Game #97- New York City Football Club

New York City Football Club vs. New England Revolution Yankee Stadium May 31, 2017 I’m in New Jersey for a pitch meeting, but because it takes so long to fly out to the east coast I needed to arrive a day early. That allowed me to make my way to New York to catch a soccer game between the New York City Football Club and New England Revolution. The game took place in the new Yankee Stadium which looks very similar to the old building. They mimicked the upper rafters, the front of the stadium has the same facade, and the layout of the field all play homage to the original ballpark that was demolished just a few years ago (now there is a sort of sports complex in its place). I was able to snag a good seat almost dead center field to enjoy the action. I was excited to see super star David Villa on the pitch. After seeing him play for Spain for years in the World Cup, it was cool to have him lead the new franchise NYCFC to a possible home win. The action started early with a quick goal by Jack Harrison in the 16 minute to give NY an early lead but it was quickly equalized by Kei Kamara in the 24th minute to tie the game. It wasn’t until the second half in which Miguel Camargo placed a perfect ball into the net to give the home team the lead again making the crowd of nearly 30,000 jump to their feet, feeling they surely will come away with 3 points. But after a brilliant ball juggle and pass by Kelyn Rowe, Xavier Kouassi headed in the tying goal into the left side of the net for a final 2-2 draw. The game ended right on time because as the players were leaving the field it started to drizzle and by the time I got back to the car it was pouring. The highlight of the game was the chant from the NYCFC faithful. After several clear dives trying to gain a card or set piece, the supporters club started screaming “Masshole, Masshole, Masshole!!!!” So funny. The other part of the game that was somewhat entertaining/annoying was the d-bag sitting two rows in front of me. He was the typical loud, obnoxious “fan” who doesn’t actually watch the team let alone sport. He had a brand new team hat (on backwards, off course) and jersey that were clearly bought that day, and was drunkenly screaming at ever call against NY. Clearly the intention was to have his conversation heard by everyone around him not just the 4 dudes sitting in his row. “D bag” made a $100 bet that NY would not lose with 20 minutes left in the game. So when the Revs tied it with 4 minutes left I was laughing out loud along with the rowdy dudes next to me who were in town from Manchester.

I walked around the stadium to take some pictures, but it really didn’t have much displayed. Perhaps everything was in the area in the outfield (obviously it was all Yankee centric) where the retired player numbers and plaques are located, but I don’t think you can get down there unless you are on a stadium tour.

Game #96- Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Chesapeake Arena February 24, 2017 I haven’t been to Oklahoma City in about 8-9 years, nothing has really changed. The first time I made my way out it was for one of my best friend’s engagement party with his soon to be wife’s family. They live in the area and were throwing a huge party. The flights and hotel were cheap so we headed out for a weekend of partying. During that time we were able to check out Bricktown but only shortly because it was pouring rain and, as you can imagine, thunder (OKC team name) and lightning everywhere. This time around, coming home from a work trip, the weather was much nicer. Although extremely chilly outside (around 45 degrees), there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. So before the Thunder game I decided to run the canal that goes through Bricktown in order to take some pictures of the buildings, the baseball stadium, the Centennial Land Run Monument, as well as the Oklahoma River. It’s a very unique area and the brick buildings remind me of the Three Little Pigs, the tornados in the area can huff and puff but won’t blow these bad boys down. After the run I headed back to the hotel to get ready for the game. I chose to come out here to knock off a game but also because the Lakers were in town. Although my home team is awful (again) this year, it was good to dust off the old purple and gold jersey to cheer on the Lake Show in person. I fully anticipated a steamrolling by the Thunder with their high power office lead by Russell Westbrook, the home crowd, and a lackluster LA team hitting the floor…suffice to say I wasn’t disappointed. In the first 5 minutes of the game OKC controlled the ball, the boards, and three’s. The building was rocking every time the Thunder shot and made a basket which happened a lot in the first half. By the end of the night Westbrook had his 28th triple double of the season (65th of his career) while the only highlight from the LA squad was D’Angelo Russel’s 29 hard fought points in the paint. The Lakers were blown out 110 to 93 without much fanfare at the end of the game.

OKC is a fairly new franchise, spawning from the old Seattle Supersonics, so they don’t have much in terms of fanfare displays as you can imagine. Also the arena is really new, so as in all of these types of buildings, there isn’t much to look at except the lightning machine over head in the rafters. So the highlight of the game for me was that Magic Johnson was in the building. Everywhere he walked people were trying to take pictures/selfies with him. At his seat fans were consistently attempting to bypass the security to get to him (never worked), except one person. Wouldn’t you know a beautiful, big chested woman asked to take a picture with MJ and when security went to push her away you could see Magic saying “No, no, no man. It’s cool…” Oh to be a celebrity. Ha!