(Football! x 2) + Tailgating = Magnificent
Elementary, my dear readers.
Friday was another day for football as I made my way out to Giants stadium straight after work for the New York Jets ~Vs~ Minnesota Vikings game. With a little more experience, and some savvy about me, I made my way out ticket-less, determined to strike a better deal this time. After the bus getting lost for a while on the way, we arrived into the stadium at about 7:45 for a game at 8. As the bus pulled in, I could see a guy at a light-post, he had the look of a tout about him...my prey had been selected. I stepped off the bus and made my way gingerly towards him. Turned out he was selling a ticket, his friend couldn't make it and he didn't want to be completely out of pocket. A deal was struck, $20. Bargain. This was the first time I had attempted this, I was happy with my ticket inspection, but I could never be too sure, I was passed through the gate without any hassle though and was in before I knew it.
The game didn't go so smoothly, the Jets threw two early interceptions which left them down 14-3 at one stage, after 0 rushing yards by the Vikings and 4 passing yards, dreadful stuff. They had a few bright moments, but their mistakes took a heavy toll as the Vikings came out victorious 37-20. It was a good night though as I sat beside the guy that sold me my ticket and we got talking and had some laughs. The game was over at about 11, and I finally got in the door at about half one.
I was a little further back this time.
Not content with Six Flags, the office were taking us out again on Saturday, this time, we were on our way to the New York Red Bulls ~VS~ LA Galaxies game to see someone prodigy by the name of David Beckham, he should probably consider football in Europe if he's so good. Before the game though, I had arranged a little reunion. You may remember the guys that Gary and I acquainted with when we went Kayaking, well, they were planning a big “tailgate” before the game and I just had to get involved. Much to Ryan's disgust, we left at about half 3 (Picture John arranging a departure time of 1 and leaving at 1:05). We arrived in the car park of Giant's stadium, packed full with food, drink and people where we spent the 4 hours prior to the game eating, drinking and talking. It was a whole load of fun and before I knew it, it was time to head into the game and meet the office.
The stadium was near full-capacity (~80000 max) and the game exploded into action. The moment seemed to get the best of some of the players and before we knew it there was 3 goals scored in the first 8 minutes. The game continued at a good pace, with plenty of attention on Beckham and the atmosphere provided ample opportunity for Gary and I to try and introduce some European chanting into the Western World. It had been a fascinating game and an immense amount of fun with the office but heading into the 89th minute at 4 – 4 the New York Red Bulls pulled out a last minute winner to take the game 5 – 4 at which point, we went suitably mental, the details of which I will not go into! Unbelievable, a wonderfully exciting introduction to the sport even if the quality was a little questionable in parts.
After a some laughs in the Stadium and a “playful” project manager ~VS~ Irish intern fight to the death in the car-park (Gary being the intern, I was recording), the taxis were taking some time to arrive, so I suggested the Ryan come down to meet Gary as he had not seen him earlier. Of course, once I found and introduced Ryan and Co, he invited everyone back to the cars and we finished off some more of the food and drink. The taxis had apparently arrived, so we made our way to a different section of the car park, unfortunately, we had to wait at least 30minutes for the taxi guys to find us. After which, we made our way to the Sushi Lounge in Hoboken for some midnight snacks before resigning for the night in time for the last Light-Rail.
(Pictures lacking to protect the identities/reputation/innocence of those associated with me.)
Sunday was supposed to see our return to the beaches of Long Island, but the weather was not looking too good and everyone wanted a little more time in bed, and so it was; let there be sleep, and it was good. A wholesome Sunday. Spent mostly watching Dexter, which I highly recommend if it ever sees the light of European Broadcasting day.
Just 4 weeks left in work now; I'm gonna miss this.
Friday was another day for football as I made my way out to Giants stadium straight after work for the New York Jets ~Vs~ Minnesota Vikings game. With a little more experience, and some savvy about me, I made my way out ticket-less, determined to strike a better deal this time. After the bus getting lost for a while on the way, we arrived into the stadium at about 7:45 for a game at 8. As the bus pulled in, I could see a guy at a light-post, he had the look of a tout about him...my prey had been selected. I stepped off the bus and made my way gingerly towards him. Turned out he was selling a ticket, his friend couldn't make it and he didn't want to be completely out of pocket. A deal was struck, $20. Bargain. This was the first time I had attempted this, I was happy with my ticket inspection, but I could never be too sure, I was passed through the gate without any hassle though and was in before I knew it.
The game didn't go so smoothly, the Jets threw two early interceptions which left them down 14-3 at one stage, after 0 rushing yards by the Vikings and 4 passing yards, dreadful stuff. They had a few bright moments, but their mistakes took a heavy toll as the Vikings came out victorious 37-20. It was a good night though as I sat beside the guy that sold me my ticket and we got talking and had some laughs. The game was over at about 11, and I finally got in the door at about half one.
I was a little further back this time.
Not content with Six Flags, the office were taking us out again on Saturday, this time, we were on our way to the New York Red Bulls ~VS~ LA Galaxies game to see someone prodigy by the name of David Beckham, he should probably consider football in Europe if he's so good. Before the game though, I had arranged a little reunion. You may remember the guys that Gary and I acquainted with when we went Kayaking, well, they were planning a big “tailgate” before the game and I just had to get involved. Much to Ryan's disgust, we left at about half 3 (Picture John arranging a departure time of 1 and leaving at 1:05). We arrived in the car park of Giant's stadium, packed full with food, drink and people where we spent the 4 hours prior to the game eating, drinking and talking. It was a whole load of fun and before I knew it, it was time to head into the game and meet the office.
