Rick Smith: December 2008 Archives

Dec. 31:

First, I have to give credit to the Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and other scribes who blog daily about FAU. It isn't easy to do. I found it hard trying to write a blog that would be interesting to readers, while tactful enough for the Internet.

 

The trip - from beginning to end

 

The Detroit airport, or at least the terminal I came in on and the path I walked to the executive sedan, was not very busy. What really irked me about the airport is that it wasn't decorated with Motor City Bowl banners at all. If you weren't an Owl or a Chip, you didn't know there was a game going on.

 

The drive to the hotel from the airport was awesome. I'm a huge sports fan, so seeing things like Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field and Comerica Park really excited me.

 

The team hotel was nice... very nice. In fact, it was so nice, and the players were always walking around looking for something to do, I thought they weren't focused enough on the game. I'm glad I was wrong.

 

For entertainment, the players went ice skating, played in the snow and hung around in the lobby. There was a mall attached to the hotel, but I didn't go roaming around too much.

 

On Christmas Day, the hotel had us locked in, figuratively speaking. There was only a pizza place to eat outside the hotel, so the $28 meatloaf at the hotel restaurant was the way to go. And the state prohibits alcohol sales, so that put us in a bit of a crunch.

 

Dinner was nice; player's families included the Matlocks, Roses, Sotos, Paris' and the Bonners. Alumni included Leigh Slowiak and her husband Jim, both Owl Club members and avid Owl supporters, Bruce and Brian Silk, and their wives, all FAU alumni from the 60s (I love speaking with alumni from that FAU time period. They have so many great stories), and I saw Ted and Tom sitting with Katrina as well, even though they weren't part of the "fan dinner."

 

The next day is well documented on the blog, so I won't go into too much detail. Although I will add a few things that didn't make it in to the blog... or that I didn't have time to write about after the trip.

 

I ended up going to a casino. And I lost $100 in blackjack. But I am going to justify myself by saying this:

I went up $150, and I said to myself "one more hand." So I threw $50 down....

I was dealt two aces. So what do I do? (especially since the dealer had a 7 showing) I split the aces - now my ante is $100 for the hand, but I'm sitting pretty with two aces. My first hit was a two. Well, that stunk; I had a 13 against a dealer 7 showing. Next card - another ace. So, I split those. Now my bet is $150 (what I've won so far), and I was dealt a 3 and another 2. So I lost all three to the dealer's 17, and from there, I lost the rest of the money quickly.

 

Leaving the casino and crossing the street, then waiting outside the hotel where the MCB pep rally was, a gentleman came running out of the hotel chased by four security guards who were much larger than him.

 

I thought about getting a picture, but I would have had to dig into my jacket...on my belt clip...and he might have thought I was getting a gun. So I didn't get my camera phone. But this guy was F*ing this and F*ing that all up and down the hotel sidewalk. He even kicked something and the security guards laughed.

 

Well... that made him even matter. So now five security guards vs. one angry fella who just got booted from the casino. The angry fella finally left, but it was entertaining...and a bit scary.

 

After the pep rally, we walked back to the team hotel and found some Owl fans on the way that followed us. The young man in the family was a member of the FAU band, so we sang the fight song once.

 

Someone at the bar graciously bought us shots? I don't know who he was. But he was sitting alone at the hotel lobby bar, claiming he was from Tampa. So he asked what we were doing up here, and we pumped up our chests and boldly said "we are here to see our Owls!" He laughed and called us stupid for traveling to Detroit to see FAU? But he said it with the FA-Who? kind of tone. He did admit it was "cool" that we made the trip though.

 

So when we asked why he was up in Detroit... he held out his chest boldly and said "I just met a girl last week at some party in Florida and she said she lived up here. So I told her I would come and visit and I'm here. She knows I'm up here but since I arrived, she still claims she is 'getting ready.'

 

When we returned to the bar five hours later after the game, he was still there... no girl. Who's the stupid one?

