[11 Jul 2010 | No Comment | ]
Restaurants over Tailgating for Chicagoland NASCAR

For the first time in 10 years, I finally made it to the Chicagoland NASCAR race. For each of the last nine years there was always something that was a higher priority. Either I was out of town or wanted to attend another sporting event. This year there were no conflicts and with the Chicago Cubs on the road there was no excuse not to go.
Pre Game Dining
Anybody who has been to a NASCAR race knows tailgating is a must. However, since I was attending the race by myself and …

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Chicago, Chicago Cubs, MLB, Pittsburgh Pirates »

[1 Apr 2011 | No Comment | ]
A Wet MLB Opening Day: Pirates at Cubs

Technically, yesterday was opening day for Major League Baseball. But, most games were scheduled for today as were the Cubs at Wrigley Field as Ron Santo was honored at the game and Robert Redford threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Pre Game Dining
Before the game, I headed to Irish Oak to meet up with friends. As I was walking there, I thought there was no way the game would start in this rain – it was not a hard rain but one I thought would delay the game. For some reason, …

AHL, Chicago, Chicago Wolves, Rockford IceHogs »

[27 Mar 2011 | No Comment | ]
Ultimate Sports Baby at Allstate Arena

I was on my own with the Ultimate Sports Baby today, so I decided to go to the Chicago Wolves game. First, it was the only game in town. Second, the Ultimate Sports Baby has not attended a game at Allstate Arena yet – the only remaining professional sports venue he has not attended a game in Chicagoland.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
Under normal circumstances I would have parked in the Target parking lot across from the arena for free. However, today I did not feel like lugging the stroller from the …

Chicago, Chicago Fire, MLS, Sporting Kansas City »

[26 Mar 2011 | No Comment | ]
Chicago Fire Home Opener at Toyota Park

For the past two seasons, I have attended the Chicago Fire home opener. This year was no exception especially since the game was on a Saturday afternoon. Under normal circumstances I would bring the Ultimate Sports Baby with me to an afternoon game, but the temperature was in the 30’s which is too cold for him to attend.

Pre Game Dining
Since I did not have the Ultimate Sports Baby, I decided to go to one of the bars around Toyota Park. I ended up at The Krash Inc. located at 7122 …

Chicago, Men's College Basketball, NCAA Tournament, Notre Dame Men's Basketball »

[21 Mar 2011 | No Comment | ]

Today was upset Sunday at the United Center. After VCU’s dismantling of Purdue there was no way I thought Florida St. would do the same thing to Notre Dame. But, Florida St. did defeating Notre Dame 71-57 to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1993.
The next game between VCU and Florida St. is the first time a #11 and #10 seed have played each other in the NCAA Tournament.
Post Game Dining
By the time the game was over, Nicole was back at home and getting ready for …

Chicago, Men's College Basketball, NCAA Tournament, Purdue Men's Basketball »

[21 Mar 2011 | No Comment | ]
NCAA Tournament Round 3: #11 VCU vs. #3 Purdue

To my surprise the NCAA Tournament Round 3 was not scheduled to begin until 6:10 pm. Most first Sundays for the NCAA Tournament are schedule as afternoon affairs, but today was a change to the norm which definitely worked in my favor as my babysitter could not come over until later Sunday afternoon.
Pre Game Dining
As soon as the babysitter arrived, I left the house as Nicole was still working on her dissertation on Northwestern’s campus. I went to Billy Goat Tavern for a pre-game burger and beer.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
Most …