Gary and I had planned to attend a pre-season game in Sept. Alas, we are college students and responsible adults so we decided that we didn't have enough money and post-poned the trip to another time when we could afford it and still have milk for the week.
Enter my friends the Catten's. They have been so absolutely supportive of Gary and I and our crazy move to Ohio. When Michele found out I wasn't going, she and Mike conspired. They sent me a VERY GENEROUS birthday gift. By chipping in a small amount of my own money, I was able to buy one very good seat in the stadium. Gary is a die hard Cowboy fan and said if I was going to go, he wanted me to use the money for his seat so I could sit as low as possible. I bought a parking pass on-line and wasn't sure what to expect. The parking lot was chaos! Major tailgating begins at 9 am and continues after the game for several hours. I was glad Gary let me drive his car. I would never have been able to find a spot for the surburban!
The Chicago skyline as you head into the tunnel that leads to the stadium.
Me in front of the stadium.
Just as you walk in to the stadium.
This is when I first walked out on to the deck and saw the field. All the security people are very courteous and were asking people if you would like them to take a picture for you. Of course I said yes! My actual seat is just over my left shoulder, behind the goal post you see in the picture.
Players warming up before the game. Aguleye and I don't know the other one.
Robbie Gould warming up.
Brady was very impressed with the pictures of the jumbo tron.
When I got there, the players were in their street clothes and they were on the field warming up, playing catch, chatting and just being casual. It was really cool to be one of the first ones in the stadium and watch it fill up.
My seat was in section 152, row 13, seat 19. I was 13 rows up off of the field and I was at the end of my row. It couldn't have been better! I was right behind the goal post. Perfect. The Lions came out and scored right away. I was pretty worried that my team might have a bad day. But we rallied and ended up winning. It was perfect weather. I had a perfect seat. My family was very excited for me so there was no guilt. I had a blast!
All of these pictures are taken from my seat. This is the blow up they use for the players to run out on the field at the beginning of the game. Pretty cool!
I was surrounded by season ticket holders. They gave me the ins and outs and took my picture for me!
No cheerleaders in Chicago! We have an awesome drumline instead. Man, these guys rock!
I was surrounded by season ticket holders. They gave me the ins and outs and took my picture for me!
Time for kick off! Would you believe that it happened to be alumni day and Gale Sayers was there! I got to see Gale Sayers! Did I mention that I got to see Gale Sayers? (You might have to read the book in order to really appreciate my super duper excitement)!
Right after I took this picture, the cop jumped down, helped arrest a guy and then calmly walked over and got back on his horse. The horse never moved.
My last look at the amazing Chicago skyline.
A beautiful stadium.
After the game, the drum line comes out of the stadium and parties with all the drunk fans.
Soldier Field, dedicated to the men and women of the armed services.
Soldier Field, dedicated to the men and women of the armed services.
Right after I took this picture, the cop jumped down, helped arrest a guy and then calmly walked over and got back on his horse. The horse never moved.
My last look at the amazing Chicago skyline.
A beautiful stadium.
The tunnel that leads you out of the stadium and back to the shuttles.
I am very lucky and blessed to have a family who loves me enough to be unselfish and friends who support me and are extremely generous. Thank you Gary, Alyssa, Brandon, Brady, Lexie, Michele and Mike! You guys are the best ever and have given me a day I will never forget.
Workers replacing divits after the game.