 

On the way to the game from the hotel, Dirty Mike, FAUALUM05 and his two friends, and two other alumni we met at the FAUNAA pre-party at the hotel walked about one mile on icy sidewalks. No one fell, but I thought for sure I was going to.

 

As we got closer to the game, people were scalping tickets. And then we arrived...Ford Field literally appeared from behind a building.

 

Ever watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Seeing Ford Field reminded me of the scene from the movie where Chevy Chase sees the "family Christmas tree" in the forests and a gold light shines down from above and a song starts playing.

 

Yep, that's the feeling I got.

 

Outside the stadium: ALL CHIPS. ALLLLLLLL Chips. And one Spartan. But all Chips. Why? Because FAU fans were already inside. The alumni and the players families were already seated, and FAUALUM05, Dirty Mike and I seemed to be the last ones to get there... 20 minutes before kickoff.

 

(side note: obviously we know when to enter into a game unlike the other folks at Lockhart who would still be playing beer pong! J LOL)

 

The game was amazing. The fans were great. And the Chip fans that entered into our section quickly left after our final fourth quarter touchdown.

 

I met one "fan" from Detroit who wants to go to FAU and loves Rusty Smith. He was about 10 years old. When I asked him why he wanted to go to FAU, he said "because I love Rusty."

 

And that's where we left it. I gave his dad my business card and I'll update everyone if I get an e-mail from the dad. I'd love to hook him and his son to come to FAU games and to FAU for an education.

 

The post-game celebration on the field was very emotional. I'm not going to lie to you... and for those of you who were in 'Nawlins last year, you know this too. I got on the field and gave coach a hug and tears started to come down my cheek.

 

The players were jubilant, the coaches were excited and there's nothing that can be said to put that feeling into words.

 

The walk home from the stadium with Dirty Mike and his friend from FAU was awesome. We sang the fight song once or twice and I think "We Are the Champions" came out of my mouth, but I didn't know all the words, and without Paul Metcalf, Jarred Torres and former prOWLer Director  Bobby Johnson singing with me, it wasn't the same as 'Nawlins.

 

I went to bed at midnight so I didn't stay for the player's post-game shin-dig at the team hotel. But the FAU NAA did a great job of setting everything up and everyone should get a membership to the FAU NAA so that the membership money can be used to do more events like that. (OK I'll admit, shameless plus, but all alumni should dip into their pockets and pay the $25 or $40 to become a member so events like that can happen at next year's away games).

 

Only time will tell what this win will do for the university. Will our applications for admissions go up? Will more people join the Owl Club and FAU NAA? Will "better" recruits come our way?

 

The tradition of success continues and I'm glad that I could be a part of it.

 

Tradition in the Making...One Alumni at a Time,

-$'07

Hey all,
Just a quick update for ya.

The snow has stopped, but it was snowing for a good hour or so.

I also had a chance to meet Avery Holley's parents Very nice family.

I saw one of the DT members, so I'm assuming that the DT has arrived.

I just met a family from Chicago who has a daughter at FAU. They are at the hotel and will be going to the game.

Here's a picture of a player loading the truck.

I will continue to send pictures to Bytor for posting.

Go Owls.
-$'07

First, let me thank those who have been reading and commenting on the blog.

Dec. 26: Game Day

The time has come. The nerves have set in. Game day is here.

The hotel is horrifically quiet. The sun has barely risen yet. The view in the distance is depressing... dark and foggy.

But then again, the hotel is quiet because it's 8 a.m. The sun has barely risen yet because I'm not facing the east. The view in the distance is depressing, dark and foggy... because it's winter in Detroit and there's some fog.

LOL

Who's Here? Who's Missing?

Last night, all alumni were accounted for. The Slowiaks and Silks arrived. I had a chance to talk with Mark Soto's parents, Ed Wertepney's mom, Nick Paris' mom and brother, David Matlock's mom, Chris Bonner's parents, Jeff VanCamp's family and Willie Rose's family. All are very nice and very excited about the game.

I also saw Eric Macintosh's parents in the lobby and heard that DiIvory Edcomb's parents are on their way.

