View from the Rafters

I don’t like to sit in the nosebleed section. I don’t think it gives you a good view of the game, and when I go to a sports event, I’m more interested in the actual game itself than the entertaining features offered when the whistle blows.

But I somehow ended up in section 331 of American Airlines Center watching the Stars literally beat the Wild 4-2 last night. Steve Ott racked up 14 penalty minutes (2 fighting majors and 2 minors). But the Wild were on edge too. They haven’t won at the American Airlines Center in 3 years. Despite 42 shots on goal, the streak continues.

I decided to see my lovely seat as a new opportunity to take note of some things I would have missed had I sat closer to the ice. I am glad that I am not deathly afraid of heights or anything. I do realize that some people will argue that the hard-core fans sit in the upper sections. Here goes.

-I had to look down to read the JumboTron.
-I realized how truly large the chili is that drops coupons for the restaurant by the same name. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that it now has a twin that’s a burrito, and it sends down coupons for Chipotle.
-It’s incredibly difficult for the person with the T-shirt gun to hit the target in the middle of the ice. I was sitting right next to him. Admittedly, hockey does need more entertainment than other sports because of its intermissions.
-Just before the 1-minute warning, a group of fans would scream “How much time, Bill?” Bill Oellermann is the public address announcer. After the announcement, they all screamed back “Thank You.”

I would cover the Stars more if it weren’t for a dispute with Dish Network that limits the number of games I can watch.