Home Opener-SOUND TIGERS!

Magnet given to Home Opener attendees.

This year was not going to be a repeat of last year for me. Last year we missed the Sound Tigers home opener (actually, now that I think of it, I can't remember the last time we went to a Tigers home game). They give away a magnetic schedule at the Home Opener. It's not really a good schedule to use but it looks cool on the fridge.

I usually accompany my son and his mom (my former wife) to these games but this year they weren't interested; they had other plans. It was somewhat daunting (and depressing) to contemplate going alone. However, I was not going to let other people dictate my activities. I wanted to be at the Sound Tigers game and so I went. Ha!

My ticket.

I bought my ticket at the gate. Got a cheap seat at the end of the rink with a $2 TripleA discount. Section 100 is my favorite cheap seat section because it is right behind the goal (the other side of the rink is more expensive). To my surprise, I got a seat in Row B, which is below the net and just above the much more expensive seats at the glass. Standing in line to get in, I was glad to see that one of the ushers we always saw was still there. He is now sort of in-charge of those outside the arena who "wand" you before you can enter.

View from my seat.

I was somewhat surprised that the game was not a sellout. Another surprise was the singing of the Canadian National anthem first since the visiting team was from St. John, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada (look it up on the map, it's way out there). The USA national anthem was sung by the Fairfield County Children's Choir. Their rendition was the way it should be sung: lively & spirited at an exuberant pace. I was disappointed that there were no roster handouts nor programs. I was all set to buy a cap but there were too many people at the one souvenir stand. For a snack I bought our favorite: chicken tenders and fries combo (with a bottle of water). It still tasted good.

Action as seen from my cheap seat.

While the Tigers jumped off to a quick lead (2-0), the Icecaps were persistent and eventually prevailed 3-2. Although my team did not win, I was a winner because I overcame the fear of going alone. If you want to join me sometime, I'd love it. Let's go Tigers!

Links:

http://www.soundtigers.com/
https://www.google.com/maps/place/3+Queen+St,+St+John's,+NL+A1C+1J4,+Canada/@45.818368,-62.252008,5z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4b0ca3a4d90aea15:0x785870f0175bb8ef?hl=en-US
http://www.singfccc.org/
http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1013467

Written: Sunday 2 November 2014