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Stadium Review
- The Proposal
My
visit to University of Phoenix Stadium, the last stadium trip I had
planned for the 2008 season, was to be my masterpiece. I had decided
early on that I was going to propose to my girlfriend of seven years
during the game on December 14, 2008 at the Arizona Cardinals Stadium
(Now I'll always be able to remember the date I proposed, since it's on
the website - Hans is no dummy!). Crystal, by the way, should be
eligible for sainthood after putting up with my vast array of
idiosyncrasies. Through it all she continues to support me, so I wanted
to make sure the proposal was special, but most of all, completely
unexpected. Anyway, with the game selected and tickets in hand, I
proceeded with the planning stages of Operation: Shock and Awe. I
contacted the Arizona Cardinals to arrange for a scoreboard message
proposal, secured tickets in the lower endzone located opposite the
scoreboard (thank you TicketCity.com), and enlisted the aid of friends
and perfect strangers I had met on the internet to photograph the entire
proceeding.
One would think I was plotting an assassination attempt, considering the
complexity of my diabolical plan, but I had to be certain that every
possible scenario was accounted for (must be the engineer in me). There
were
"go/no go" signs and non-verbal communication protocols that were
strictly adhered to. We synchronized watches, used codenames, and even
had standard text messaging conventions; all in an effort to coordinate
the activities of the digital camera snipers that were strategically
located throughout the arena. My minions were comprised of Cardinal fans
and Viking fans alike, united in a common purpose - Operation: Shock and
Awe ... and everything went like clockwork. By the way, extra special
thanks are in order for the contributions of
Jay and Karen DiEugenio, from Tailgater
Monthly Magazine, and local tailgating legend,
Randy "Poonster" Earick, and his two
sons "Teabag" and "Shocker," who all helped to sew the entire operation
together.
Anyway, our day began at 6:30am on a driveway outside of Lot F. The
parking lots at University of Phoenix Stadium aren't open until 10:00am
(game starts at 2:00pm), so we decided to kickoff the pre-game
celebration a little early as we waited for the gates to open.
The
area was still covered in darkness, but the Poonster's Tailgate truck
was open for business and the Boys were serving up "Duck Fart" and
"Cardinal Juice" shots along with some Kahlua Coffee. For appetizers, we
had some of "Big Red's Testicle Cherries" and "Cardinal Red Heat Jell-O
shots". If nothing else, the Poonster and his boys have a knack for
unique naming conventions. They throw one helluva good tailgate too!
Also in attendance this weekend were Jay, the Tailgate Guy, and his
wife, Karen DiEugenio, from Tailgater Monthly Magazine. They drove their
RV in from southern California and were on hand to visit with the
Poonster, and of course, to participate in Operation: Shock & Awe.
As soon as the lot opened, Poonster and Co. got to the business of
setting up shop for an extended day of tailgating. Full sized grills,
tailgating
tables, and the "Cardinal Koolaid Victory Fountain," all made their
first appearances of the day, as Cardinal Tailgater Central sprang up
around the Poonster's truck. I got to the business of beverage
consumption, which I've found at many a tailgating celebration, is my
own personal calling. As I made the rounds, the Poonster began preparing
a veritable feast, one worthy of being served at an old Viking Drinking
Hall. For our mid day meal, a grilled spiced pork tenderloin served with
a grape tomato and corn relish was on the menu with a side of grilled
potato planks. I could only marvel at the fact that not only were these
guys fantastic hosts with an army of regulars to feed, but also
accomplished blacktop culinarians as well.
The food was excellent and the atmosphere wildly entertaining as people
continued to arrive throughout the morning. Jay and Karen had setup a
Bloody Mary Contest to see which Caridinal fan mixes up the best one.
First
prize was a year supply of Cholula Hot Sauce. I'm not exactly sure sure
what I personally would have done with all that hot sauce, but
thankfully Crystal and I were selected as judges, so we were ineligible
for the title. The Bloody Marys went down smoothly, but I never drank so
much DAMNED spiced tomato juice in my life! Jay seemed to take it all in
stride and I quickly realized that hanging out with Jay and Karen was
pure entertainment in itself. If you get an opportunity to party with
Jay, the Tailgate Guy, seize the day, my friends! You won't be
disappointed. After the contest, we readied ourselves for the debut of
the traditional custom hats worn by Poonster, Teabag and Shocker. The
fellas actually create a new hat for each game, infusing elements of
their opponent into the hat design, which is intended to inspire their
Cardinal comrades. This week's edition was a horned, furry helmet with a
Cardinal perched on top. I guess the hats must be working, seeing as how
the Arizona cardinals are looking at a playoff spot this January.
As
gametime approached, we headed to the Stadium, which is by far the most
technically impressive facility in the National Football League. From
the retractable natural grass field to its innovative exterior design,
University of Phoenix Stadium is an engineering marvel (see my last
review). Crystal and I found our seats and I anxiously waited until the
third quarter to set things in motion. When the scoreboard message
flashed and the Cardinals mascot was perched in our section, it set off
an autonomous chain of events that culminated in a tearful acceptance
(her tears not mine) as we celebrated with 65,000 fans. Digital cameras
began flashing from all angles as well-wishers from our section, people
I didn't even know, contributed to the pictorial record of the day.
Special Thanks to all who made this event a day we will never forget! I
really enjoyed my time in Arizona tremendously.
For more information on the area around Phoenix, Arizona, check out my
other review by clicking on the link below:
NFL: July 3, 2007 - University of Phoenix Stadium
Tour
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