Sunday, November 16, 2014

Chicago Bears (21/32)

November 16, 2014

Matchup:  Chicago Bears (w) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Setting:
  • I had to fly to Chicago for a work trip
  • Took a 7am flight to Chicago. Followed by public transportation.
  • It was  snow storm that morning and we got to the stadium pretty early.
  • We were VERY high up on the 50 yard line.  We were in row 28 (7 rows from the top). Very steep stairs.  
  • The stadium is similar to Buffalo where the stadium is deep set into the ground so we entered at the 300/400 level so lower levels where down.  
  • Heat warmers DID NOT HELP us fight the cold.
  • They had beautiful marble in front of the stadium.  Makes it look gorgeous from the outside. Very odd setup on the inside.

Highlights
:

  • The team was just coming off an embarrassing loss vs. the Packers. The fans were rather unhappy.  They often boo'ed  - especially Cutler. They never really were happy, even when they won. After the game they were more focused on getting out of the stadium and no one was happy or cheering.
  • They sang a song when they scored like most teams.
  • Cheered "Bear Down" 
  • The fans drank so much beer. Those beer guys bringing beer to seated fans were never bored and constantly busy.

Trip Memories: 
  • Had deep dish pizza while in Chicago :)  
  • Took a cab to Boiling Brook, IL where i stayed for the night before my business meeting.

Team 21 of 32
Award:  Most Hostile Fans Towards Their Own Team

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Green Bay Packers (20/32)

November 9th, 2014

Matchup: Green Bay Packers (w) vs. Chicago Bears

Setting:
  • Lower tier seats, on the 10 yard line
  • Freezing. While reported at 32 degrees, it felt more like 10 degrees.
  • Sunday Night Football!  Late evening game
  • Next to us was a guy who looked a lot like Jeff Daniels and he dressed up like the characters from Dumb and Dumber
  • Behind us were 40 year old women who screamed like 14 year old girls
  • Seating was stadium benches (metal)
  • Lots of people taking photos outside the stadium of all their historic statues and plazas
  • We had to get in a line to get into the Green Bay shop
  • A guy in line behind us at the hot dog stand asked to take a "random selfie" with Steve.
  • Stadium was absolutely chaotic and a buzz 
  • We were asked to participate in a stadium stunt holding up cards to create a pattern for the opening anthem.
  • It was Veteran's Day weekend so we all got camo flags and encouraged to wave 
  • At half time there was a video feed with soldiers abroad.

Highlights
:

  • Nelson had a gajillion touch downs
  • Chicago Bears didn't really show up. It was record breaking TDs in the first half for Rogers.
  • Final score was 56-10 or something like that. Very embarassing for the Bears
Trip Memories: 
  • Saturday we flew into Chicago and met up with Dan and Lisa!!  Hung out in Chicago with them for the day. Loved seeing my best friend.
  • We had quite a comedy of errors that morning while landing in Chicago.  We made the wrong turn possible every time. The car they gave us was the smallest car ever.
  • On the drive from Chicago to Green Bay, we played our classic game of naming each team's QB, each team's RB, and each team's wide receive. I actually scored very well on naming each team's stadium. Steve did well with each team's coach's name.
  • On Sunday morning we did the Packers Heritage Trail where we stopped at 22 'landmark' spots around Green Bay.
  • We took a bus from our hotel to the stadium vs. driving. After the game, there was NO TRAFFIC, even around the stadium. It was a miracle.  
  • On Monday morning we did a tour of Lombeau Field.  GREAT TOUR.  We got to go on the field, we got to go to the top of the stadium and shout out and hear the echo. Very cool stuff. Saw all their club seats.  Great history.
  • Overall weather was very cold and lots of snow predicted. 
  • Coming home we spent a night in Milwaukee. I liked Milwaukee as a city to live/work in but as a tourist, there really wasn't a lot to do if you're not into beer factories.  It was also raining.

Team 20 of 32
Award:  Most Historic Stadium