Super Bowl Circus

Indianapolis finally got its wish and is hosting the Super Bowl in 2012. I think that's 46...or XLVI...whatever. They just need to call it the Super Bowl and be done with it. Anyways Sam and I took a day off to go down and experience all the happenings surrounding this over-hyped game (on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012). We were definitely not disappointed.

To say that the City of Indianapolis did a good job preparing for this would be an insulting understatement. In fact I can't think of a more well-prepared series of events since, well, my trip to the Women's Final Four last year in Indy. This city just gets it right. For the biggest sporting event in our country, Indy created an extensive "Super Bowl Village" which runs along Georgia St. between the convention center and whatever the new name of where the Pacers play. To say it mildly, this concept has worked TOO well.

Of course it certainly helped that the weather was more in-line with April than February with highs in the 50's (!). This brought 'em out of the woodwork. Even though Georgia St. was totally re-built with heaters suspended above a median pedestrian path...they weren't needed. All of this helped lead to a "perfect storm" which I'll touch on shortly.

As for us we got downtown and found some great parking a few blocks from the Village. From there we went up the Soliders Monument in the Circle and gazed out on a sunny day in Indy. We quickly caught site of many significant landmarks...like the JW Marriott sporting a massive Lombardy Trophy on its front face. Hope hotel guest can see thru that!

We then wandered from the Circle and started to cruise the Village. Crowds were thick, but manageable. After stopping in at a few places, I decided to meet up with some work colleagues at RW Armstrong at old Union Station. We were given a great tour by Kelly Tingle, who also introduced us to an indoor basketball court which we took shots on. Sam wanted to play Horse, I settled for Pig...but still didn't get past P. Oy.

We moved on and walked quite a ways to Victory Field where they turned the entire playing field into a huge sandbox. Um...sure. Nothing to see there so upon a request for Sam we made our way to the Statehouse...where it was simply dead. Nothing going on...and the tour guides looked plenty bored. Thought maybe some folks would have visited...then again the Village was hard to break away from.

We sauntered back there and then to the grand NFL Experience expo which took over the entire Indiana Convention Center. Quite an impressive feat seeing how massive that place is. As we entered the place was packed, and we quickly discovered that we would do nothing that day without a special wristband to get in the front of the lines for kicking, passing...and just about anything else worthwhile. This was a pain, since that wristband line was about a 2-3 hour wait. Oh yeah, it also cost an extra $45! So being me I avoided as long as I could - but Sam was being extra grumpy since he couldn't do anything. I was getting extremely grumpy since I almost got kicked out since the geniuses didn't give me a basic wristband that showed I paid. Yes...I was approaching wit's end.

Thankfully we got lucky and purchased a special wristband for Sam...and then he was able to do about anything he wanted. It was worth it in the end...I just want to avoid looking at my credit card for a while. The set-up was just amazing with interactive everything going on - quite the spectacle. We spent about 4+ hours in there all told. It was nearly 9pm...and my feet were ready to fall off. Sam's too.

We ventured out of the Experience and saw firsthand what happens when you have unseasonably warm weather plus a popular band playing for free...near anarchy. Stepping out of the Convention Center we were met with a sea of humanity that spread out in all directions. The crowd had grown exponentially in the time we were inside. It appeared that far too many folks had descended on the area...and the cops were a bit overwhelmed. Sam and I were able to meet up with an old classmate of mine at an info booth, but Sam wanted to get to the Pacers pro shop at what-ever-they-call-it arena where they play.

Moving thru the Village towards the arena was very problematic by now. You could barely walk...so Sam and I smartly ducked into a parking garage that got us on another street...where we avoided the mass of humanity waiting for some band called LMFAO. Never heard of them...which Sam found fascinating. We made the arena, where I was able to finally sit down in a nice leather chair and drink some iced coffee (the pro-shop has a Dunkin Donuts...score!).

After I pried myself up I got Sam an early birthday gift...and then made our way back to the car. We made on last stop by the giant Roman numerals on Monument Circle...where each numeral had been turned into a video board...nice. We just about limped back to my car from there, and raced out of the city. By the time we did traffic was becoming really bad...and people really drunk. Thankfully nobody was hurt or no riots took place. They were lucky. Our departure time was about 11pm...over 12 hours since we arrived.

