Best Sporting Experience?

[CH David]

Title says it all. What is your favorite sporting event that you have experienced in your life so far? It could be winning a state title in high school, going to a professional game, any sport, all is fair.

For me, it has to be attending my first Blackhawks game. It was actually this year back in March. They were playing the Anaheim Ducks. I had never been to a game before, and actually had never been inside the United Center before. But I bought the tickets off my coworker since he couldn't go that night. It was my best experience ever. (For those that know me well, yes better than going to White Sox games, and I haven't been to a Bears game yet)

Once I got inside the UC, I could feel the electricity in the building. It was a sea of black, red, and white. Simply remarkable. So my friend and I make our way to our seats, which by the way, when watching a hockey game in the UC, there are no such things as bad seats. Watching from the 300 level, I could see the whole rink, and it didn't seem like it was so far away, meaning the players didn't look like little dots on the ice.

So for those that don't know, a Blackhawks tradition is to cheer during the National Anthem. I had seen it on television a lot, but actually being there, hot damn it blew my mind away. The electricity that is flowing throughout the UC is amazing, and a great environment for anyone. So the puck drops, and we were underway. The Hawks scored the first two goals, one just over a minute in, and the other was about 12 minutes into the first period. The first goal was right of a face-off, a shot to the net and put in off the deflection. Crowd went nuts right then. The second goal came on a steal at center, and a 3 on 1 break by the Hawks. The build of anticipation in the crowd for a goal kept rising with each thrust towards the net. Then when they scored, the place erupted again.

Then, the second period belonged to the Ducks. They scored two fairly "soft" goals on Cristobal Huet, and took the crowd out a little bit. After the score was tied at two, it stayed that way until overtime. A little under 3:30 left in overtime, and Havlat gets the puck after a pass was too hot to handle for the Ducks. On a dead sprint, the crowd got up ready to explode. Havlat just has to get around one defenseman, he protects the puck, shoots and scores. Crowd went nuts, and I left on a euphoric note. I was floating, it was one of the most exciting times I had ever had at a sporting event.

Actual professional game footage from the NHL.


The breakaway by Havlat from the crowd perspective in the 300 level. (Not me) Obviously it is louder when you are actually there.

 

[NSL]

I've only been to a handful of live events, so my #1 experience naturally came while sitting/standing on the couch. As a Giants fan, I've lived through the good (Wide right!), the bad (Kent Graham), and the ugly (Dave Brown). But, every once in a while we're treated to something special.

One of these moments came in Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots. I'm not talking about Brady getting chased like he fuck the D-Coordinator's wife. I'm not talking about the fade into the end zone. I'm talking about "The Catch". You all know it. Manning escapes a few potential sacks, heaves it up, and Tyree makes a beautiful catch, practically burying the ball into his helmet, and falls on top of Rodney Harrison, saving the Giants hopes, and all but burying the Patriots. I was praying something big would happen, and that happened, and the entire house erupted. Even Patriots fans at the house were cheering the catch, and all of us Giants fans were celebrating as if the game was over. A table was flipped in the process, soda and food everywhere, and a mob of about 20 fans jumping up and down cheering the team on.

It was great

 

[Jessie Lynn DivaGirl]

I know this is an old thread but I think it should be brought back. I have several but I can only remember a few so I'l put them down as I think of them.

June 21st, 2005: It was my birthday and the year the Pirates screwed up me and my parents seating plan, so as a way of saying sorry they let us get as many tix as we wanted or any game we wanted behind homplate; like directly. So we got something like sseven tickets for the game on my birthday against the Mets. I got a game-used ball and the Pirates won 11-1. Plus my favorite pitcher was pitching that day! So awesome.

July 13th, 2008: I got to take the field before a game. I stood at shortstop and ot to meet Jack Wilson. Okay, I had a black eye and a long cut under the same eye from running into a trash can a few days before but it was still cool.

June 21st, 2010: Hell yes, it was my birthday. And not many people can say they've done this. At PNC Park there was a baseball clinic being held for kids 14-5 I think. There was no game that day and the next day they would be in Texas to face the Rangers. Ironically I was going to a Modeling and Talent Expo in Dallas the next day, and I was going to the first game in the series (yes, in Arlington). So we get to the park and they're telling us wat's going to happen, it's basically a field day. Then they say that there is a guest coach. It's Pirates 2nd baseman Neil Walker. So when my group gets to where he is he teaches us how to turn double plays. Afterwards I got him to sign my mit and I told him I'd be at the game the next day. A few months later I got him to sign a picture from the game in Arlington and told him about it and he remembered it!

