Well that was cool and fun to be able to do with the Rogers and even better no chaos or stress.
As we were getting back from Rancho and the heartbreak of telling Josiah we couldn't be there for his re-baptism....Lisa was exiting the same exact exit we took randomly. So we gave her our turn by turn to follow us to Board and Brew where we grabbed a quick bite before heading out.
We left super early. The parking gates opened at 1 and that's when we left. So we arrived around 2pm and parked in the Orange parking lot that Michael had scouted out as the best option for easy in and out access....and he proved correct.
There were hardly any vehicles there when we pulled into park. We got a basically front row spot. Waited a little bit and then decided to start walking around to the other side of the stadium where our entrance was for our VIP seats at Gate 6.
We were basically around to our side when Ryan realized he left his drivers license in the car when we made the decision to leave his phone...so the three of us turned around and headed back which worked well because I grabbed a Gatorade that Lisa had so nicely packed for us all in an ice chest.
By the time we walked back over the crowd size had quadrupeled but was clam and easy to navigate. We jumped in our line to enter the stadium about 20mins prior to the gates opening. Again nice and calm...the sun was a bit hot but manageable because we all know it could have been way worse...every once in a while there was a nice breeze that made it so nice to be outside.
Gates opened and everyone calming funneled into their respective lines and made the whole process great. Once inside we climbed the stairs up to our section...but then quickly made the decison to find the merchandise store first. We wondered around our level looking for a spot and eventually asked someone who informed us that they were on every floor but ours...hahahaha. So Lisa and I made our way up to the next floor to take a look. We left Ryan on that level and told him we'd meet back up at this sweet bar area we found.
Lisa and I hussled up and quickly got in line for the merchandise. The line moved quickly and before we knew it it was our turn. By the time we had our stuff in hand and walked away the line was incredible. So so long. Phew.
I have to admit that that was probably due to Lisa and I holding up the woman helping us with question after question on sizes and holding them up to us. But to be fair when you are about to drop $100 on a shirt...you want to know it fits.
Michael really wanted a jersey but they were sold out of the Men's Large and the extra large was massive. Lisa was bummed. But we proceeded on looking at the kid's sizes for myself, Lisa and Josiah. That's when the woman held up a Kid's XL and I said....Lisa that will fit Michael...GET IT. So she did and it fit him perfectly. Lisa and Michael got Josiah a hat. I got myself a hat and we were good to go meet up with Ryan and await Michael's arrival from USC.
As we walked into the stadium Lisa had the biggest smile on her face and kept turning around to smile because she was so happy to be there she was sharing it and wanting to see if everyone else was just as excited to be there. It was pretty cute so I turned on the camera as fast as I could to capture more.
Michael arrived at the seats about two minutes after us so the timing was perfect. We took some pictures and then waited for the teams to take the field. Around this time, Ryan informed me that he knew where we needed to go to get the wristbands for the food and drink area that were included in our tickets.
WOW. what a cool place we had access to! Sure the food and drinks were cool but having access to the field level with the players and coaching staff only 10 yards away was the best part. As I described to Ryan later, the difference was sitting in the stdium seats you were watching vs in the private access room you became a part of the teams and the experience. Only thing that could have made it better was if the team seats were spread out so there was more of a center view of the field.
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