For most college’s, opening football season is this Saturday. For Iowa State University, it’s the Thursday before. They started this tradition a few years ago and it works out pretty well. The fans enjoy a fall night game before the long holiday weekend. Attendance doesn’t waiver too much even though most attendees have to drive a distance for the game.
Over the past few years, we’ve gone from season tickets to buying a special 3-game package. Ticket prices and sponsorship prices have gone up so much over the years that it’s not worth it if you can’t go to every game. Being of marrying age, we always sacrifice a Saturday or two for weddings in the fall. So, the 3-game package typically worked out best. This year, we decided on no games. It was a sad decision, but made easier knowing that Bryan could go with his dad when there was an extra ticket. As the season progresses, they typically have an extra ticket. (Fair weather ladies or farming men give up their tickets.)
Earlier this week we decided the weather was going to be good and we could all go to the game. All of a sudden opening night was exciting again! Until the forecast started mentioning rain. And my husband started getting nervous about the logistics. In the end, he went to the game and Maximus and I stayed home and watched the game on tv. The excitement of the season opener was gone for me. Even when our tailgating group was on tv. Yep, my father-in-law was grilling with my husband observing. Then, the whole group was singing the Iowa State Fight Song. It was weird to see my group all riled up about the game while I was watching the news. I did watch the whole game, and it was a much better game than expected, but it’s hard to muster up the enthusiasm when I watch it on tv. There are too many other distractions and commercials.
Hopefully we’ll be able to make it to a game this year, but if not it’ll be ok. There’s always next year (and basketball season).