Today, the DT will arrive, along with some fans that went through the travel agent and booked the trip with FAU. I haven't seen President Brogan yet, but did speak briefly with Craig Angelos.

Dexter LaMont arrived late last night. I think everyone is accounted for and safely arrived.

Oh wait.... except Dirty Mike. He still isn't here, and by the call I got about 45 minutes ago, may not get here at all. He texted me from Laguardia (spelling?) airport excited that he was on his way. Then he realized his departing airport was JFK...in 30 minutes. So he "hailed a cabby," made it to JFK, lost his debit card in the cab (possibly), and is on his way to Detroit. He just sent me another text message and said "there are Chipps on my plane."

There's never a dull moment with the Dirtys.

Today, FAUALUM2005 from the OWLSNEST will be arriving. He called me yesterday and said the bus he was going to take from Chicago was two hours late. His parents live in Detroit, so he's staying there with his folks and some of his friends. He'll be at the events today.

Lawrence Lavender '04 now lives in Windsor, which is the city right across the Detroit River. He just completed his law degree at a school here in Detroit. Lavender ran with me, Brent Dell and Joel Gibbons for student government office in 2004. If any of you were around then, we were the K.E.G. Party (Knowledge. Entertainment. Government).

 

Lavender is also the student who really got the ice hockey team moving. He was their executive director/club president for years. He has his former director of marketing, Mike, coming up for the game today as well. Mike will be landing today.

Alumni Story
I appreciate this kind of stuff and enjoy listening to it, so thought I would share it with you. The Silk family (two brothers and their wives) are huge FAU fans and supporters. They go to all the away games that are within driving distance. Brian Silk lives in Pensacola, so there aren't many games they can get to other than Troy and the UL-hyphens.

They were at the Troy game last year --- the infamous game that clinched the Sun Belt Conference Title and the trip to the NO Bowl.

He told me that he watched the two bus loads of students come into Movie Gallery Stadium on the wrong side (they entered on the home side) of the stadium. Then, they had to walk in-between seats all the way around the stadium to their seats on the visiting side. So he said they did so, all 100 of them, in a single file line (they had to be single file because they were walking through rows of seats) and every so often, they'd stop, do a cheer, get booed by Troy fans, and then keep walking. Then they would stop, do a chant, get booed by Troy fans, and continue.

I love stories like that. That won't happen this trip because there aren't a lot of people here. But the people that are here are making the team feel loved and appreciated. And the players I've talked to said they feel the appreciation and understand it's a tough holiday for people to skip and come to a bowl game.

Players Schedule
The team will be loading the moving truck around noon, and then checking out of the hotel. They will be in meetings most of the day and head to Ford Field around 5 p.m.  Then, after the game, they will board a bus, go to the airport, and head home.

It's like a normal away game...

Detroit and Ford Field
I haven't ventured out much, but plan to do some of that today. Some of the players have told me that it's very desolate and that there are buildings with windows blown out. One of the players said "it's like a ghost town."

I haven't visited Ford Field yet, but according to one of the team assistants, the field has little to no decorations for the MCB. Last year at the NO Bowl, the stadium was wrapped on one side with a banner advertising the game, there were billboards on the highway for the game, etc.

And as one of the coaches said, "but New Orleans last year had two other bowl games besides ours. For Detroit, this is it."

Which then made me wonder... why wouldn't they go all out?

But regardless, I'm not the Detroit marketing guru. Maybe they didn't market the game in Detroit because they know no one was going to be in the dang city for Christmas!

p.s. It's past 7 a.m. so we can drink alcohol now.

TODAY'S FAN SCHEDULE
I'm heading to a casino this AM for sure. I gotta get out of this place. I have cabin fever.

Most fans will be heading to the MCB-organized pep rally at 2 p.m. at a hotel about a mile from here. Then, we'll race back for the team sendoff and for the FAUNAA pre-game party at 5 p.m. 

And after the game, we'll be at the post-game party. It's just a matter of we'll be drinking champagne or jack and coke....

