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.

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%