Allen's World

 The big trend in sports writing these days seems to be writing lists. They stir debate, they stril discussion, and they give the american office worker one less reason to leave the break room on time. In my soon to be 30 years on this earth, I have had the fortune to be to almost every NFL Stadium. Through my Uncle Rich's connections, through my college playing experience, and through some good fortune, I've had a chance to see professional football in almost all of it's theatres. Before I get started, I need to note the stadiums that I have not attended a live football game in. They are:

Seattle, Arizona, Houson, Jacsksonville, and Indianapolis (trip planed this fall).

 Game experiences are rated via the following categories (prices are not a part of this because all NFL game tickets cost a couple of bucks):

1.  Tailgating: The pre-game warm up is a vital part of the game day experience. The food, the drink, and the fraternal friendship of fans play a vital role in getting one prepared for kickoff.

2.  Atmosphere: The aura of a stadium, from the novelties that exist (the pirate ship in Tampa), to the concessions, all that contribute to the overindulgense of the American past time. (Cheerleaders are counted in, but no prices are noted due to high cost at all events)

3. Fan Knowledge: A good game needs good fans. They need to be loud, enthusiastic, and have a good knowledge of the game to share with visiting fans and one time ticket buyers.

4. Miscellaneous: Bonus points are scored for anything else that makes the day more enjoyable. Whether it's a good pre-game, or post game restaraunt, or just a unique part of the stadium that isn't found anywhere else, this is where cities score bonus points.

    Allen's World Presents: THE NFL EXPERIENCE LIVE

1. ARROWHEAD STADIUM (Kansas City Chiefs) (30 pts.)

Tailgating: 10      Atmosphere: 10    Fan Knowledge: 9 

Bonus Point for being the loudest stadium in football.

 From the tailgating that begins at 6:00 am, this place is always ready to explode. Pickup trucks literally are converted to giant smokers, and giant pits line the lot for barbecue. The simple aroma of the Truman Sports complex on a Sunday morning takes one into a transient state of bliss and hunger. Fans in the midwest are never afraid to share their food, their drink, and their stories, and they take their pre-game rituals seriously (The even bring their own Johnny-On-the-spots).

  Inside, the concrete facade holds over 80,000 members of the "Red Army." All fans, and I mean ALL fans are donning their Chiefs colors, as they prepare for their mighty franchise to do battle with fierce rivals such as the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos. When the crowd is asked to make noise at kickoff, the sound is deafening and the seats literally shake with the anticipation of football in the heartland.

 As for fan knowledge, I'll sum it up like this: The 13 year old boy that I sat next to was able to tell me the college and history of each member of the Chiefs Ring of Honor. Discussions of Zone Blocking and 3-4 vs 4-3 defense fill the air. As for the male fans, they just let the wives talk ball and thank the Lord for their spouses.

#2.  Lambeau Field (28 pts.)

Tailgating: 8       Atmosphete: 10     Fan Knowledge: 9

Bonus Point for the mystique and aura of the Green Bay Packers

 The frozen tundra of Lambeau field is the most legendary stadium in professional football history. Built in 1957 as City Stadium II, it was renamed in 1964 after the passing of Packer founder Curley Lambeau. Green Bay is a city with 120,000 residents, a 68,000 seat stadium, and a 400 year waiting list to purchase season tickets. Sunday's are probably the best day to go shopping in this Wisconsin town because the malls are completely dead. Tailgating is a solid 8, with the beer flowing, the deer meat charring, and the cheese soup keeping the body warm. One really great experience at this stadium that I had was to be able to purchase my ticket for $35 for a PLAYOFF GAME.

  Once inside, the giant museum tells stories of greatness. From Lambeau to Lombardi to Brett Favre, if that field could speak, it would be the best storyteller in gridiron folklore. The names of those that will walk forever in the city of Green Bay adron the walls, and fans literally embrace their players in celebration via the Lambeau Leap.

 Fan Knowledge runs high, as it should in "Title Town USA." The whole city is literally here, and there are only two things on Sunday that will never go away, according to the 84 year old man I sat next to. They are God and the Packers.

 #3. Ravens Stadium (whatever name it has this season) (26 pts.)

Tailgating: 7       Atmosphere: 9      Fan Knowledge: 8

Bonus Points for: Crabcakes at concession stands and the giant jumbtrons.

  Baltimore Maryland was robbed of their franchise following the 1983 season. The midnight ride of Ron Irsay will forever haunt the glorious history in Baltimore football History. The City of Unitas (and he died a Raven people) and the site of the arrival of professional football to the mainstream consciousness (1957 NFL Championship) was rewarded with the Baltimore Ravens in 1996 (ironically robbing Cleveland of their beloved franchise), and the fans were rewarded with a Superbowl Trophy following the 2000-2001 season. The only reason that my tailgating score is low is due to the fact that parking for games is scarce. Only a fraction of fans can purchase parking passes, and are usually met by their party members who have to lug coolers on the light rail and bus system (Great transit system I'd like to add). Tailgating festivities are very unique here, as seafood takes center stage. Crabcakes, Lobster, and shrimp line the tables and grills of the Ravenites that (to be continued)

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