What we love about sports

[SandraC]

Lets call this the positive thread. If you don't love what someone else loves, it's OK. But please don't denigrate it here. And lets also try to keep out of this thread too. I know it'll be hard, but you can do it!

Anyway, here is what I love, in no particular order (after the first two)...

1. Going to the Garden for a Ranger game. Nothing like it. It's a college atmosphere at a professional event, 41 times a year, something that's not easy to find. The deafening roar, Potvin Sucks chants, Sweet Caroline, 'Last Place', Henrik chants, 'You can't beat us', the goal song that has no words but everyone sings along to, the stick salute at center ice after victories...awesome. Multiply all that by 100 for playoff games.

2. Going to Yankee games is a close second. Hopefully the new Yankee Stadium has the same energy as the 'old' one, with more bathrooms. The roll call, the passion, the come from behind victories, the love for Derek Jeter, the roar when Mariano jogs in...amazing.

3. Watching big games on TV from Fenway Park. Wow, that place rocks.

4. Any sport in hi-def. Makes you wonder how you lived so long without it.

5. Attending big games your nieces/nephews play in. I love watching them play all the time, but there is something special about seeing them rise to the occasion in soccer state cup games, AAU regional basketball tournaments, little league all-star games, etc.

6. Watching high school basketball. My nieces/nephews are not old enough yet, but I love watching high level high school basketball. I try to attend a game at least once a week, then more when the Shore Conference and state tournaments roll around. The atmosphere in the gyms is electric.

7. Spending a night watching the Strike Zone channel. Amazing how they get you to each game.

8. Same thing for the Red Zone channel. Now I have to get the NFL package again next year!

9. Remember the Titans. A great movie. Also, Hoosiers and Rudy.

10. Friday Night Lights on TV. Starts this Friday on NBC, I already saw most of the season on DirecTV. It's amazing...more than football, but football is a big part. I love Matt Saracen!

11. Speaking of which, DirecTV. I still remember like the first commercial, some actor was saying 'why just look for scores of all the games...why not watch all the games instead?'. And I was thinking 'yes, he's talking to me!'. I spend a fortune but it's totally worth it. Night after night of amazing sports drama.

12. March Madness. Especially the first two rounds. Wall to wall basketball, and no Dick Vitale.

13. The divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Four big games last weekend, an entire weekend of football. This weekend is nice too, but it's only half as good. Then that's it for real fans, the Super Bowl becomes the freak show around a football game. The game is great, you just have to wade through endless fluff to find it.

14. But...Bruce Springsteen performing at halftime this year. Nice.

15. Michigan - Ohio State day. I wake up and it's like 'Oh my God, it's today'.

16. A Yankee - Red Sox playoff series.

17. I have no attachment to the Cubs positive or negative, but I'd love to see them in a world series.

18. Inside the NFL on Showtime. Great show, much improved from last year.

19. The NBA playoffs. Amazing theatre. Lebron carrying a team, Derek Fisher hitting big shots, a team like the Hawks taking the Celtics to the brink, the Spurs being around even when you think this is the year they won't be, Chauncey Billups running a team like no other, the Warriors of a couple of years ago...nice.

20. The NHL playoffs. Wow. Just wow. Nothing like it.

21. Watching soccer games from the English Premier league, Serie A, la Liga, Bundesliga, etc. I feel like I'm transported to a European city for two hours. The crowds make Cameron indoor seem like a library. They are totally part of the game from start to finish. And there are 50-75,000 of them.

22. NFL films.

23. Minor league baseball.

24. TNT basketball coverage. Hope Barkley is back soon.

25. Looking at the Spring training schedule when it first comes out.

26. Watching the X-games. Summer and winter. Amazing athletes, even if you're not familiar with the sports. Travis Pastrana landing the first double back flip on a motorcyle was one of the most exciting sports events I've ever seen.