All-in-all a most amazing time in Indy for this event. They did it right, with a bundle of things to do right in a great downtown area. Hope it returns again in my lifetime...they deserve it.

Great Midwest Tour - Day 9

Getting up today was interesting since my phone couldn't decide what time zone it was in. This made setting my alarm VERY challenging. Anyways I did figure it out, woke up on time (for us) and off to our next destination...Terre Haute to see the Rex.

On our way I wanted to stop at Turkey Run State Park, but with the heat, and a not-so-enthusiastic son, I thought against it. All the way into Terre Haute I was second-guessing myself, but as this trip has taught me...there seems to be a better surprise.

After arriving in town, we had a nice meal at IHOP, then decided to visit the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. Sam clued me in on this, and I have been reading a lot about it as of late, so it seemed like a logical visit. When arriving, we are told that an actual Holocaust survivor is now speaking to a small audience. Not only a survivor...but a survivor of Auschwitz, and if this wasn't impressive enough, she was a twin experimented on by Dr. Mengele himself. Sitting down I am struck at how articulate and captivating she is. I come to find out that CANDLES was actually her brainchild as she began to unwrap her fascinating history. Sam and I both sat absolutely captivated at her sad sorry...of being deported...of losing her parents...of barely surviving the experiments...of nearly being shot at the end. I think back how my own grandfather survived his wounds back in WWI, and how fortunate I am to be here. We were in the midst of a true survivor whose edict to "never give up" provided us with an amazing example of courage and survival. Sam asked quite a few questions as well...and was genuinely riveted by her story. This was exactly the effect I hoped this would have on him...and we are both indebted to Eva Kor and her example of survival, courage and forgiveness.

It was at this point that one of Sam's family members in Terre Haute called...Bill. These are my ex-wife's family who I visited often up until the divorce. I hadn't seen them in many years, and Sam hadn't seen them either. So we contacted Bill and made our way over to his house to meet with him and his wife Sue. We had a great time, and Sam was literally tacked by Bill's grandchildren upon arrival. We stayed for about an hour, caught up on each other's lives, and bid adieu. I was very happy to have made the time.

Now it was game time and we arrived at where the Rex play their games...at the same ballpark where Indiana State plays their games. The Rex are in the same league as the Dans, and just like Danville, and very enthusiastic and large crowd packed the stands for the game. Beforehand there was a roller derby exhibition in the parking lot which was comical, and these women we part of several acts from that point forward. We found some great seat right behind the plate, and watched the Rex win 2-0. Like the night before we stuck around for autographs and a couple of t-shirts. Another fantastic baseball experience.

It was at this point where I was offered White Sox tickets for the next day from my friend Brian's sister, Wendy. I said I'd talk to Sam and get back to her. After a long discussion with Sam about what to do, I called back to say we'd take them...but she texted back that her classy husband already gave them to a buddy since he didn't hear back from me. Needless to say I was a bit angry about this...at the very least we should have been afforded the courtesy of first refusal since we were offered first. I had to swallow this one since I know it wasn't Wendy's fault, but on-par with her husband Mike's behavior. Next time I'll just do a Nancy Reagan and just say no.

Okay, enough of that - off to bed and ready for our last day of the trip...wonder where we will show up???

Great Midwest Tour...Day 8

Kinda tough to top seeing two sitting governors over the last few days, but away we went. We got up and out of our hotel to visit a local eatery called Major Munch. We ate here last year and were fortunate enough to find it. I even remembered that fabulous chicken sandwich too...yum!

When we finished we planned to leave the city, but decided to tour the riverfront one more time. As we did we can across a pure jewel - an LST boat from WWII. Not only any LST boat, but one that served during D-day. After I got over that bit of immense history, I gladly forked over some bones to take a tour which was being offered. As we made our way down the ramp, we saw an older gentleman come forward from the boat's deck...and met us in the shade. His name is Bing, and he's a genuine WWII vet...at 90-yrs young. This was very impressive since the tour took us all over the boat...over several floors by stairs...with the temperature easily over 90...with humidity. Thankfully there were air-conditioned rooms which we (and Bing) could take a break in. A fantastic find on our trip of discoveries!

