Interseting Article: Travel

Just read an article from the New York Times, pretty interesting

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/business/08seats.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

My Thoughts: Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Its the most wonderful time of the year... and not (only) because of Christmas and New Years.  Its Bowl Season, my favorite time of the year.  Not only is football on (almost) every day from today on, with NFL and College Football games taking turns in the spotlight, but it is a chance to see so many teams, and so many players, get their chance at the spotlight, and get to end their season as winners.  Personally, I am not a fan of the BCS system.  Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of bowl games for teams like Boston College, Central Michigan, Stanford and others.  Its an experience no one would forget (if you haven't been to a bowl game, go).  I personally am going to the USC-BC game in San Francisco this year.  The winning team won't even be ranked not to mention in the National Championship hunt, but boy am I excited.  But to decide the National Champion,something must be done differently

Imagine if we had the chance to see the top 8 teams in a winner take all tournament.  Just look at the first round: #1 Alabama v. Ohio State, #2 Texas v. Oregon, #3 Cincinnati v. Boise State, and the 4-5 Match-up of TCU and Florida.  Who says those wouldn't be exciting.  How about a Final four of Texas v. Cincinnati, and an Alabama Florida rematch.  What if TCU upsets Florida and has the chance to prove themselves vs back-to-back SEC opponents.  The battles could be priceless.  Yes maybe a few BCS memories will be removed.  Stories lilke Ian Johnson proposing to his girlfriend after upsetting Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl and others may be lost, but do you think they wouldn't give that up to know they had a chance at a National Championship?  As soon as Boise won that game they were asked one question "Do you think you should get a shot at the National Championship?"  YES they should, it wouldnt ruin the amazing game they played, or the awesome upsets.  And yes, the regular season is sort of a playoff.  But Cincinnati won all their playoff games, so did TCU and Boise State.  They dont benefit.  And to say there wouldn't be controversy, what would Georgia Tech think if they barely missed out... or what would  Florida say when GT gets in over them because one team from every conference must get in.

Memories and thrill still occur in sporst with a playoff.  In College Basketball we still remember the upsets (even when teams went on to lose by 40 the next week).  I still remember where I was when Hampton beat Iowa State or Bucknell upset Kansas.  I still remember what I was doing when Craig Smith (with ice in his veins) hit two freethrows in overtime with 1 second left to send the game into 2nd overtime vs. Pacific.  Even college baseball, I watched all 27 innings of BC v. Texas on internet TV.  BC lost and was later eliminated, Texas made it to the title game and didnt prevail.  Think that ruins that game for the Texas fans, many of which sat in the stadium for hours on end?  I dont think so.  Give these guys a chance at the title.  There are smart people running the BCS, you can find a way to make more money off this, thats what its all about isnt it?

With controversy or not, enjoy the Bowl Season.  Go to a game if there is one year you, take an extra drive and tailgate, go to the fanfest, and watch the passion.  Join a pool with your buddies and see who really knows the college game the best.  Do it for a few bucks or just pride, I know telling my buddies that I won is more important to me than anything else.  Most of all, enjoy the season, there is nothing better than family and friends, and there is nothing that brings my family and friends together more than the comradery of sports.  Enjoy the season!

Hidden Gem: Winter Classic

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4746454&categoryid=2378529

The Winter Classic is coming to Boston.  This year, its a two day event.  On January 1st the Boston Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers in the 3rd Annual NHL Winter Classic.  The first two events were hosted in Buffalo and Chicago.

This years has a special twist.  One week after the NHL's classic.  One of the biggest rivalries take their conference battle to Fenway Park.  Boston College plays Boston University on January 8th at 7:30pm to give the game a little collegiate feel.   

Guest Blogger: Jaguars move to Los Angeles in 2010?

Hey everyone,

I don't know if you know but billionaire Ed Roski Jr. and his commercial real estate company (Majestic Realty) have plans to build an NFL stadium in the Los Angeles suberb called Industry. I know we have all heard this story before since the Rams and Raiders both departed Los Angeles at the end of the 1994 season. However, they have governmental support, the support of near by neighborhoods, and funds already in place to have this stadium built. The only thing stopping them from putting a shovel into the ground is finding a team to commit first. There are seven NFL teams who are could move to the Industry site including all three California teams (Chargers, 49ers, and Raiders), Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and the St. Louis Rams. The Chargers and Jaguars have received the most media attention when it comes to moving to Los Angeles. Jaguars seem like the most appropriate team as ticket sales are low in Jacksonville. I would appreciate if you joined my facebook group called "Bring the Jaguars to Los Angeles" as a way of showing your support. There I have attached many articles and videos talking about the Jaguars issue and how as each week goes by, it appears likely that they will move west within the next two years. So check out my group, the link is . There you can see all that is going on in this situation and feel free to post anything you like about the topic. The more support we get the better!

From Seeing the Sports: Game of the Year: Oregon @ Arizona

Coming from Boston, 77 and sunny couldn't have been more exciting.  That was the exact weather in Arizona when I arrived on Friday afternoon to visit my brother and see the Arizona Wildcats take on the Oregon Ducks in one of the biggest football games in Wildcats history.  Upon arrival the anticipation of the game was seen throughout.  Students were donning their "Duck Hunter" and "Zona Zoo" shirts and talking about the game.  The College Gameday Crew was set up and doing their traditional Friday afternoon show, and nothing else seemed to be important.  I enjoyed the experience, and the campus.  I saw the gameday site and the bookstore to look for Arizona stuff.. 

