forkbeard3777
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It's been a busy, busy couple of weeks. After my spat with Irishdrunk, for which I was banned and he wasn't (talk about home cookin', ehh...
), I made an unexpected work trip to Columbus, Ohio. Selfishly, I was peeved as I had to trim the beard. That said, it did make me look like I lost 20 pounds, so I had that going for me...
I was only supposed to be there for 10/17 - 10/19; however, with the OSU-Penn State game that Saturday, I decided to stick around. Naturally, I rocked my LSU gear while pulling for the Buckeyes (I'll die before I pull for and/or associate with Penn State).
For the most part, it was a good experience - nothing earth shattering. Their tailgating scene wasn't anything to write home about, tbh. I didn't realize all alcohol had to be kept in a red solo cup -- that was annoying. It did seem like much more of a pregame bar hopping environment. I was honestly surprised at the sheer number of older fans at the game and the overall "corporate" feel to it. For such a big game, it didn't compare to a big SEC game - that said - (as you're rolling your eyes), I'm cognizant that it was a noon kickoff. I bet it's a much, much better environment for a later kickoff. Also, the Horseshoe was one of the elite stadiums that I've been to - top 5 for sure.
Overall, Columbus was a cool town. That German Village area was fun. A lotta good breweries. Overall, 8/10 experience.
After that, I went back home to TX. For the ND game, I flew from Houston to Indy. It was my brother, future brother-in-law, and a couple of friends (making a double header - ND vs. Pitt and Saints vs. Colts).
Unlike Ohio State, the Notre Dame experience was extraordinary. In all honesty, pound for pound, it was probably the most unique and best experience I've had for a college game. The weather simply could not have been any better. It was peak season for all of the fall, deciduous trees, and the rain and cooler temps held off. Everything about the campus, the detail in the buildings’ architecture, the landscaping, the lakes, the various quads and lawns, and such was immaculate. Even the cemetery was in great shape. The Friday events and pregame events were also cool and unique. The environment for ND... it's hard to describe, but other than A&M (to a lesser degree), you gather that there is such more of an appreciation for the university, as a whole, and not just limited to a football team/game. It's unique. It's special. It had this constant "homecoming" aura to it. I think that's what set it apart.
We actually ran into a fair amount of fans from other teams (not just Pitt). A lot of the ones we talked to said it was a "bucket list" visit for them. I was also surprised at the number of Pitt fans - like Univ. Houston, Univ. Memphis, etc., I just didn't expect that they'd travel too well. The older gentlemen in the green jackets and golf carts were very friendly and very helpful (brother-in-law blew out his MCL playing rugby). They graciously carted him around when needed. That was a nice touch.
The tailgating scene was pretty good. Standard, parking lot tailgating. I was surprised that they only got rolling on Saturday. The bar scene, at least to my knowledge, was fairly limited. The bars and restaurants across campus were jam packed with lines out the door, but they were a good time.
As to the game, it was certainly an ass whipping. For playing such a poor team, it was a really good turnout. It was truly awesome seeing them just beat the brakes off of them. I was a little surprised they didn't sell alcohol, though. You'd think with their purported love of money and the Guinness partnership that they'd sell alcohol. They could charge $15 a Guinness and spectators would purchase.
Overall, 9/10 experience (10/10 - is strictly reserved for a big time game/opponent/rival - i.e., USC, Michigan, etc.)
Great time. Looking forward to going back in the near future. Go Irish!
), I made an unexpected work trip to Columbus, Ohio. Selfishly, I was peeved as I had to trim the beard. That said, it did make me look like I lost 20 pounds, so I had that going for me...I was only supposed to be there for 10/17 - 10/19; however, with the OSU-Penn State game that Saturday, I decided to stick around. Naturally, I rocked my LSU gear while pulling for the Buckeyes (I'll die before I pull for and/or associate with Penn State).
For the most part, it was a good experience - nothing earth shattering. Their tailgating scene wasn't anything to write home about, tbh. I didn't realize all alcohol had to be kept in a red solo cup -- that was annoying. It did seem like much more of a pregame bar hopping environment. I was honestly surprised at the sheer number of older fans at the game and the overall "corporate" feel to it. For such a big game, it didn't compare to a big SEC game - that said - (as you're rolling your eyes), I'm cognizant that it was a noon kickoff. I bet it's a much, much better environment for a later kickoff. Also, the Horseshoe was one of the elite stadiums that I've been to - top 5 for sure.
Overall, Columbus was a cool town. That German Village area was fun. A lotta good breweries. Overall, 8/10 experience.
After that, I went back home to TX. For the ND game, I flew from Houston to Indy. It was my brother, future brother-in-law, and a couple of friends (making a double header - ND vs. Pitt and Saints vs. Colts).
Unlike Ohio State, the Notre Dame experience was extraordinary. In all honesty, pound for pound, it was probably the most unique and best experience I've had for a college game. The weather simply could not have been any better. It was peak season for all of the fall, deciduous trees, and the rain and cooler temps held off. Everything about the campus, the detail in the buildings’ architecture, the landscaping, the lakes, the various quads and lawns, and such was immaculate. Even the cemetery was in great shape. The Friday events and pregame events were also cool and unique. The environment for ND... it's hard to describe, but other than A&M (to a lesser degree), you gather that there is such more of an appreciation for the university, as a whole, and not just limited to a football team/game. It's unique. It's special. It had this constant "homecoming" aura to it. I think that's what set it apart.
We actually ran into a fair amount of fans from other teams (not just Pitt). A lot of the ones we talked to said it was a "bucket list" visit for them. I was also surprised at the number of Pitt fans - like Univ. Houston, Univ. Memphis, etc., I just didn't expect that they'd travel too well. The older gentlemen in the green jackets and golf carts were very friendly and very helpful (brother-in-law blew out his MCL playing rugby). They graciously carted him around when needed. That was a nice touch.
The tailgating scene was pretty good. Standard, parking lot tailgating. I was surprised that they only got rolling on Saturday. The bar scene, at least to my knowledge, was fairly limited. The bars and restaurants across campus were jam packed with lines out the door, but they were a good time.
As to the game, it was certainly an ass whipping. For playing such a poor team, it was a really good turnout. It was truly awesome seeing them just beat the brakes off of them. I was a little surprised they didn't sell alcohol, though. You'd think with their purported love of money and the Guinness partnership that they'd sell alcohol. They could charge $15 a Guinness and spectators would purchase.
Overall, 9/10 experience (10/10 - is strictly reserved for a big time game/opponent/rival - i.e., USC, Michigan, etc.)
Great time. Looking forward to going back in the near future. Go Irish!
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