Couple of Pictures of the Volt Bar, where the FAUNAA party will be held.

For those of you that have my phone number, text me what ESPN says (if they say anything significant pre-game or during the game that would be worth me sharing with the fans).

Let's all throw up the Owl fingers, and sing the fight song loud and proud today.

This game is the future of our program, yet again. We win this game, and we silence the nay-sayers that have said over and over again that a 6 and 6 team shouldn't be in a bowl, and even if they should be, why Florida Atlantic from the Sun Belt?

It would do wonders for recruiting. It would bring our inexperienced guys to an all-time level of instant on-field experience heading in to Lincoln for next year's tussle with Nebraska.

Let's do it boys. It's now or never. Leave everything on the field. Hold nothing back.  You can rest tomorrow. But tonight, .... tonight... , tonight is the night.

 

Seize the opportunity. You've climbed the mountain, now get up to the top. Do something that no team has ever done. Continue to re-write history.

Now or never boys. Let's do it.
-$'07

Edited by Francois Rioux

I added a couple of pictures above where the FAUNAA party will be held later tonight after the game.  $mitty did mentioned that is was snowing up in Detroit at the time I posted these pictures for him.

Dec 25: Arrival in Detroit

Well, the flight went well. Actually, better than I expected.

The players are doing their own thing this afternoon and will gather at 6 p.m. for the team dinner. Come to find out, the team dinner is in the same location as the fan dinner at 8 p.m. So they better leave some food us or else they'll have full players but hungry fans! LOL

The bar at the hotel is STOCKED, which is good for those of us who want to enjoy a beer and/or vodka-tonic after a long day of flights.

But one problem: no alcohol sales since 9 p.m. last night - and they won't start selling until 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. No bar, hotel, casino, etc. in Michigan is selling anything. State law.

So, looks like I will be taking a taxi ride under the Detroit River and heading to Canada to pick up a bottle of wine and a six pack.


View of Canada from a 53rd floor hotel room - Caesar's Palace is staring right at me!


View of Detroit from a 53rd floor hotel room - Desolate parking lots are staring right at me!

THE HOTEL - Huge place - very, very huge

The hotel is quiet... very quiet. It's nothing like New Orleans. It's probably because there are very few Owl decorations and the hotel is spread out. The hotel lobby is on the third floor, and there's over 60 floors in this place. So trying to find someone is like the Lions trying to find a win this season. :)

When you get dropped of by taxi on the first floor, you walk into the first floor lobby. It is there that I have found an Owl decoration, and the only one that I have come across so far.



The hotel room is comfy and warm. It's cold outside, but not bitterly cold.

Some prices:
Miller Lite: $4.50
Corona: $5.00
Nachos: $8.00
Meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes: $28
Internet in your room: $12.95 a day
Room price: $135.00
Taxi ride: $52

Y'all happy you stayed home yet? LOL I'm going home BROKE!

The River

The Detroit River is nice, actually. It isn't iced over completely, so you can see thin chunks of ice floating down the river.

Bored in Detroit

So what is there to do in Detroit on Christmas Day? I got the scoop from someone who I feel would know best: my cab driver.

He claimed to be a former two-sport star in high school and six-time Gold Glove boxer, turned adult entertainment dancer, turned luxury cab driver.

He said the bars are OK, but no one is selling anything on Christmas Day. The casinos have "everything, just like Vegas would," so that's probably where I'll spend my night.

And just for the Dirty Birds, I asked about adult entertainment (and clearly after he told me what he did a few moments before, he opened the door to such an inquiry). He said that Canada has "different laws" than the US. I'll leave the rest of what he said to your imagination. So take it as you will.

Players roaming around the hotel on their down time

I ran into Frantz Joseph who said he is ready to play. Let's hope the entire team is ready to play! I also saw Willie Rose. Everyone else I didn't recognize from a distance.


Airport
After coming home from the New Orleans Bowl last year, the San Antonio Airport had flags, banners, etc. welcoming alumni, fans and players from the Alamo Bowl participating schools.

