For those of you hitting the second leg of our trip to historic Lambeau Field you are in for a treat. Outside of the NASCAR circuit there is not a larger collection of rubes in the western hemisphere to be found in one locale. Here are some things to expect:
Yes they do wear the cheeseheads - You would think this would have run its course by now but the cheesehead is still thriving. There is also a nice array of cheese accessories to be had (ties, etc).
Those 12 world championships are important to all - You will be hard pressed to pass a souvenir stand or overhear a conversation that won't inevitably tie back to GB's historic performances. It will be even more heated with the Vikings in town. Pretty much every conversation between these two will have the same ending. Whether debating sports or a new tree stand expect to hear something like this...
Bombed Vikings Fan w/Face Painted and Helga Braids On - "Adrian Peterson is gonna run all over your sorry club."
Bombed Green Bay fan w/Cheesehead and Blaze Orange on Fresh From Morning Hunt - "Oh yeah, well how many Super Bowls have you won?"
They love sausage in Green Bay - It's pretty much your solo option for food. The good news is they are tasty.
They don't read a lot in Green Bay - As much fun and pageantry as it is to visit Lambeau, you are left with one truth - people in the state take it way too seriously. It's time to mix in a book.
They are not the fans they say they are - Another nauseating experience will be the consistent holier than thou "we're the greatest fans on earth" nonsense that will be spewing from thousands of Miller soaked mouths. Yeah, OK. That's why you killed Dan DeVine's dog and boo incessantly when Favre launches one into the opposing teams mits.
You will all be entering the hallowed grounds at your own risk but rest assured, it will be something you won't forget.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
Freeloader Survival Gear - Northern Swing
As we move into the Midwest for only the second time in our illustrious history it is paramount we prepare ourselves for the inclement weather, and in this case, hostile Wisconsinites.
Hat/Gloves - You lose 80% of your body heat through your head (more if you careen into a snowbank) so be prepared.
Rain jacket - Take it from me, even when they say it won't rain, it does.
Boots - Not only do they keep your feet warm they are perfect for fighting off feral Wisconsinites if you forget your...
Packer sticker - Yes. Everything you read about Wisconsinites and the Packers is true. Sad to say. This is similar to Americans putting Canadian flags on their backpacks when they are touring Europe.
Lighter - If you get stranded and are cold you'll want to start a fire. The good news is most Badger and Packer fans imbide on a paint thinner like alcohol before the game so the entire city is flammable.
Hat/Gloves - You lose 80% of your body heat through your head (more if you careen into a snowbank) so be prepared.
Rain jacket - Take it from me, even when they say it won't rain, it does.
Boots - Not only do they keep your feet warm they are perfect for fighting off feral Wisconsinites if you forget your...
Packer sticker - Yes. Everything you read about Wisconsinites and the Packers is true. Sad to say. This is similar to Americans putting Canadian flags on their backpacks when they are touring Europe.
Lighter - If you get stranded and are cold you'll want to start a fire. The good news is most Badger and Packer fans imbide on a paint thinner like alcohol before the game so the entire city is flammable.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Freeloaders VI: Tide Rolled Out
Freeloader's Part 6 brought us to the historic Iron Bowl where Alabama and Auburn squared off in a match of two clans that don't care for each other.
It was a glorious Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The fans of both teams were out in full force and we saw one of the more memorable tailgate display's. A gaggle of Alabama fans armed with a casket containing a stuffed tiger inside. Nice touch.
One of the things that struck me about Tuscaloosa was the fact that they clearly see dead people (or person in this case) because they believe at any moment Bear Bryant could come back to save them. Alas that is not the case and 2006 Tide were a struggling 6-5 hoping desperately to defeat their arch-nemesis and save their season.
The game and the fans were fantastic (free Jim Beam for everyone). Despite Alabama's anemic offense, the Tide hung around and had a shot in the 4th quarter but were unable to get it done. The loss was the final nail in the coffin for Tide coach Mike Shula. He was bought out and after a soap opera-esque search Nick Saban was hired on from the Dolphins. Saban became the 7th coach since Bryant retired 26 years ago.
Our post-game foray included a long night in a bar discussing Shula's impending demise and the complete out of touch nature of Alabama fans. All in all, Tuscaloosa did not disappoint. The trip itself had many memorable moments:
Media Moment: Getting filmed on the field by a local news crew posing with the Auburn mascot while wearing Alabama attire.
Line of the Trip: "Who's #4?" Said by the author as he is buying a #4 jersey in the book store. That would be Tyrone Prothro (you idiot) the patrons around me said with disdain.
Fashion Item: The houndstooth collection (hats, skirts, etc)
Culinary Moment: Dreamland Barbecue
Freeloader Moment: Sitting with the bowl scouts and a nearby Joe Namath at dinner the night before. We had no business being there.
As Chapter VI came to a close we look ahead to Chapter VII and our second trip to the Midwest...
It was a glorious Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The fans of both teams were out in full force and we saw one of the more memorable tailgate display's. A gaggle of Alabama fans armed with a casket containing a stuffed tiger inside. Nice touch.
One of the things that struck me about Tuscaloosa was the fact that they clearly see dead people (or person in this case) because they believe at any moment Bear Bryant could come back to save them. Alas that is not the case and 2006 Tide were a struggling 6-5 hoping desperately to defeat their arch-nemesis and save their season.
The game and the fans were fantastic (free Jim Beam for everyone). Despite Alabama's anemic offense, the Tide hung around and had a shot in the 4th quarter but were unable to get it done. The loss was the final nail in the coffin for Tide coach Mike Shula. He was bought out and after a soap opera-esque search Nick Saban was hired on from the Dolphins. Saban became the 7th coach since Bryant retired 26 years ago.
Our post-game foray included a long night in a bar discussing Shula's impending demise and the complete out of touch nature of Alabama fans. All in all, Tuscaloosa did not disappoint. The trip itself had many memorable moments:
Media Moment: Getting filmed on the field by a local news crew posing with the Auburn mascot while wearing Alabama attire.
Line of the Trip: "Who's #4?" Said by the author as he is buying a #4 jersey in the book store. That would be Tyrone Prothro (you idiot) the patrons around me said with disdain.
Fashion Item: The houndstooth collection (hats, skirts, etc)
Culinary Moment: Dreamland Barbecue
Freeloader Moment: Sitting with the bowl scouts and a nearby Joe Namath at dinner the night before. We had no business being there.
As Chapter VI came to a close we look ahead to Chapter VII and our second trip to the Midwest...
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