The time before the game was quite adventurous, as we spent about forty-five minutes in traffic driving the stretch of a mile to gain access to the stadium. We saw throngs of people wearing jerseys celebrating the exploits of Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, and others. We even saw a single brave soul wearing a Cardinals jersey!
Parking was reasonably expensive (thirty dollars for five hours), although we met a brusque and entertaining attendant justifiably critical of my ability to parallel park. After commenting on the rather spartan appearance of the newly opened Rivers Casino, we set out on the short walk to the stadium.
The security check, the sloping walk up the ramps, and the concession lines ($10.25 for a minuscule pizza and a medium soda) couldn't dampen the contagious enthusiasm that people have for the Steelers in this town. To first step out into the stadium proper is akin to entering a vast church. From our seats, we could see the Allegheny river, the scoreboard, dozens of cameras recording the game, and the hazy skyline of Pittsburgh.
Chavonne promptly began to freak out and all of us experienced an almost overwhelming sense of awe. Watching a game in person is a truly different experience from a game at home. Without commentary, NFL games are far quieter and more difficult to follow. Sitting in the stadium is an oddly intimate experience, where you can maintain a private conversation without too much difficulty and at the same time, fans share stats about the players, opinions about the coaching, and even opinion on world and domestic events. It's where, in fact, I first learned the hated Eagles signed the detestable Michael Vick to a contract.
Pittsburgh fandom is a unique thing unto itself. The game was an opportunity to scrutinize the running game and celebrate the recent world championship of the Steelers, but it also served an opportunity for families to bond (one father behind me taught the nuances of scoring and decision making on fourth down to a child unfamiliar with the game), and a way to invest real emotional currency into a shared symbol meaningful to generations of people.
Almost like a church service, this game was an opportunity to join a wave of emotion be it the frustration of an overthrown pass or the jubilation of a vicious sack. As technology and adult responsibilities fragment the time we're able to spend with our loved ones, it was a release to spend a few hours getting to know old friends, drawing closer to the love of my life, and chastising overpaid yet immensely talented athletes.
Hopefully my next NFL game I can see Tony Romo drag the Cowboys from their rut.
I'm so glad that we got to share this experience together. I love all of our adventures. Pittsburgh is comfortable and beautiful to me because I see the joy it brings you. Go 'Boys! :)
I just realized that this is a Bible verse. For shame, heathen (says the savage)!