installed, and Tifton 419 Hybrid Bermuda grass was planted.

In April, 1994, Ron & Mary Ellen Dowdy of Orlando announced a $1 million gift to the ECU Educational Foundation, which would also contribute to the stadium’s continuing renovations. Ron Dowdy, class of 1966, is a member of the Board of Trustees, who runs Dowdy Properties, a real estate company in the Orlando Area. He has also served on the Executive Committee of the Florida Citrus Sports Association, the Board of Directors for the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Board of Directors at Humana Hospital Lucerne in Orlando, and the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee in Orange County. For their gift, the stadium was renamed Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium that year.

In 1997, the playing surface was renamed in honor of Al and Debby Bagwell, graduates of the university. Al has served as president of the Pirates Club (the modern booster club), and has served on the Board of Visitors.

In 1998, an upper deck was placed on the north side, bringing the capacity to 40,000. A year later, 3,000 more seats were added, bringing the capacity to its current level. In 2001, the Murphy Center, a training facility and field house which also contains the ECU Hall of Fame, was opened in the west end zone. One year later, the current $2 million scoreboard, which has an instant replay board and a deck on top for video production, was added to the east end.

East Endzone Seating East Carolina's Athletic Director, Terry Holland, annonced that seating in the east endzone will be completed in 2010. The expansion would put 7,000 extra seats in Dowdy-Ficklen, bringing the total capcity to 50,000.

Future expansion of the stadium includes enclosing the east end zone with additional seating and luxury suites, the addition of a new press box, suites, and upper level to the south side of the stadium, construction of a six story building for office space, player’s lounge, locker rooms, classrooms, and meeting rooms. Upon completion, the stadium’s capacity will be increased to over 62,000.

If you dont want to tailgate, check out some of these favorite student restaurants and bars for food and drinks beforehand:

Favorite Student Spots
Boli's
BW3's
Chico's Mexican Restaruant
Cristy's Euro Pub
Club Aqua
Ham's
Pantana Bob's
The Red Rooster

Other Places To Check Out
4th and Tavern
5th Street
Lucky's
Rumors
The Pita Pit
The Tank 

Want to go to the World Series?

How much would you pay for World Series Tickets?  Is the cance to see a Yankee title worth $27,500.00 each??????  Since the Phillies won Game 5 tickets have been skyrocketing.  These tickets are on StubHub for over 27 thousand dollars.  In this economy I'm not quite sure who they are planning on selling that to on StubHub, but I'm no expert.  Anyway, what the most you would pay for this game?  Lowest price on StubHub is $500.

Video You May Not Have Seen

History is going to happen at Yankee Stadium. Not sure who its going to happen yet, but someone will win a World Series on on Yankee Stadium Soil.


I thought we would celebrate this occasion with an awesoe performance from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

Hidden Gem: NYC Marathon

On the first Sunday in November, New York hosts some of the toughest runners in America.  In the words of Robert Tuchman "The city that never sleeps, hosts runners that never stop."  The New York City Marathon takes place from Staten Island at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx and ending in Central Park.

The NYC Marathon is considered one of the worlds great road races and premiere events.  the ING New York City Marathon attracts over 100,000 applicants. For some, the stakes are high (this years winner took home $200,000).  While others run for a cause or purely for pride.  The opportunity to race through Central Park with friends and family watching is more valuable than the six figure purse for many.  Two million people cheer on the runners from the city streets while over 300 watch from home.

This high profile, historical event is free to the public.  Just get to one of the five burroughs that the competitors race in and bring a sign to cheer them on.  The best place to watch is right off the 59th Street Bridge on the island of Manhattan  When the first runners are spotted, the party begins.  The celebration takes place at the bars on 1st avenue all the way to 96th street.  This is wehre to be if you are looking for the party atmosphere and not really supporting a specific runner.

This years 40th annual race was won Derartu  Tulu of Ethopoia with a time of 2:28:52 and Meb Keflezighi of the United States of America with a time of 2:09:15.  It was the first victory for a U.S. man since 1982.

MNF Guide: New Orleans

This weeks Monday Night Football Game takes us to New Orleans, where Drew Brees and the Saints host Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.  This is a big divisional game.  While New Orleans is undefeated, they have yet to face an NFC South opponent.  A win in this one should mean a clear path to the division title.  Atlanta is the only team close in the division (4-2) and a victory will put them 3 games up, including a head-to-head victory.  Still, I expect Matt Ryan to play a hard, tough game, and keep the ball out of the New Orleans offensive hands and make a good game out of it.  Here is a Look at New Orleans and the Superdome.

Capacity: 65,000

City Guide: New Orleans is famous as a party town, and for good reason. No matter what day or what time it is, there are always people partying in the Big Easy. New Orleans is home to the Saints of the NFL, who play at the Superdome downtown. The dome hosts the Sugar Bowl each year, and is also a frequent host to the Super Bowland Final Four. The NBA's Hornets play at New Orleans Arena, adjacent to the Superdome. New Orleans is fairly compact, with the airport about 15 miles west. As for expenses, it is not so much the prices but the excess that make the town slightly expensive; even cheap food and beer becomes pricey when consumed in large quantities. Hotels in New Orleans are no more expensive than in other cities (for normal weekends, ie, not Super Bowl or Final Four), and there are plenty of hotels to choose from.  

History: The Superdome, opened in August 1975, is the largest indoor facility in the country for football and with its 20,000 tons of structural steel is the biggest steel-constructed venue. Besides its sheer enormity it might not be much to look at, but, remember, you're only a mile from the French Quarter. The Saints Hall of Fame (415 Williams Blvd., in the Rivertown section of Kenner, La., west of New Orleans, Web site), honors the team with busts and paintings of the 33 inductees, exhibits, memorabilia and videos. The hall really is quite impressive, especially considering the team has never reached the Super Bowl. Close to $140 million was spent to repair damages to the Superdome suffered in August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina; nearly 30,000 people reportedly took refuge in the building following the hurricane.

Parking: The Superdome has a garage attached with paid parking available. For more information, call (504) 587-3805. Tailgating in New Orleans is good but not spectacular, mainly as a result of the hundreds of bars within walking distance of the Superdome. But there are still plenty of diehard tailgaters at Saints games. The main tailgating area is the roof of the parking garage next to the dome. The Superdome has rules prohibiting open fires, but people manage to grill anyway. There is an organized tailgate party, featuring live music. You can bring your own beer or buy it there.

Restaurants/Bars:

Acme Oyster House - Located half a block off Bourbon St, the Acme Oyster House gets very high marks for its raw oysters ($6.95/doz), jambalaya, and other entrees ($7-$15). There is usually a wait outside, but its worth it. Don't miss this place.

Mothers - Mothers has great Cajun cuisine, including breakfast. Po' Boys run $4-$9, and entrees run $10-$18. Located a few blocks from Canal Street, near Riverwalk.

Mr. B's Bistro - Mr. B's is a moderately priced restaurant that serves up authentic Cajun food and also features live music. Located a block from Bourbon Street.
Kerry Irish Pub - Kerry's is a small Irish bar with live music and no cover charge. Relax to some good music and a pint of Guiness.

Other Attractions: The French Quarter is full of shops, in addition to bars that never close. There is a D-Day Museum and a Marti-Gras Museum in town, and the Aquarium and IMAX theater are on the river just outside the Quarter.  The Riverwalk, on the Mississippi at the end of Canal Street, is full of shops and restaurants. Jazzland Theme Park is also nearby. Or, if you want to drink all day, just walk up and down Bourbon Street with a beer in your hand.