From here we made a b-line to Vincennes to visit the George Rogers Clark Memorial along the Wabash River. I knew about this hero of the Revolutionary War, but wasn't sure just what he did. Being a National Park site, there was a great visitors center with a movie about Mr. Clark's heroism. Apparently thanks to him, we were able to win the west from the British during the war, and eventually capture the Great Lake states. There is also a huge memorial to Mr. Clark and his improbable victory at Vincennes. I won't take the time to recount his amazing feat...do yourself a favor and look him up yourselves...you WILL be impressed!

We then took a very quick tour of Vincennes University (really small campus), and made our way across the river to Illinois and then up to Danville for our next game. Our goal was to see a Danville Dans game, who are actually college kids on summer break. They also pay to be part of these teams...and this league provides baseball excitement for a number of mid-to-smaller cities that are not able to support a professional team. The stadium was really old, and the field not well-kept. The amount of dust kicked-up was crazy since they didn't have enough of a ground crew to keep the dirt watered down. The crowd however didn't mind and the stands were pretty full. Interestingly enough I met a fellow who actually graduated from Purdue. In landscape architecture...which I have a degree in. So we ended up with a LOT to talk about. As for the game the Dans ended up losing but not after putting up a great fight in the ninth inning to eventually lose 4-3. Afterward Sam and I played catch in the outfield and was able to have several players sign autographs. All-in-all a fantastic experience to see a number of players who very well could end up in the majors one day.

Since we didn't check into our hotel yet we began the search for it...after another Steak and Shake stop of course...:)

Great Midwest Baseball Tour - Day 5, 6, and 7

Yep...kinda tough getting a free computer over the last few days. So here's a summary of them...

DAY 5:
Of course Sam wanted to repeat the epic 2am shake run, but we decided to tour Lucas Oil Stadium instead, and I needed to get up by 10am (poor me!) to get in line for tickets. I did so...in the blazing heat, and picked up two for 1pm. Afterwards I jostled Sam out of bed, and we proceeded to grab some hot chow at where else, Steak and Shake. From there we milled around the Colts gift shop for about 1/2 hour, and then began the tour. This was a good idea from the start - we saw everything - from the visitors locker room, to a swank suite, to the press box. The only drawback was the heat...they don't air condition that humongous place when there is no event...and I don't blame 'em.

From there we hit the road for Cincinnati for a Reds game. We arrived at our nice downtown hotel, settled in, then hoofed the mile or so to the waterfront stadium...Great American Ballpark. This is nearby Paul Brown Stadium where the Bungles play...and in between them was the former home of both teams...Riverfront Stadium. We get there NICE and early and I decide to purchase the NICE tickets in the first level. Not sure why...but I thought since this was our only major league team.

Anyways we made our way to the outfield to try and catch some batting practice balls being launched by the New York Mets. We came close a few times but no dice. Then made our way to our seats for the game. We pretty much sat in the same seats the whole game...which works just fine for me. At first we were to be wedged in between big people...and with PLENTY of open seats around us...I made myself at home. The game was back and forth for a while, but the Mets pulled it off 8-6, and then we trekked back to our hotel.

At this time we were hungry, and walked around the downtown...nuthin'. So I decided to locate a Steak and Shake (what else?!), and then headed up the highway for a midnight snack. After getting back we laughed to Craig Ferguson, and prepped for another long and eventful day.

DAY 6:
Getting up this day was tricky...maybe it was the fact that it was a nice, quiet room on the 21st floor of this hotel (the top floor btw). Whatever the case, we did emerge and then headed BACK to the same Steak and Shake we visited only a few hours before. After fulling up on several patties of beef, we headed out to our next visit in Louisville. I had planned to meet up with another friend, Shaunna, who heads up Ohio River Greenways, and who offered to take us on a tour.

Getting to our hotel we proceeded to meet Shaunna on the Indiana side in Jeffersonville at their visitors center. After a short talk with a nice chap, Shauanna arrived and off we went on our grand tour. She took us along the entire planned stretch of the greenway, and of course I was like a pig in mud. The work they have accomplished has been incredible...but so does the work that lies ahead. She showed us several locations of where the trail is, and where it is planned to run. A big obstacle is in New Albany with an old flood wall that simply makes the trail route tight to say the least. Ending our tour we visited the east end with a stunning view of Louisville and a planned ramp to an abandoned RR bridge which will connect Jeffersonville to Louisville by bike and foot (and just MAYBE alleviate that horrible I-65 traffic!).