The rest of my day was a bunch of relaxing.  I went to my brother's place after a little pizza at a popular joint No Anchovies.  Living in Boston, I'm not used to being able to sit outside and watch Sportscenter on a Friday afternoon so that was a nice bonus.  We then went to my brothers place to hang, grabbed some In-N-Out for dinner and a Keg for the night.  Then we hung out and got ready for the festivities.

In order to introduce me to all of his buddies, my brother had a party at his place to see the guys and girls and enjoy what Arizona had to offer.  I had a great time and it felt awesome to fell like a college kid again with keg stands, beer pong, and shots of cheap alcohol.  The night ended earlier than probably expected, which worked out well because we had to get ready for College Gameday the next day.

On the East Coast, Gameday is at 10am, in Arizona its 8.  Those two hours make a difference.  After slowly getting out of bed at 7:30, and slowly walking over to the Mall, the site of Gameday, I came upon a sea of people.  The scene was wild as students had been there since 4am and others were crowding to try to get on television  The scene was wild with excitement as cheers were blasted when special guest Amanda Beard picked Arizona and boos when Lee Corso picked Oregon.  After that, I went to a sports bar to watch my Boston College Eagles get smoked by North Carolina, and enjoy a few beers and chicken wings.

The rest of the day was dedicated to Arizona football tailgating, house parties and an early 1 hour entry just to be allowed into the Zona Zoo, the student section that was completely filled up by the 45 minute mark with anticipation. And these fans stayed loud the WHOLE game.  45 minutes before 30 minutes, 10 minutes, down 10-0 early, up 24-14 late and even the play before (and some time after) they lost 44-41 in 2OT.  The game will be remembered for the Arizona fans that began to storm a little too early (up 7 with a minute plus left) or the 4th and 7 play hit by Oregon with 30 seconds left.  I will remember it for the memorable back and forth performance.  The big plays by both sides including a 75 yard touchdown pass for Arizona to go up 31-24, or the Oregon field goal that somehow hit the bar and went in.  I'll remember the crowd, staying lowd and rowdy for four hours, and the anger the fans in the crowd showed to those that began to storm.  It was maybe the most wild game I had ever seen live or on TV and I will remember it forever.   

My weekend ended as it started.  A trip to No Anchovies, watching 4 games on 6 Tv's, sitting outside enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather.  The whole weekend was amazing and one I will remember forever.  Because of the time I spent with my brother, my dad and the Arizona community.

Video You May Not Have Seen:Reggie Jackson Dunk

I may be biased because I was there but this dunk is unreal!  I mean look where he jumps from. At first glance during the game I thought he'd miss the rim completely not to mentinon slam it home.  Aweful call on teh charge, the guys still moving.... read Andy Katz's article if you need proof... I'll try to put the link to it.

By Robert Tuchman Hidden Gem: Army v. Navy

From 100 Sporting Events You Must See Before You Die

College Football’s “rivalry” weekend is over, but one historic rival match-ups has yet to be played. Army and Navy will battle for the coveted Commander in Chief’s Trophy December 12 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. This year’s meeting will mark the 110th time these teams are set to square off in a rivalry that originated in 1890.

Navy currently leads the all-time series with a record of 53-49-7 over Army. They shutout Army last season 34-0, which was the first time either team has been shutout against the other in the last 30 years. This game will be the final regular season college football game in 2009.

Why is this game one of those you must see live? The answer is not talent, scheming, or football dominance. It’s not because the two academies are separated by a short distance like other great college football rivalries. Underneath a layer of football that most college teams take for granted, this rivalry stands for tradition, pride, camaraderie and respect.



The rivalry cannot be truly understood until you take a step on either campus. Everywhere you turn you’ll see something or hear something that says “Beat Army” or “Beat Navy”. Unlike some other college football rivalries, there is a great deal or respect between the participants and fans of the two academies.
The talent in this college football rivalry doesn’t compare to the amount of potential NFL stars that play in other rivalries such as Florida vs. Florida State, Michigan vs. Ohio State, or USC vs. UCLA. You won’t find either of these teams contending for a National Championship  or a BCS Bowl game, but you will be seeing some of the hardest working kids in the country on the field.



The teams won’t “wow” you or play near perfect football, but they’ll give you everything they have. This college football game isn’t about the drunk college kids who drank too much before the game and became unruly in the stands. It’s not about future NFL stars being on a display for the nation to witness. It doesn’t have two schools from nearby cities, if not the same city, competing for bragging rights. It has members of the military, an occasional visit from the president, and emotional ties to the country in which the game resides.

Video You May Not Have Seen: NFL Meets Oregon Trail

Who doesn't remember the Oregon Trail. This video is great combining the tough 2008-09 NFL season/offseason into an Oregon Trail style game. Enjoy

Football in LA?

I know this is kind of an old story. But I'm currently visiting family in LA and this means I've been hanging out watching a lot of sports on TV. When I hear about all these NFL teams and their playoff runs, thanksgiving games, and games being blacked out in local areas it just amazes me LA doesn't have a team. I understand LA isnt this big sports die-hard fan base, but there are so many people here I couldn't imagine them not selling out games, especially with their new plan, location, etc.

Anyway, check out the plan and see if you think LA deserves a team and deserves this stadium.

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...