Brent and I got to experience yet another truly amazing "Nashville Thing" on Thursday night: we went to our very first NHL (National Hockey League) game, watching the Nashville Predators take on the Colorado Avalanche.
Neither Brent nor I know a whole lot about hockey, however, this is probably only one of a few things that I have experienced and Brent has not. As we were walking out the door to go to the game, I second-guessed our choice of attire for evening because it donned on me that it was going to be cold at the game. HELLO! Ice - duh! I even said something to Brent but we both agreed our long sleeve t-shirts and jackets would be sufficient. (Note: This was on Thursday night when it got down to 20 degrees. However, we felt tshirts and jackets were sufficient?? I promise, we're intelligent people..promise!)
So we arrive to the game, snapping pictures left and right because the Sommet Center was completely transformed for the game. The section of seats we were sitting offered all you can eat food and drinks, so we arrived about 1 hour before the game to get our grub on. The security for the section of seats we were sitting in was pretty tight - they check your tickets a few times, then give you a wrist band to allow you access to the food area. The hostesses explained the whole process and we noticed some tables along the rail overlooking the rink. We found out the tables had to be reserved at a mere $1,000 per game. Darn. We left our extra $1,000 at home...oh well, maybe next time!
After we ate, we headed to our seats, beverages and snacks in hand to settle in for the game. The only hockey games I have ever attended were when my cousin played in high school and then to a Memphis minor league team way back when. So this was definitely a little different.
After we ate, we headed to our seats, beverages and snacks in hand to settle in for the game. The only hockey games I have ever attended were when my cousin played in high school and then to a Memphis minor league team way back when. So this was definitely a little different.
Any sports fan knows that pre-game feeling: anticipation, excitement, pride. Even though Brent and I had never really been to a game, we settled right in with the other crazed Preds fans. We quickly caught on to when to break out the "Faaaang Fingers." (see pictures below)
When to say, "Thanks Paul!" (when 'Paul' announced "There's 1 minute left in regulation.")
and when to say, "You Suck," after pretty much every song and chant.
When to say, "Thanks Paul!" (when 'Paul' announced "There's 1 minute left in regulation.")
and when to say, "You Suck," after pretty much every song and chant.
The Predators beat the Avalanche in a truly exciting and entertaining game. We hope to attend more games in the future - we had a blast!
Here are a few pictures and videos from the game...
Since we left our extra $1,000 for the sit down tables, we decided to just stand and eat...
Since we left our extra $1,000 for the sit down tables, we decided to just stand and eat...
It doesn't look very appetizing here, but the food we got to eat was really good. Not exactly what we thought we would have: stuffed mushrooms, roast beef, collard greens, stir fry veggies, salad, salmon....but of course, Brent went the hot dog route.
Faang Fingers
For those of you who have never been to a game, Fannng Fingers are brought out any time a penalty is called on the opposing team. They play this screeching background music and all 4,000+ Predators Fans break out the Fang Fingers as pictured below...
Oh yeah, and notice how we're still in our coats? Brent was freezing the entire time. Needless to say, we were a little under dressed for the game. We had great seats, pretty close to all the action.
In true Nashville fashion, a live band played at each intermission.
It just happened to be right beside where we were sitting.
3 comments:
That looks like a ton of fun! I love hockey but I've actually only been to minor league games. Those are pretty exciting as well - less talent = more fights! I was an intern for a minor league team in SC.. lots of fun! Looks like there are some fun traditions there, hopefully y'all get to become regulars.
So jealous! Have always wanted to go to a hockey game. Great post
I do miss going to those games! I felt like you didn't have to know too much about the sport to figure out mostly what was going on. How'd you land those tickets? Ours were always in the nosebleed section. Where you had to really pay attention to see the puck!
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