27. Having a boyfriend who is almost as much into sports as you are.

28. The great stadiums/arenas. Yankee Stadium. Wrigley field. Fenway. Lambeau. Madison Square Garden. The Rose Bowl. Busch stadium. Bell Centre. Soldier Field. Dean Dome. Allen field house. Pauley Pavilion. The Palestra. They have to be on every fan's 'must' list.

29. Catching a foul ball.

30. Discussing sports with sports fans.


Sandra

 

[CeltsHD]

Lets call this the positive thread. If you don't love what someone else loves, it's OK. But please don't denigrate it here. And lets also try to keep out of this thread too. I know it'll be hard, but you can do it!

Anyway, here is what I love, in no particular order (after the first two)...

1. Going to the Garden for a Ranger game. Nothing like it. It's a college atmosphere at a professional event, 41 times a year, something that's not easy to find. The deafening roar, Potvin Sucks chants, Sweet Caroline, 'Last Place', Henrik chants, 'You can't beat us', the goal song that has no words but everyone sings along to, the stick salute at center ice after victories...awesome. Multiply all that by 100 for playoff games.

I went to a BE Tourney at MSG about 10 years ago and it was awesome.

Never been to a Rangers game, but on TV it looks like it rocks! :up

2. Going to Yankee games is a close second. Hopefully the new Yankee Stadium has the same energy as the 'old' one, with more bathrooms. The roll call, the passion, the come from behind victories, the love for Derek Jeter, the roar when Mariano jogs in...amazing.

I'm a Red Sox fan, but I was in AWE when I stepped into Yankee Stadium for the first time. Goose bumps city!!! I'll miss the old place.

3. Watching big games on TV from Fenway Park. Wow, that place rocks.

Yes it does! Come on up for a game........you won't be sorry. :up

4. Any sport in hi-def. Makes you wonder how you lived so long without it.

I can't watch ANYTHING in SD anymore!

5. Attending big games your nieces/nephews play in. I love watching them play all the time, but there is something special about seeing them rise to the occasion in soccer state cup games, AAU regional basketball tournaments, little league all-star games, etc.

It's great....isn't it!! I coach my two nephews in Little League and I get such a kick out of it. :up


7. Spending a night watching the Strike Zone channel. Amazing how they get you to each game.

GREAT stuff!!! :up

8. Same thing for the Red Zone channel. Now I have to get the NFL package again next year!

Ditto!

9. Remember the Titans. A great movie. Also, Hoosiers and Rudy.

All good flicks!



11. Speaking of which, DirecTV. I still remember like the first commercial, some actor was saying 'why just look for scores of all the games...why not watch all the games instead?'. And I was thinking 'yes, he's talking to me!'. I spend a fortune but it's totally worth it. Night after night of amazing sports drama.

You talkin' to me!

12. March Madness. Especially the first two rounds. Wall to wall basketball, and no Dick Vitale.

My favorite time of the year!!!


14. But...Bruce Springsteen performing at halftime this year. Nice.

The Boss.............awesome!!!

Also, it was announced that Jennifer Hudson will sing the National Anthem.

After what she's been through recently, I'm sure it be a very poignant version.



16. A Yankee - Red Sox playoff series.

After '03 and '04, I miss it.

Now ducking from all the haters.

17. I have no attachment to the Cubs positive or negative, but I'd love to see them in a world series.

Same. :up



19. The NBA playoffs. Amazing theatre. Lebron carrying a team, Derek Fisher hitting big shots, a team like the Hawks taking the Celtics to the brink, the Spurs being around even when you think this is the year they won't be, Chauncey Billups running a team like no other, the Warriors of a couple of years ago...nice.

Looking forward to the playoffs.

20. The NHL playoffs. Wow. Just wow. Nothing like it.

Incredible drama. Could THIS be the Bruins year?



22. NFL films.

Anything with John Facenda or Harry Kalas voice is great!

23. Minor league baseball.

I go to several Paw Sox games. Great take for a fraction of the cost! :up

24. TNT basketball coverage. Hope Barkley is back soon.

I'll miss Sir Charles. Inside the NBA is, IMO, the best studio show around.

