So having been at the game itself, and having finally gotten past the initial wave of euphoria and need to watch game highlights and you tube offerings repeatedly, I thought I would share some impressions and thoughts.
In no particular order:
- The talk about no Atlanta fans being there was wrong wrong wrong. Someone posited in the one of the threads that maybe they just drove the 12 hours from the Atlanta area or flew in later. Some clearly did the former. And while Pats fans were in the clear majority, the Falcons had plenty of rooters.
- Somewhat sadly for me, in my upper deck seat on the 30, I was surrounded on all sides by Falcons fans. Those fans were incredibly loud and surprisingly in our faces (given that we were pretty quiet and had not invited confrontation) until the worm turned.
- Those same fans got that familiar pre-2004 Red Sox fan shell shocked look once the Pats closed to 28-20. After the game was tied, you really could not hear them at all and many of them in my immediate vicinity left. Whether they left the Stadium or not, I don't know, but they left.
- I normally do not drink much at Pats games. I want to have clarity on the action and while I'll have 2-3 to take the edge off over time, I am never even close to affected. With this game going rather south, I found myself drinking pretty at a materially higher rate. I was not alone. During the latter phases of the second quarter, the half-time show and parts of the third quarter, there were a good amount of Pats fans outside on the cement concourse, smoking, drinking and monitoring the game through the glass and the TVs inside halls.
- Like the Pats players, there was a lot of brave talk out there. A few people pronounced them dead but most said the now well worn "if anyone can do this, it's Brady..." For me, being out there and not around the celebrating Atlanta fans was much needed therapy. I am manic normally about not missing a play and good piss management so I am always present. This game was just different in that regard.
- As to the halftime, I'm happy to say that not only did I not see Lady Gaga, I never heard a single note. Behind the glass doors and on the outside concourse, I could not hear it. Maybe it's my thing, but the Patriots being in the SB is serious business for me. I love U2 but walked around during their show at SB 36 because I had oo much nervous energy to sit there. In any event, I'm glad I stayed outside and shot the shit with other Pats fans...and can't fathom staying inside for that. Different strokes and all, I get it. But I can't begin to understand staying in there, especially given the state of that game. A lot of Pats fans seemed to think similarly.
- I knew immediately from my seat that Julian had caught the ball. Perfect angle. I had zero worry that it would be overturned. I'm guessing those watching on TV were not that worried either.
- Walking in we saw Mark Teixiera taking pics with some Pats fans. My 23-year old son without any warning jumped in front of Teixiera and yelled "Let's Go Red Sox" before the retired Yankee scurried away. Proud father moment.
- The game winning moment was, needless to say, a huge burst of euphoria. Again, I assume that's not a lot different than what was experienced by those at home, but having withstood the Atlanta fans and just being there, it was incredibly intense. It reminded me a lot of how I felt when Papi's homer went over that criminal Sheffield's head in game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Different kind of game but a walk off is a walk off.
- One of my favorite moments was walking down the ramps after the game. I've been lucky enough to have been at 4 Pats SB wins. That walk down with other fans chanting and hugging and just being in a state of delirious happiness is really worth the price of admission.
- As much as I enjoyed the SB experience and feel incredibly fortunate to have been there, being in Foxboro for a Patriots AFCCG win is in many ways more enjoyable. Not in the ultimate finality sense but being among mostly Pats fans in your home stadium is truly special. If, if, if the Pats are in the same position next year (and as a fan since the Plunkett days, I am acutely aware that nothing is promised and I take nothing for granted), I think I would just do the AFCCG. Famous last words and I reserve the right to change my mind. But again, being at a home game is in many ways better. (And of course, less expensive and less of a logistical hassle in getting there and dealing with rental cars, etc.)
- People say Pats fans are spoiled or whatever. The overwhelming sense I got from those on hand was an incredible feeling of good fortune and appreciation. Pats fans were confident going in. But the fans I spoke with before, during and after all had that "I can't freaking believe this situation" thing going. If Pats fans are entitled, Yankees fan like nitwits (and not all such fans, of course, just the model for that concept), I was not getting that from the people I met in Houston.
I'm sure I could add more impressions but that's it for now. I might add to this later.