We left Shaunna since Sam wanted to get to the Louisville Bats stadium for more batting practice. Well we got there plenty early...and NO batting practice...ugh! We waited for Shaunna and her boyfriend Mark with his son Willie in the shade. They joined us by gametime and we enjoyed a great time together...even if the game stunk. The Bats lost 2-0...and it wasn't even that close. The stadium, Louisville Slugger Park is a really nice facility however, so at least we did get to enjoy nice surroundings...despite the weather AND the game.

Now let's introduce Mr. Serendipity into the mix. Sam, being Sam, started talking to a number of nice folks in for the National Young Democrats conference. He actually approached them, and when he returned to his seat, he had two business cards, and said they wanted him to join at the conference to meet the governor AND open the proceedings with the pledge of allegiance. Now I'm in a pickle since I wanted to do other things tomorrow...but Shaunna gave me this very guilty look so I just buried it. As we left I told Sam, gently, that we are just not dressed to meet the governor nor participate in this conference. He seemed to understand...and at least for the moment...that was that.

As we made our way home we decided to visit some sights in the Louisville area. The first stop was the University of Louisville where we saw their sports complexes. We tried to sneak a peek at where the Bats used to play at the State Fairgrounds, but no dice. We then made our way to Churchill Downs, which was nestled right there in a neighborhood. It was huge...and opulent. Someone is making money!

Another late night at the hotel...but this time not a great night of sleep...doesn't help that the a/c kept rattling!

DAY 7:
Here's to an amazing day...which started humbly enough at a Big Boy restaurant right across the street from our hotel. The food was actually very good...and I'm thinking that McDonald's stole the big boy burger for their big mac. Then again, I'm thinking too much.

Afterwards we proceeded downtown to first get a pennant from the Bats which I forgot the night before. Then we rode a few more blocks down Main St. to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. This is a great place to visit. Very reasonable price, and doesn't take a huge chunk out of your day. Of course you get to see how a bat is made...which is interesting - especially when you see these bats being custom made for major leaguers. They make special bats for those lucky enough to make the majors...all of us peons get what's left. Sam did some batting cages, and they even gave us a mini-bat for being on the tour. Before we left, we took a picture with a ginormous bat outside the factory building. This thing had to be at least 10 stories tall...makes a great landmark too.

As we left, Sam still wanted to visit those young Democrats, and I thought since the bat tour was short...why not. When we entered the hotel where the conference was at...we made our way upstairs to the meeting rooms...and almost immediately Sam is approached by Abigail, who nearly shrieked with excitement when she saw him. She was one of those folks that Sam met the night before, and was totally elated we could visit. She proceeded to have us meet several folks running the show, and then we toured the main presentation room where all the conference delegates would be sitting. I could see how much this impressed Sam...that these young leaders would take so well to him. Abigail and others did ask if we could stay around, but I knew we had to move on to Evansville tonight (now writing in present tense!). So we bid them adeiu, and off we went.

Here is where the moment of decision hit me...do I proceed to Evansville to see a game, where Sam would be on the air for half inning too...or meet the governor of Kentucky. Mind you, Sam did this last year in Evansville, so it's a bit old hat. After some time thinking, I thought the better of it to have him meet the guv. Sam was over-elated about the opportunity...and I felt great that I made the right choice. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

SO back to the conference site where Sam finds this great guy, Brandon, who begins to prep him on the Pledge of Allegiance and what he needs to do. We still had over two hours to kill before the Governor arrived, so we made our way back to the U of L campus and Churchill Downs now that we could see them in the daylight.

We arrived back about 6ish, and we were told the governor would be arriving in a half hour. About 45 minutes later, and after talking to several folks who were pumped to see Sam, Governor Beshaear arrived. He shook hands, and then spoke to Sam for a spell. He was very impressed to have a young lad like Sam there to support the Dems. We then followed him back to the holding room for more photos and chat. Next was Sam's big moment with the Pledge. After a great introduction from the president of the young dems, he went up on the stage, and aced it like a pro. We did stick around for speeches from the governor and others, then it was time to hit the road. Abigail gave Sam a big hug, and we shook many hands as we proceeded to leave. We then ran into a Wisconsin senator who also spoke, and took a pic with him as well. If you're scoring at home, that's TWO governors Sam has met on the trip...I don't think many lobbists have such success!