25. Looking at the Spring training schedule when it first comes out.

Warms me up!


27. Having a boyfriend who is almost as much into sports as you are.

I LOVE my girlfriend to death! My only wish was that she was a little more interested in sports.



29. Catching a foul ball.

I've caught five in my life.

30. Discussing sports with sports fans.

Over a beer or two..............nothing like it!!! :up


Sandra

Awesome post!!! :up

 

[salsadancer7]

1. I have watched a game in just about every baseball Major League stadium built between 1960 and 2000. And there is NOTHING like a game in.....San Juan Puerto Rico during the Carribean World Series!! The feel, the atmosphere, the crowds are SO different than the Majors....think Yankee Stadium/Fenway Park/Wrigley Field with a twist of Brazilian Soccer...:up

2. Seeing the boyz I have coached succeed as MEN more than athletes.

3. Seeing my 3 year old son actually hit a wiffle ball from the right side AND the left side.

4. Listening to the Raiders broadcast of a home game by Gregg Papa and Jim Plunkett.

5. Listen to Hawk Harrelson announce a White Sox home run with his classic...." Way back, way back.....you could put it on the boarrrrrrddddd.......YYYYYEEEEEESSSSSSS!"

6. Two outs, top of the 9th, up by 1 run, man on 2nd base 2003 Divisional Playoffs, Marlins vs. SF Giants....closer gives up a single and watching your favorite player tag the potencial tying run in a collision at the plate! The crowd at Dolphin Stadium was BEYOND electric...send chills down my spine just thinking about it. I was there and the feeling was electric.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgr7aeFjNFk&feature=PlayList&p=2BD6ECF21439BC2D&playnext=1&index=105"]YouTube - 2003 MLB National League Division Series Game 4[/ame]

7. Watching the OLD Orange Bowl hightlights when The U was 'right there'. She was a grand old football stadium.....

8. Going back to #1, a great cuban sandwich, a long neck and curly fries for all under $10!!! One find that ANYWHERE in North America!

 

[KCK_Halo]

CeltsHD,

You failed Sandra's no test.

 

[CeltsHD]

CeltsHD,

You failed Sandra's no test.

Oops! Sorry!

 

[SandraC]

CeltsHD,

You failed Sandra's no test.

Actually I just asked that we don't use the rolling of the eyes. Every time I see it here it reminds me of my 13 year old niece driving my sister-in-law crazy with it! And she knows it drives her mom crazy, so she does it even more...

It's used here often for the same 13-year-old effect, so that was the only one I asked to be kept out of the positive thread.


Sandra

 

[KCK_Halo]

Actually I just asked that we don't use the rolling of the eyes. Every time I see it here it reminds me of my 13 year old niece driving my sister-in-law crazy with it! And she knows it drives her mom crazy, so she does it even more...

It's used here often for the same 13-year-old effect, so that was the only one I asked to be kept out of the positive thread.


Sandra

Gotcha! Oh, those 13 yr olds. Who do they think they are...professional sports players????

 

[CeltsHD]

Gotcha! Oh, those 13 yr olds. Who do they think they are...professional sports players????

LMAO!!!! :haha:haha

 

[HD MM]

1. I love the game day experience of attending an Ohio State Football Game in Columbus. It starts by gathering at St. Johns Arena for a pre-game pep rally ("skull session") with Jim Tressel delivering a speech that sends chills down your spine, followed by the Ohio State Marching Band rocking the former basketball arena with OSU Songs. The crowd in attendance then follows the lead of the band and team as they march across Woody Hayes Blvd. and into the hallowed grounds of Ohio Stadium (aka: The Horseshoe). Oh, and then there's the part about being among 102,329 other fans in cheering your ass off for your beloved Bucks. The whole experience is surreal.

2. I love Tailgating at 8am for a 1pm Browns game. Driving downtown to meet fellow fans in the cold Cleveland game day morning with the winds of Lake Erie whipping you in the face. Firing up the grill, steamer, smoker and putting on a nice spread first thing in the morning. Then marching with the droves of Browns Backers into Cleveland Browns Stadium to share your excitement for another NFL Sunday.

