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| Coin Toss, Broncos vs Redskins Christmas Eve 2017 |
In recent years though, I have grown tired of spending most of my Sunday in front of the television. I still enjoy the game and as the playoffs approach I expect that I'll be watching the games again. At least throughout the playoffs. (Cue Jim Mora.)
Christmas Eve was the first time I have had the opportunity to actually attend a pro game. I used to think that watching it in the comfort of my own home was preferable to attending in person.
Depending on the seats one has, I like being there in person. There's a lot going on in those big stadiums, the game itself seems to go faster when in attendance. While the folks at home are getting bombarded with commercials, in the stadium there are other things going on.
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| Yes, the cheerleaders are present. Always trying to keep the crowd engaged during commercial breaks. |
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| At halftime there's the band, much more entertaining than watching the in studio talking heads. |
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| Oh yeah, there's a game going on out there as well. |
First thing I noticed is that everything seems smaller than what it seems on television. The players, while they are pretty big guys for the most part, look more human-sized in person. The field doesn't look as long nor as wide. It looks as I remember it from high school.
But man, the game is incredibly fast. More so in person. I've watched a couple of games on television since Sunday. It looks artificial on television, looks real in person.
It was a cool thing to do on a Christmas Eve, Fed Ex field is nice, has a very cozy feeling. Folks are nice down here in northern Virginia.
I'd do it again, seeing it up close and personal reminded me of what I loved about the game when I was young.
Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas.
I did.
You miss some of the action in person that TV can zero in on, but the perspective of the full field that you get at the game is like watching a different game and the atmosphere can not be duplicated on TV. Looks like a good time and weather balmy for a Vermont lad.
ReplyDeleteIt got a bit frosty in the 4th quarter, but not too bad. They do replay quite a lot on the big screen at either end zone, unless it's not favorable to the home team. DAMHIK
DeleteGlad you had a good time. Have a safe trip home.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be here for a couple more days, living large and all.
Delete;^)
I tend to think football is better on TV, due to the replays, color commentary and analysis, but baseball is better in person. I haven't been to a football game in a few years, and may never with the Chargers gone north. I still won't watch on TV because of the stupid protesting which continues even after the stupid "settlement" the NFL has given their "employees."
ReplyDeleteI really don't like the color commentary, it's rare to have someone who really provides an insight into the game. Too often it's something the color guy saw on film earlier and wants to point it out during the game. Replays are up on the big screens at both ends of the field.
DeleteBeing there reminds me of when I played, though a much bigger venue.
Love the Jim Mora reference, “PLAYOFFS!“
ReplyDeleteI managed to avoid watching again this week.
Agree the atmosphere at the stadium adds to the experience.
But hate the traffic after.
Ah, you get me Skip.
DeleteWe caught an Uber, they have a special lot away from the main parking areas, helped us avoid a lot of traffic. Bit of a walk though, but that's okay, I need the exercise.
I agree with Tuna, baseball is great in person. I used to go to A's games in Oakland. One time saw a great doubleheader, a baseball game and Jimmy Buffet concert at the Oakland Coliseum.
ReplyDeletePaul L. Quandt
I just can't watch baseball on TV, it must be a blast at the stadium, lots of things going on in person.
DeleteI didn't "Get" hockey and all it's nuances on TV until I went to a live game. Became somewhat of a fan then the Stars won the Stanley Cup. Musta been my fandom that put 'em over the top, no?
ReplyDeleteLoved going to hockey games in college, can't watch it on TV, the excitement is at the arena.
DeleteYeah Flugelman, must have been you, it's the only rational explanation. :^)
More fun than the Average Bear should enjoy..
ReplyDeleteI have to admit it, I'm having a blast in NoVa. But then I always do!
DeleteSo, what fun is the "average bear" allowed to have?
Delete(But, judging by my family, I'm the "below-average" bear.)
Ah bear, families can be so judgmental, you're at least in the top third of bears.
DeleteLots of empty seats, which is nice to see that people ARE penalizing the NFL for their lack of balls and kowtowing to the players. Haven't watched any games this year. But glad you had fun! Cheap tickets are a blessing!!! :-D
ReplyDeleteThe tickets we had were not cheap, not at all (not on the 45 front row). The number of empty seats could be explained by both teams having no shot and it was cold and it was Christmas Eve. But yeah, that taking a knee crap hurt the league. Hasn't hurt the players yet. I get where they're coming from, even if I don't agree with their method.
DeleteThose were awesome seats. And the game is different between "near ground level" and further up in the stands, too. Starts to become real clear why a quarterback "didn't see" that so-and-so was open. Sometimes you just can't see through the crowd and movement all at your line of sight.
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L.J.
The seats were incredible, made me remember how it was back in the day. TV has, in many ways, hurt the game. More accessible to the average fan but it's become too big, too "glossy." And all that TV money has made the league arrogant. Seeing the plays at ground level gives you a real appreciation for the skill and vision of the really good players.
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