And if others on site have anything to add, that would be great.
(Made some edits for clarity)
In no particular order:
- The talk about no Atlanta fans being there was wrong wrong wrong. Someone posited in the one of the threads that maybe they just drove the 12 hours from the Atlanta area or flew in later. Some clearly did the former. And while Pats fans were in the clear majority, the Falcons had plenty of rooters.
- Somewhat sadly for me, in my upper deck seat on the 30, I was surrounded on all sides by Falcons fans. Those fans were incredibly loud and surprisingly in our faces (given that we were pretty quiet and had not invited confrontation) until the worm turned.
- Those same fans got that familiar pre-2004 Red Sox fan shell shocked look once the Pats closed to 28-20. After the game was tied, you really could not hear them at all and many of them in my immediate vicinity left. Whether they left the Stadium or not, I don't know, but they left.
- I normally do not drink much at Pats games. I want to have clarity on the action and while I'll have 2-3 to take the edge off over time, I am never even close to affected. With this game going rather south, I found myself drinking pretty at a materially higher rate. I was not alone. During the latter phases of the second quarter, the half-time show and parts of the third quarter, there were a good amount of Pats fans outside on the cement concourse, smoking, drinking and monitoring the game through the glass and the TVs inside halls.
- Like the Pats players, there was a lot of brave talk out there. A few people pronounced them dead but most said the now well worn "if anyone can do this, it's Brady..." For me, being out there and not around the celebrating Atlanta fans was much needed therapy. I am manic normally about not missing a play and good piss management so I am always present. This game was just different in that regard.
- As to the halftime, I'm happy to say that not only did I not see Lady Gaga, I never heard a single note. Behind the glass doors and on the outside concourse, I could not hear it. Maybe it's my thing, but the Patriots being in the SB is serious business for me. I love U2 but walked around during their show at SB 36 because I had oo much nervous energy to sit there. In any event, I'm glad I stayed outside and shot the shit with other Pats fans...and can't fathom staying inside for that. Different strokes and all, I get it. But I can't begin to understand staying in there, especially given the state of that game. A lot of Pats fans seemed to think similarly.
- I knew immediately from my seat that Julian had caught the ball. Perfect angle. I had zero worry that it would be overturned. I'm guessing those watching on TV were not that worried either.
- Walking in we saw Mark Teixiera taking pics with some Pats fans. My 23-year old son without any warning jumped in front of Teixiera and yelled "Let's Go Red Sox" before the retired Yankee scurried away. Proud father moment.
- The game winning moment was, needless to say, a huge burst of euphoria. Again, I assume that's not a lot different than what was experienced by those at home, but having withstood the Atlanta fans and just being there, it was incredibly intense. It reminded me a lot of how I felt when Papi's homer went over that criminal Sheffield's head in game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. Different kind of game but a walk off is a walk off.
- One of my favorite moments was walking down the ramps after the game. I've been lucky enough to have been at 4 Pats SB wins. That walk down with other fans chanting and hugging and just being in a state of delirious happiness is really worth the price of admission.
- As much as I enjoyed the SB experience and feel incredibly fortunate to have been there, being in Foxboro for a Patriots AFCCG win is in many ways more enjoyable. Not in the ultimate finality sense but being among mostly Pats fans in your home stadium is truly special. If, if, if the Pats are in the same position next year (and as a fan since the Plunkett days, I am acutely aware that nothing is promised and I take nothing for granted), I think I would just do the AFCCG. Famous last words and I reserve the right to change my mind. But again, being at a home game is in many ways better. (And of course, less expensive and less of a logistical hassle in getting there and dealing with rental cars, etc.)
- People say Pats fans are spoiled or whatever. The overwhelming sense I got from those on hand was an incredible feeling of good fortune and appreciation. Pats fans were confident going in. But the fans I spoke with before, during and after all had that "I can't freaking believe this situation" thing going. If Pats fans are entitled, Yankees fan like nitwits (and not all such fans, of course, just the model for that concept), I was not getting that from the people I met in Houston.
I'm sure I could add more impressions but that's it for now. I might add to this later.
And if others on site have anything to add, that would be great.
(Made some edits for clarity)
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