We made it into Evansville about 10ish, then proceeded to take a tour of the downtown. Sam loves Evansville, and loves the riverwalk...so we did it. This time we went way down to the water's edge...and chatted a bit. It was humid, but even worse, kiddos were down there playing their rap junk...complete with profanity. Lovely.

Back to the hotel...and ready for another interesting day ahead. Maybe we'll see the Illinois governor next?? ;)

Great Midwest Tour - Day 4

Wow...where to begin? Yes, we did take in 2am shakes last night, and yes, we made sure to sleep in as late as possible. When we did roll out of bed we walked briskly to meet with Rose, who is my planning buddy and lives in Indy. We met here at a nice eatery called Scotty's Brewhouse, and she even paid for us (THANKS ROSE! :).

From there we decided to visit the Indiana Statehouse since Sam has never been. We took our sweet old time about it, and finally got there at 3pm...a half hour after the last tour. Grrr. Well, we simply decided to walk around for ourselves, and as we were at the Senate chambers, lo and behold here comes a tour group! So Sam and I simply mixed in with a bunch of French folks, and got a nice overview of the Senate from the inside. This was the end of the tour, but I really wanted Sam to see the floor of the House, but the tour guide wouldn't help...guess she had to get home and watch TV (I could be VERY rude right now...but this is a family blog). Best part - she told us that the gallery was open and we could see the House from up there. Nope. Class act.

Okay, now what to do? Guess what...we found ANOTHER tour group...this time Chinese folks, so we latched on to them. We got to see the Supreme Court room, which was a bit laborious since the translator kept interrupting. Well, that was the end of THAT tour, and yet again I asked this guide if she could help us with the House floor. This guide, named Jennifer, gladly obliged and took us to the floor and even answered questions. But she wasn't done. Next we headed to the State Treasurer's office, and then to the Auditor's office. All along Jennifer was providing great bits of information about the building. She was fantastic, and then gave us some very helpful advice about the governor...that when he leaves he will talk to those waiting outside his office.

Now we assumed the roles of loiterers. We hung outside the governor's office for a few minutes, and it was just after 4pm. I was on the borderline of just saying let's get going, when lo and behold (again), here came the governor himself! He had to plain-clothes policedudes on either side of him, and we started towards him while he was swiftly looking to leave. He noticed us somewhat warily, but we obviously didn't pose a threat so he stopped. I asked to take a picture with Sam, and he did so. Afterwards he began some small talk with Sam about the Indians and Pacers. Talk about serendipity at its finest! He then left us, and Sam was elated to say the least...but I think I was even more giddy about it.

Okay, now I'm walking on air, and we get back to the hotel to swim. But Sam doesn't want to swim, so off to the Circle Center for dinner. We made a pit stop by Lucas Oil Stadium to inquire about tours, then off to the mall. Had myself a Chick 'fil a sandwich...first time. Not too shabby. From here back to the hotel to get our stuff, and off to the game.

I asked another planning colleague of mine, Shane, to join us for the game. He said sure and met us at the centerfield gate at the start. We eventually made our way to a nice area in the shade, and hunkered down. It was in the upper deck which afforded us a wonderful view of the skyline. The game was great - an extra-inning affair with the Indians winning 7-6 on a 12th inning walk-off single. Good times.

Afterwards Sam wanted to get some autographs so we scampered around to the car area. There were some other fans (geeks) out there with baseball cards and like waiting for players too. Sam captured a bunch of signatures, and even a couple of major leaguers too. I didn't know it but a former Minnesota Twin, Kevin Slowey, started the game for the opponents. After lingering for quite some time (and after I was done with Angry Birds), we made our way back to the hotel, ready to tackle another day of memories ahead.

Great Midwest Tour...Day 3

The first full day of our trip away from home had us get up at the crack of 9:30 and head for a yummie complimentary breakfast. A friend of mine told me, "the more you pay, the less you get". Boy howdy! I am now typing this from the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Indianapolis, and you think there is complimentary anything...NAAAA.

