I am finally back from New York. Even though I was only there for about 4 full days, it felt like weeks if not months. I do like the idea of walking as the primary mode of transportation. Especially since we stayed so close to Macy’s/Times Square/5th Avenue/Central Park. If I had to work there, it would be a different story.
The game against Connecticut was a blast. We started out the day by stopping by Jack Demsey’s very briefly. There was a fire truck sitting outside so we (me, Melissa, Kristin and Brady) made our way over to get a picture taken. Knowing a good opportunity when they see it, Kristin and Brady handed their signs to the firemen to hold. This led to a very loud C-A-T-S chant. That alone was worth the trip.
While we did run into our share of arrogant, loser UConn fans, we experienced just as many down to earth fans. However, before we even got to the security point, a UConn fan started running his mouth. I’m not sure what was said, but before long he was ready to “step outside” as he put it… we were really already outside. Not the brightest fan in New York.
This same person questioned why there were so many UK fans there during the week. Well, we’re not bandwagon fans, we genuinely like our team, and we have disposable income. It’s a dangerous combination. By the way, UConn fan, it looks like Connecticut is a part of the 2010 Maui Invitational Tournament. Will I see you there? I doubt it.
Anyway, once we got to our seats, a “let’s go Huskies” chant began. Not to be outdone, we countered with “Go Big Blue!” When Kentucky began the game on a 12-0 run, you wouldn’t know there was a UConn fan to be found in there. I don’t know the numbers and by looking around there was so much ambiguous blue and white, but it sounded like Kentucky fans outnumbered Connecticut fans 2-1.
After the game, a fight broke out in the stand behind us. From what I can gather, a UConn fan was jawing with a crowd of UK fans. Eventually, a drink was thrown and what appeared to be a UK fan went over the railing and decked the UConn fan. A rugby game broke out and eventually the security decided it was time to step in. That was the end of that.
Outside, a UConn fan, or was it a Tiger Woods fan, took exception to a UK fan displaying their “Tiger’s wife left him 4 John Wall” sign and attempted to grab it and rip it up. I took a sign that said “1,996 Wins, Thanks UConn for 1,997″ over to the big baby and asked what he thought about that. About that time a very large New Yorker grabbed the sign I was holding and said “let me see that for a minute.” He feigned tearing it then said, “naw, I’m just kidding” and handed it back. Disaster averted.
After that, we went to hang out for a little while and found food. I ended up getting back to the hotel about 1:30am. I really thought there would be more people in the streets, especially around Times Square, but I think around that time, Kentuckians outnumbered New Yorkers.
Thursday, we met Brady and Kristin to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the world famous Rockettes. After that, we visited Rockefeller Center to see the tree and to get our tickets for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. While we didn’t get a lot of airtime, we did appear briefly when Jimmy was giving away the Christmas sweater. Don’t ask. At the end, I got to give him a high 5 and thus ended my Rockefeller experience.
Friday, Melissa and I just walked around visiting Central Park, FAO Schwarz (I wanted to see the big piano) and to see ritzy shops such as Tiffany’s. Overall, it was a really fun trip. Even without the UK game, it would have been a good time. The Kentucky win was icing on the cake.
Awesome photos and great write-up! I wish I could’ve been there. I always love being in NYC! =)