The Detroit Airport - nothing. Nothing at all. Maybe it was just the terminal I came in on, but you wouldn't know there was a bowl game going on ... and neither did my "luxury cab" driver.

What's Next?
Hopefully I'll be able to lure someone to the casino with me later tonight. First up is the team dinner at 6 p.m. and I plan on waiting outside the restaurant and high-fiving and shaking hands with all the players as they walk in.

Then, the "fan" dinner is at 8 p.m.

After that, who knows where the night will take us. We knew coming in that Detroit was no 'Nawlins. But I didn't think it would be this desolate.

-$'07

Dec. 24: Christmas with my family...my FAU family

 

Yes, that Christmas tree does have an owl mask on top. It's decorated with blue and white lights and two owl ornaments.

 

There's nothing under the tree, yet. But when I wake up in the morning, my bags will be packed and inside my luggage will be two tickets to the Motor City Bowl. That, my friends, is my Christmas present.

 

With my dad and step-mom in Dallas, my mom, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins and Goddaughter in Jersey and step-sisters and friends in Florida, Christmas would have been a little lonely in San Antonio without the invite to the Bowl game, although I probably would have driven to Dallas.

 

So to Santa Schnellenberger and his elves, I say thank you for allowing me to spend Christmas with my family... my FAU family... and then my family in Jersey.

 

From Detroit, I'll be taking four planes, stopping in two cities, to get to Kennedy Airport, and then hop in a car for what is supposed to be a two-and-a-half our car ride into Jersey. Apparently there is only one flight track that goes from Detroit to New York that had an opening, and I'm on it. So if I'm delayed and miss one of my connections... well...

 

And God help me, if I don't get to Jersey by noon on Dec. 28 for my Goddaughter's first birthday, you may have heard the last of $mitty. Sister $mitty is unforgiving, although I'm sure my goddaughter Deanna will understand why I missed her first birthday in a few years when she hears the story of why Uncle Ri Ri (Ree-Ree) wasn't there to see her goo goo and ga ga over her FAU stuff she got for Christmas.

 

So why am I telling you this?  TRAVEL TIPS!

 

But first, an update:

Taxi cab ride from the Detroit airport to the team hotel isn't $40 as originally expected. Ted Hutton e-mailed me and said he paid $50. So that $52 "executive sedan" ride that I booked just went from a great idea to pure gold.

 

Now for the travel tips:

It's inevitable that we all will be traveling with bags that we are going to put under the plane and probably one or two bags we'll be carrying on the plane.

 

I'm not a travel expert, but I think if you follow these simple tips, you may have success:

 

Tip One: Put your tickets where your cell phone is.

 

Chances are, we'll be the people that turn on our cell phones as soon as the plane touches down in Detroit and start calling everyone to say "we're here!"

Don't pack your game tickets in the luggage that goes under the plane. If they lose your luggage, you'll be without the game tickets. And even though I'm sure FAU can scrounge around and find some extras, let's not take the chance.

So keep your tickets safe and put them with your phone. We all know we don't go anywhere without our phones anyway.

 

Tip Two: Have someone take you to the airport.

Airport parking. Usually it's not a concern, and that's the way I was going to get to the airport tomorrow morning at 67 a.m. But then Papa $mitty gave me this scenario: It's Christmas and a lot of people are traveling. What if you get to the airport and the parking is full?

 

I fell silent on the phone and was left speechless. DOH! So, I called ahead and the parking garage guy who picked up the phone said "we have plenty of parking." I could take a cab... but wouldn't want to risk the cab not picking me up.