We finally boot scooted about 11am and headed towards our next stop in Fort Wayne. We were to meet with a long-time colleugue of mine, Dawn. She is the Greenways Director for the city, and with trails in our blood, we make good friends. We arrived in Fort Wayne in time to meet Dawn at a downtown dive called Coney Island. It's "famous" for hot dogs, so that's what we ordered. Not bad. Quick too which gave us time to get to the park.

We walked down to Parkview Field, which is home to the Tin Caps. This is a fantastic stadium, with a lively fan base. It looks a lot like Gary's, but more inviting. Maybe it was the colors, but it sure seems to feel a lot cozier. Of course Gary has US Steel and the tollroad in their outfield, while Fort Wayne's downtown is shown off at Parkview's. This is the second largest city in Indiana, so the view is pretty impressive - especially with the county courthouse in the background.

The game did start on time even though the skies above looked threatening. In fact, Dawn had traveled east to her mom's home earlier in the day and it was raining. Checking my phone, it looked bad, but thankfully, it only "spit" rain for a spell...and that's all. It was quite humid however, and I did work up a sweat easily. Dawn seemed a bit miserable, but we did have some tasty libations to help refresh us.

Before the game, as I did last year, I arranged for a tour of the press box. We meet this representative named Michael during the 5th inning, and he proceeded to take us up and around the whole field. We were quite surprised at how small the press area was...the control room looked so packed as to consistute a fire hazzard! After that he took us to the place called the "Treetop" - or a special outfield section way above the concourse...great views! Afterwards we decided to sit in the outfield seats by the wall for the rest of the game, which the Tin Caps ended up winning 2-1. That's 3-0 for the hometeams we visited.

From there we bid Dawn adieu, and hit the road for our next visit in Indy. On the way the skies finally opened up, and how. While driving, I talked Sam into visiting Muncie and Ball State's campus. Being a small-time college fan, he was very agreeable. We managed to get ourselves a bit lost looking for the football stadium, but finally located it. It was off to Indy from there, where we are now awaiting a 2am visit to Steak 'n Shake to enjoy their "happy hour". Sam REALLY wants to do this, and we have nothing planned for the morning...so here we go!

Great Midwest Baseball Tour...Day 2

Getting out of bed ahead of a big travel day is either exciting or overwhelming. Maybe a little of both for me...but much more excitement for Sam. Of course he's not having to think of every last detail - fretting about missing this or that. We did hit the road...at 3...after one false start after another. This is where keeping a list REALLY comes in handy...maybe next time (and the next time...etc forever).

So we hit the road and ride into South Bend about 5pm Eastern time. We get to our hotel and check in, just to find the room isn't too my liking. I didn't like the fact that we were right next to the stairwell...so we do get another room...but as I type this we are surrounded by LOUD pre-teens who are on some sort of little league trip. Awesome.

We finally make it to the stadium...Coveleski Field, the home of the Silverhawks. We were here a couple of years ago during our first trip, and I was surprised to see that the place had undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. Before we got to see the inside details, as we walk from the ticket booth we find out that the National Anthem is being sung...I boo-booed on the time. I thought it was 6...but it was actually 5:30...yikes! Anyways we do get in and catch the first pitch. We end up sitting right behind home plate...why not?

As we watch the game I am very impressed with the improvements. There's a giant new video scoreboard, and new seating beyond the outfield walls. Looks much better, but there is one major drawback...they installed that fieldturf as their playing surface. Now I understand why that works with football...but it just feels sterile for baseball. There is simply something romantic about newly cut grass...like you are actually in a "park". For all the advantages of this new stuff...it can't replace that intangible. The place was pretty empty as well...makes me think they overdid it with the upgrades. Sometimes simple is best.

The game was great, and even greater was that Sam STAYED with me the WHOLE game...a first for a minor league game! He always wants to run around and find other kids to play with...but not tonight. It felt great having him around...he's becoming a lot of fun to talk to as he grows up. We'll see how the rest of the trip goes. The game was close but the Silverhawks pulled it out 4.3. It was pretty early when we returned so we swam in the hotel pool for two hours...while we played with this new rubber ball I bought a few weeks back. Kept us occupied and hopefully I didn't throw out my arm.