3. I love talking the game of baseball and it's historic past with a perfect stranger sitting next to me at Jacob's Field. Seeing the perfectly manicured outfield lawn for the first time in Spring. Hearing the drum beat coming from John Adams in the top section of the bleacher seats, nearly every home game since 1973.

4. I love witnessing the 4th quarter of a playoff game in Quicken Loans Arena. The crowd excitement, the chants, the ohhs and ahhhs as we as fans bask in the sheer amazement as one of our own, LeBron James, continues to impress and take us closer to the ultimate goal that is a Championship for the city of Cleveland.

5. I love wandering picturesque golf courses during pro tournaments. I love following the droves of fans following Tiger Woods and hearing the golf ball wizz down the fairway after striking the ball at an unfathomable speed. I also enjoy seeing Tiger's concentration on critical putts and the excitement that follows when he sinks a big shot.

6. I love hosting and attending game day gatherings at family/friends homes. Despite many tough loses, no one ever goes home with an empty belly.

7. I love listening to Tom Hamilton and Mike Heagan from the radio booth calling a Cleveland Indians game.

8. I love sticking up for my teams and being proud of where I come from. After all, the undying support is all I have to offer the teams that have supplied so much entertainment to me after all these years.

9. I love reading, writing and talking sports here and throughout life.

10. I love that with HD and surround sound, even at home, we can create a life-like experience viewing sports.

 

[Ramy]

For me it doesn't matter the sport I go to, it is the energy that the crowd has around me. As long as there isn't a rowdy drunk ruining it for everyone, there is nothing better.

 

[anders5189]

12. March Madness. Especially the first two rounds. Wall to wall basketball, and no Dick Vitale.

March Madness is great, but there's nothing like the ACC Tournament. Wall to wall basketball except you know all the teams, all the players, all the coaches. It's like a big family reunion. The fans all take sides during each game, usually everyone cheers against Carolina or dook. The atomosphere is unreal. After it's over the NCAA Tournament is a bit anti climatic. It's not the same watching Creighton play Tennessee.

14. But...Bruce Springsteen performing at halftime this year. Nice.

There's only one boss. I'm so glad that they got him instead of Paul McCartney.

15. Michigan - Ohio State day. I wake up and it's like 'Oh my God, it's today'.

That's how it is for a Carolina-dook game. All that hate, all that passion you have and finally a chance to beat your hated rival. There's nothing like watching all those smug little dookies, with their painted faces and scripted cheers, get beat in their own building. The camera shots on their students at the end are classic.

For the record, I don't know how anyone can compare Yankees-Red Sox to something like this. They play like 50 times a year! And have 3-4 game series. How can you get fired up for something like that? Whatever happens they can say see you Fenway in a couple of weeks.

 

[SandraC]

For the record, I don't know how anyone can compare Yankees-Red Sox to something like this. They play like 50 times a year! And have 3-4 game series. How can you get fired up for something like that? Whatever happens they can say see you Fenway in a couple of weeks.

I'm going to respond, even though you went all '13-year-old-girl' on us.

It's all about perspective. Duke-NC is important to you, so you don't see how another rivalry can measure up.

I could turn your logic around, and say Duke and NC have never met in a game that mattered. Unless they did play in an NCAA tournament game that I'm not aware of. Every Duke - NC game, even an ACC tournament final, is about bragging rights and seedings. Nothing more.

The Yankees and Red Sox have met a number of times in the playoffs, however, games where if you lose, your season ends at the hands of a hated rival. Now THERE is something really at stake...and something to get fired up about! Either watching a team you despise celebrating on your field, or having to hear their fans go crazy as your season ends. Wow.

But this is the positive thread, so I applaud your love of all things tobacco and basketball.


