Before Game 4 of the NHL Finals in Philadelphia ticket prices for Game 5 were insane. On StubHub, SRO tickets were priced at $650 each upper level seats were $1000 each. At these prices, I would have stayed home and watched Game 5 on television. But, the Blackhawks lost Game 4 and tickets prices went into a free fall.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
I figured my best bet for buying tickets last night was to once again show up at Billy Goat Tavern. That was a good strategy for Game 1 when …

It was the Ultimate Sports Wife’s and my first night out after the birth of our son three weeks ago. And, what better way to spend the night then at Game 2 of the NHL Finals (at least in my opinion). The only issue – ticket prices were insanely expensive. With prices this high, I would normally buy tickets ahead of time from a ticket broker. This not only avoids having to carry around a lot of cash but also guarantees your tickets. Plus, you will probably not spend much …

As I wrote this morning, my plan for today was to attend both the Chicago Blackhawks playoff game this afternoon and Chicago Fire game this evening.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
Blackhawks Jim volunteered to pick me up so we could drive to the United Center together. On route, I checked craigslist.org and found the following ad, “Just found out I have to work and can’t go to today’s game, I’ve got two standing room only tix available $60 for the pair which is less than face+fees. I live at Wells/Division and can …

With the Cubs game lasting 10 innings, I did not have any time at home before needing to meet Blackhawks Jim for dinner before the Blackhawks game. After the Cubs game, I went back home to meet the Ultimate Sports Wife and we were off.
Pre Game Dining
The Ultimate Sports Wife chose Carnivale for dinner before the game. Located at 702 W. Fulton Market, Carnivale is less than two miles from the United Center – meaning you will need to drive to the arena after dinner. The dinner was great although …

As soon as we were done eating at El Mariachi, I left to meet Blackhawks Jim before the Chicago Blackhawks opening playoff game.
Pre Game Dining
We were supposed to meet at Crossroads Bar & Grill, but with a long wait, we met at Plush instead.  Plush is next door to Crossroads at 1104 W. Madison St.  This was not the best decision.  The Ultimate Sports Wife and I went to Plush a few years ago after a Chicago Bulls game and we vowed not to go back before or after an …

Last night the Detroit Red Wings beat the Dallas Stars to win the Eastern Conference Finals and advance to the NHL Finals. Also, last night, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New Orleans Hornets to advance to the NBA’s Western Conference Finals.
I was considering the double dip for this weekend. The drive from Chicago to Detroit is about 4.5 hours (290 miles) and the flights are under $200 round trip.
The Pistons were scheduled to host the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals this Sunday, May 25. Knowing …

Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins tonight. As with the NBA playoffs there are many travel options based on the amount of teams that are still in the playoffs. However, I am not planning to attend any Round 2 games. I could probably make it to Detroit or San Jose (proximity of city and family by city, respectively), but considering it is only the second round and that both teams “should” advance to the next round I will postpone the decision to travel to those cities for a …