And if the worst becomes a reality (no parking and at the airport without enough time to get home, call a taxi and get back to the airport)? I park my car illegally, hope it gets towed safely and worry about it when I get back. :)

 

Tip Three: Pack one change of clothes, hygiene products, TICKETS and your good luck charm

 

Carry on luggage. What should one pack in their carry-on luggage? Well, I've got a few things I'm packing:

a.       TICKETS

b.      Cell phone and cell phone charger

c.       Laptop and power cord

d.      A change of clothes

e.       My lucky boxers

f.        Deodorant and toothbrush

Why am I packing my lucky boxers? Because if I put them in my luggage, and my luggage gets lost, and I'm not wearing them for the bowl game, well... let's not go there. And coincidentally, they celebrate proper theme for the time of year.

 

Tip Four: Bring Blue

I was the biggest proponent for RED during the "color debate" fans were having... and I kinda still am. But I'm succumbed to the wishes of Santa Schnellenberger when he called me on the phone, knowing I wear red everywhere, and said, in his deep voice, "$mitty, did you hear the school wears bluuuuuuuuuu now?" Yes Santa Schnellenberger I did, and I will wear blue too. I think he scared the red out of me. ;)

 

Tip Five: Pack dollar bills and/or quarters

We'll be traveling around Detroit on the Detroit People Mover. One of the stops is inside of our hotel, and other stops include Greek Town (casinos), the pre-game pep rally location and one block from Ford Field.

 

It's 50 cents to ride, so bring quarters. Just don't pack them in your carry on luggage, because you'll beep going through the security check point. 

 

So to everyone traveling tomorrow, good luck and safe travels and I'll see you in Detroit.

The weather for our landing looks pleasant: between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., The Weather Channel is predicting mostly cloudy skies with temps in the 20s. That sounds fine to me! Just get us to the game. I'm sure those of us traveling rather be stuck in Detroit AFTER the game than stuck in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, etc. on game day.

Merry Christmas,

-$'07

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve and Flight Day Eve

 

Good morning Owl Country,

The preparations are well underway for my flight tomorrow. I depart from San Antonio at 8:30 a.m., land in Dallas at 9:30 a.m., I have a one-hour layover, and then continue into frigid Detroit, and should land around 2 p.m.

The majority of the fans that I've spoken with are coming in between 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., and some are coming in noon-time on game day. Safe travels to everyone.

The weather is going to be cold, but apparantly clear tomorrow. That bodes well for the travelers coming in Christmas Day.

 

The hotel said that it's a $40 cab ride from the airport to the hotel. So, I went another route and reserved an "executive sedan" from one of the hotel's preferred vendors. Not including tax or gratuity, it's a $52 ride.

 

I rather know someone is going to be there to pick me up than take my chances on a cabby. And, Checker Sedan is going to track my flight, which makes me feel more comfortable that I'll have a ride when I land. If fans are still looking for a ride, check them out.

 

The TSA travel rules

Hair gel, hair spray, contacts solution, cologne (I have to bring the good stuff since the DT will be there! *wink*) and other liquids, as everyone knows, is restricted based on size. The TSA web site says:

"3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure"

 

I received an e-mail from Ted Hutton today saying that there is a CVS inside the hotel, but he was unaware of the holiday hours. So fans that will be going, you have some comfort in knowing that the necessities can be bought at the CVS inside the hotel.

 

Going to Canada?

A hotel receptionist  said "the strip" in Canada is a huge tourist attraction for those staying in Detroit. It's a $3.75 ride, each way, through the mile-long tunnel. According to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel web site, you'll need a US Passport and Driver's License to get back into the States.

Being from SoFla, I think all of us may think that the words the reception used to describe the attraction, "the strip," is a little ... well.. in accurate. The traditional SoFla definition of "the strip" means bars, clubs, bathing suit shops, people in bathingsuits, beaches, loud music and people jay walking across the street from the beach to the bars. Ex: Fort Lauderdale, South Beach, Delray, etc.

 

Anyway, The DW Tunnel was constructed in 1930 and is the only underwater vehicular tunnel connecting two nations. It handles nearly nine million automobiles a year.

 

And how close are we to Canada? Check this out:

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/6-R2WdtP2lg5NpbhhL

 

Zoom out until you see the US and Canada on the map. The line in the middle of the map is the border. Depending on which hotel room you get, and how high up you are, you can see Canada from your window.

