Last night was the NBA’s Opening Night. It does not have the same ring as Opening Day for Major League Baseball, but with the Bulls playing and Nicole spending her night working, I was definitely going.

As I was driving to the United Center, I texted “Old Style Tom” – could I stop by after the game? Remember he lives 3 blocks from the UC. He said they were going to bed by 9:30 pm for an early morning workout but were around beforehand if I wanted to stop by.

Obtaining Tickets
In order to not stop by after the game, I figured I should stop by Tom’s house before the game which may make me late. Thus, I had to buy tickets from a scalper before I parked in front of his house. Since I was parking at the 2200 block of Warren Blvd, I knew I could walk the three blocks to the United Center.

Ticket Buying Tip: If you are planning to (or know you will) be late to a game try to have tickets ahead of time.

I stopped at the corner of Madison Ave. and Wabash St. (where the east side scalpers hang out). I offered $10 for a ticket as scalpers slipped their tickets into the passenger side window. None of them accepted my $10 offer (I was at a negotiating disadvantage since I was still in my automobile). So I grabbed my wallet, took out a $20 and asked which one of them had a ticket while stating I needed $5 change (I was offering a $5 premium since I was still in my car. If I was on foot I know my ticket would have been cheaper). My offer was accepted as a scalper found 5 $1 bills out of each of his pockets (remember scalpers do not like to make change).

The Game
It was Derrick Rose’s NBA debut and in his first game he added his name to the record books. He had 9 assists which tied him for second amongst #1 draft picks in their first NBA game. He tied Lebron James, who had 9 assists 2003, and was second to Jimmy Walker who had 10 assists in 1967.