Sandra

 

[anders5189]

I have nothing against the Yankees-Red Sox playoff series. Those were baseball at its best. I'm just saying that for all the hype of the rivalry they really should only play twice, once in NY, once in Boston, and not until September. When the media starts hyping that rivalry for meaningless games in April and May it's just a bit much. There's more cache to Yankees-Mets because they don't play that often.

 

[SabresRule]

1. I love the game day experience of attending an Ohio State Football Game in Columbus. It starts by gathering at St. Johns Arena for a pre-game pep rally ("skull session") with Jim Tressel delivering a speech that sends chills down your spine, followed by the Ohio State Marching Band rocking the former basketball arena with OSU Songs. The crowd in attendance then follows the lead of the band and team as they march across Woody Hayes Blvd. and into the hallowed grounds of Ohio Stadium (aka: The Horseshoe). Oh, and then there's the part about being among 102,329 other fans in cheering your ass off for your beloved Bucks. The whole experience is surreal.

And that's just against the likes of Minnesota or Indiana. Lord only knows what it's like when Michigan comes to town.

Now, for the things I love about sports:

1. Going to football games at Ralph Wilson/Rich Stadium IN THE COLD when the Bills were an annual contender for the Super Bowl. I'm sure HD also is familiar with cold-weather games like I was.

2. Hockey games at the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Lot of great things about that old building (old seats, good food, an entertaining hockey team), but here's something remarkable: I went to 10 Sabre games in that arena, and the Sabres NEVER lost when I attended a game- a perfect 10-0.

3. After all those Sabres wins, I'd head to some of my favorite Buffalo-area barbecue restaraunts to celebrate. ()

4. Buying hockey cards at the Galleria Mall

5. Watching a college football game that's big, important, meaningful, has a lot on the line, or entertaining to watch

6. The NCAA basketball conference tournaments. You never know who can win (See Georgia in the SEC last year)

7. Stopping at Tim Hortons to get some donuts courtesy of coupons I could get at the Aud

OK, my list isn't as long as others- but those were meaningful experiences

 

[HD MM]

And that's just against the likes of Minnesota or Indiana. Lord only knows what it's like when Michigan comes to town.

Actually that one game I went to was against Marshall. But yeah, I get what your saying.

 

[HD MM]

3. After all those Sabres wins, I'd head to some of my favorite Buffalo-area barbecue restaraunts to celebrate. ()

You ever been to Anchor Bar? When I'm driving through Upstate NY, the wife and I always make a point to stop there.

 

[SabresRule]

You ever been to Anchor Bar? When I'm driving through Upstate NY, the wife and I always make a point to stop there.

OMG! I forgot to mention that!

 

[Skyhi]

OMG! I forgot to mention that!

Speaking of Buffalo food, some of the best Pizza I've ever had (I think....I was pretty drunk) came from a place in Downtown Buffalo. It was by a bunch of bars, open real late, and put about an inch of cheese on the pie. I don't know the name....ring any bells Sabres?

 

[satjay]

1. Opening day of Baseball in Detroit, nothing like it I encourage all to experience it once. The people, the partying and the atmosphere of it all.

2. Spring training, the sign of spring and baseball hope

3. First full weekend of College football, Summer is winding down with that crisp air coming, love it!!

4. Hockey night in Canada, playoff time Matchup between US and canadian club after both anthums are sung gives me goosebumps

5. A two out base hit to bring a runner home from second

6. NFC/AFC Title Games. Double header day to go to the superbowl, one of the great sports day on the calender

7. Watching the neighbors kids getting together to play football in the backyard, and my three year old wanting to join in! Even the dads get in to relive there past...lol

8. September 2006, Tigers beat Yankees to move on in the playoffs. Nobody thought it would happen. the most electic crowd I have ever been a part of

9. Penn State football game: As a sports fan you got to respect that atmopshere, As a Michigan fan, there crowd is great especially for night time games, I went to a game there in 97 when michigan played there.

 

[mccoyrj]

What I love about sports is the way it brings people together to share something they all enjoy. If that didn't happen, the rest would be pointless. :up





The hot dogs and beer are also a plus.