The stadium was near full-capacity (~80000 max) and the game exploded into action. The moment seemed to get the best of some of the players and before we knew it there was 3 goals scored in the first 8 minutes. The game continued at a good pace, with plenty of attention on Beckham and the atmosphere provided ample opportunity for Gary and I to try and introduce some European chanting into the Western World. It had been a fascinating game and an immense amount of fun with the office but heading into the 89th minute at 4 – 4 the New York Red Bulls pulled out a last minute winner to take the game 5 – 4 at which point, we went suitably mental, the details of which I will not go into! Unbelievable, a wonderfully exciting introduction to the sport even if the quality was a little questionable in parts.
After a some laughs in the Stadium and a “playful” project manager ~VS~ Irish intern fight to the death in the car-park (Gary being the intern, I was recording), the taxis were taking some time to arrive, so I suggested the Ryan come down to meet Gary as he had not seen him earlier. Of course, once I found and introduced Ryan and Co, he invited everyone back to the cars and we finished off some more of the food and drink. The taxis had apparently arrived, so we made our way to a different section of the car park, unfortunately, we had to wait at least 30minutes for the taxi guys to find us. After which, we made our way to the Sushi Lounge in Hoboken for some midnight snacks before resigning for the night in time for the last Light-Rail.
(Pictures lacking to protect the identities/reputation/innocence of those associated with me.)
Sunday was supposed to see our return to the beaches of Long Island, but the weather was not looking too good and everyone wanted a little more time in bed, and so it was; let there be sleep, and it was good. A wholesome Sunday. Spent mostly watching Dexter, which I highly recommend if it ever sees the light of European Broadcasting day.
Just 4 weeks left in work now; I'm gonna miss this.
posted by Andy at 03:44
7 Comments:
You see. This is more of it. I read the whole piece waiting to see just how fast and how close to each other on what highway the cars were tailgating, and what possessed you to join them in the first place. Thoroughly enjoyed the Blog: even laughed at that guy John who must be a really ace organiser in high demand, but was still not clear on the car racing so I read it again. Eureka! Let the bath overflow. You were having a picnic from the rear door of soemones car. Very USA! Next weekend though is the real game! But what's this...the first suggestion of a realisation that the Emerald Isle beckons. We are winning US 5 Ireland 1 YES! Tomorrow is AJ -1M: where has the time gone. Continue to make the most of the time you have left on this expereince, you seem to have made the most of it and no doubt it is only the beginning. Come on the DUBS!
Like your poor Dad I was horrified by the caption and had visions of sending you food parcels to an American jail when you were arrested for tailgating. So glad you are getting sooo civilized and that even you give up the odd Sunday to sleep!
Enjoy this weekend with your Dad - I imagine it will be well planned!!
I reckoned "Andrew doesn't drive, he must be ok seeing he's writing a blog, so we must be in for an exciting crash!" Which became a picnic. Ahem.
Good deal on the ticket! And good deal on that Company you work for! First Saturday of the week - that calls for a staff day out! Yaahoooo!!
And we WILL be looking to see the other pictures ..... after drinks for four hours BEFORE the game, probably a drink or seven during the game, and picnic-come-wrestling match with the boss after the game - those pictures must be the stuff of legend!
And sure any surprise the poor taxi driver couldn't find yis in a ..... car-park(??!!!) .... yis were no doubt horizontal on the ground after a skinfull of drink!!! And then Sunday plans were changed because "the weather was not looking too good" ??!! Oh yea - I've had those "bad weather days" too!! Did anybody even get to look out the window?!! Sounds like you had a great time! Keep enjoying it all!
Haha, OK, a few edits. I was considering a link to "tailgating" in the first place but left it out, it has now been put in to avoid any confusion. Sorry to disappoint, I've not been smashing up any cars just yet. I must say, I'm somewhat intrigued by the shared sense of disappointment that I wasn't in an accident/arrested. Also, twas Gary in the fight to the death.
Oh no! No disappointment that you were not in an accident: relief and joy that you were partying!Thank you for the updated Blog. On the other hand a link to http://www.rsa.ie/NEWS/News/August_Bank_Holiday.html highlights the dangers of tailgating Irish style! Amazing that Googling tailgate gives pages and pages of advice on how to party! These Blogs are very educational! Loved Seamus' comments: he has a suspicious empathy with your (alleged) situation: don't worry though Cecilia will sort him out! Note, with appreciation, that Cecilia recognises the value of a Plan! Must say though I'm daunted by the prosect of the game that we are going to next week (might leave the cushion and extra jumper behind after all!!). Move over: younger generation coming through ever faster on the inside! Looks increasingly like a speciality: letting life escape the cage! Is this the same guy that wrote the March 07 Posts?
I have now decided that "tailgating" is a tremendous activity! I have even been trying to dream up occassions when we can tailgate over here. Croker is out. You'd be mugged if you parked up near Ballybough. Lansdowne road - well that's gone for now. Dollymount beach - sand in your beer. Parnell Park - Garda no parking cones all along Collins Avenue. St. Anne's Red Stables car park - the dogs got banned. The Luas park-and-ride - you'd get lost trying to get through the Red Cow. No, no, there's only one place for it. Cecilia, next time we're doing work in your front garden Brendan can serve beer from the boot of his car. I'm getting the bus.
Ah Seamus ..... I hadn't even realised the front garden needed work but now that you mention it....
Anyway - there's a much better excuse - aren't we gathering in your gaff for the booze cruise launch - you can set up that magnum of champagne and we'll drink it from the back of the jeep....naw might be a bit cold....and wasps....forget it - not the champagne just the outside bit!!
SORTED - when Andrew comes home we can go to Mayo and park the car in the new (massive) shed and then we can set up deck chairs and have a nice glass of wine out of the elements - tailgating ....Irish style!!
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