 

Holiday Dinner

We have organized a small group (about 15 to 20) that will enjoy holiday dinner together on Dec. 25 at the Forty Two Degrees North restaurant located inside the team hotel. Not including tax and gratuity, it's a dinner buffet for $26. And the menu items? Well, not too shabby if I do say so myself:

• Fresh salad bar; fruit salad; grilled vegetable salad; pasta salad
• Carved turkey breast; carved Dearborn Ham
• Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes; stuffing
• Salmon with dill cream sauce
• Wild rice; green beans; vegetable medley
• Traditional holiday deserts

Rumor has it that the team meetings will end at 7:30 p.m., so hopefully we'll have a few minutes to chat with the players before we eat.

 

I don't know if I want them joining us for dinner though. After all, we do have some big boys on our team and I'd like to have some food left at the buffet when I get in line! *laughing*

 

Hockey Town Café

What I forgot to mention yesterday is that I called the Hockey Town Café earlier this week and tried to set up a dinner and/or lunch for fans. But they said that CMU alumni had the place reserved pre-game and the team had it reserved post-game.

 

That's OK. Our fans will be reveling in victory in the hotel while they are sulking in defeat at the Hockey Town Café (hopefully). 

 

But for some reason... after New Orleans last year... why do I feel like I'm going to get a call from "Dirty Mike" asking me to come and save him from the grips of the Chippewa fans when he sneaks into their "party" at Hockey Town?

Seating

The tickets for this year's game aren't as aesthetically pleasing as the tickets from last years game. HUGGEEEE difference.

I don't know how many sections FAU has, but FAUALUM05 told me he was in 105, as am I.

When sitting in section 105 and facing the field, we are between the 30 and 40 yard line to the left of the bench. Hopefully it's FAU's bench.

Dec. 23:

Why am I going?

My Christmas plans came to an abrupt halt a few Sunday's ago when FAU was invited to the Motor City Bowl. 48 hours later, my hotel room was reserved and my plane ticket was booked.

When I sit in a sports bar watching the 2006 USF v. FAU game, surrounded by Iowa and Michigan State fans, who were watching their teams play, I decided I was never going to miss an opportunity like that again.

So now I sit just 37 hours before my plane takes off for Detroit, looking around my living room that is filled with neatly folded clean clothes and start the process of packing.

I hope to blog on FAUOWLSNEST two or three times a day throughout my experience in the Motor City. I will try not to make the blog too personal, although the blogging will be about the fan experiences and the places we visit, the food we eat, the rooms we sleep in and the people we meet.

This blog will aim to try and bring the fans that didn't get to make the trip into the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center when we eat breakfast with player's parents and do the team sendoff party, bring you into Ford Field during the game through pictures and captions that I e-mail to the admins to post, into the casinos, onto people mover and onto the streets of Detroit.

Who's Going?

Well, we have some from FAUOWLSNEST who have said they are going. Those not on the board that are going to be going include the "Who Let The Owls Out" guy (OK... let's not start the debate... please...) and his wife, their FAU friends (who are also alumni), Nick Paris' mom and brother and Crash Taylor, who is infamously known as one of the guys from Ted's blog who helped to build the Beat Texas bonfire in August.

I've already identified some things that I want to do when in Detroit, and I definitly will drag some fans with me. And if no one above wants to come with me, well, I'll drag Dirty Mike with me. I'm sure he's DFW (down for whatever).

Greek Town Casino - I love blackjack, and the casinos love when I play, unfortunatly.

The duty-free shop on the border of Canada and the US

Hocky Town Cafe, which was quoted by ESPN2 as being the no. 2 sports bar in America.

The hotel is part of the GM Renaissance Center, which has three towers and is the headquarters of GM. The hotel is the largest hotel-only building in the western hempisphere. There is a mall inside the Renaissance Center too.

If you have any suggestions on what you think I should blog about in regards to the fan experience, please let me know!

Rick "$mitty" Smith '07
rick.smith17@yahoo.com