PirateFest 2010: So that thing where Neil Walker remembered me was a batting practice for season ticket holders and Garrett Jones was there too. Everyone had wanted to meet Neil so he was just chilling and I got to hang with Garrett. He's a pretty cool guy and soon I was telling him about some cool sport stories I didn't mention on here. So at PirateFest I was getting him to sign a picture from the batting practice and he looks up at me and says, "Hey, I remember you from this!"

September 25th, 2011: I got to meet Daniel McCutchen, Brian Burres, Tony Watson, Ronny Cedeno, Brad Lincoln, Jason Grilli (who sent me a message on Twitter), Jason Jaramillo, Ross Olendorf, Jeff Hughes, Pedro Alveraz, Joel Hanrahan, Alex Presely, Ryan Ludwick, Evan Meek (big hug from him), and Jose Tabata. Got pictures with them al.

PirateFest 1999: Had a twenty minute conversation with Kris Benson (at the time one of our pitchers) and was four years old. Not that significant, but pretty cool for anyone watching and now me.

If you haven't figured it out, I'm a big Pirate fan. Oh yeah, and on June 21st, 1996, I watched my first Pirates game. I was a few hours old and we beat the Marlins.

 

[Mick Overlast]

For me, undoubtedly it was the '09 AFC Championship Game against the Ratbirds at Heinz Field.

This was the first AFC Championship Game I had been to, and the atmosphere was insane, and I've been to a lot of Steelers games. When they played "Renegade" before Troy's pick-6 to ice it, I gave myself a headache screaming and yelling. And of course, Troy's pick-6 set the place on fire; I was just running up and down the aisles high-fiving and hugging random people.

Second-best was the divisional round game against those same Ratbirds last year. The comeback was amazing.

I don't know if anyone has been to a Saints game since they won it all, but that atmosphere is ridiculous. The "Who Dat" chant after the coin toss gave me chills. Awesome fans and an incredible party city.

 

[Megatron]

I haven't had many live sporting experiences, only being 16 and only being to Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Spartan Stadium (once, in like 05) so with that being said, my choice is of this year, just a few weeks ago, when the Lions had their home opener against KC and I went. We got close to the stadium at about 12:30 (about the same time as we had last year when we went to 2 games) and the place was completely packed outside. I was literally shocked at how full the crowd was, even though the expections were/are high for the team. We got in the stadium and got to our seats about 5 minutes before kickoff and throughout the entire first half the game was packed like I've never seen it before. Sure, I'd been to games that were sellouts, but there didn't seem to be a seat thoughout the bottom deck open and much of the 2nd and 3rd deck was full (aside from really one section well in the nosebleed area).

The game itself was also very fun to watch, as the Lions kicked ass and took names in a 48-3 assbeating. Calvin got 2 TDs (just like every other game) Stafford looked good, and the defense really picked it up after the chiefs drive where they missed a fg. We stayed all the way to the end, as well, since we've been on the other side of those beatings throuhout the year and it was nice to be able to relax by the 3rd and realize this wasn't gonna be a game lost.

 

[Mick Overlast]

Any chance you'll be at Ford for Monday night's game against the Bears? I can imagine that place will be absolutely electric for that game.

 

[Megatron]

Any chance you'll be at Ford for Monday night's game against the Bears? I can imagine that place will be absolutely electric for that game.

That was the first game I wanted to go to (we split season tickets with a friend of my dad) but my dad + friend are gonna go together and I'm sure I won't be able to go (since I think they're going to the casino or something earlier). Otherwise yeah, that probably would top any experience I've had so far.

 

[hatehabsforever]

My best sporting experience was unfortunately not one I was able to experience live, but it was awesome and exciting nonetheless. When the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup last season, even though I was only watching it on television, I found the victory so exciting and fulfilling. I had been waiting my lifetime for this to happen and when it finally did, especially in the dramatic fashion it occurred, it was pretty damn exciting.

Heading to Boston to see Game two of this season, and I'm pretty excited about that too. It will be nice to see them go 2-0 on their way to successfully defending their Stanley Cup

 

[Big Sexy]

I haven't been to a large abundance of games in any sport but one game always stands out and that was a 1997 game between the Detroit Lions and NY Jets. Both teams were 8-7 going into the game. If the Lions won they made the playoffs in the NFC, if the Jets won they made it in the AFC. It was win or season over for both teams. This game was big for other reasons as well. Going into the game Barry Sanders had 1,869 yards rushing, 131 away from 2,000. On a slightly sadder note 2nd year linebacker Reggie Brown who was starting for the Lions suffered a scary neck injury during the game. He was motionless on the field and an ambulance came onto the field to take him to the hospital. The injury ended his young promising career. I also remember the game for the officials. The crowd was so loud that the refs actually threatened to take away a time out from the Lions if we didn't quiet down.

In the 4th quarter Barry got to 2,000 yards on just a one or two yard run which was amazing to see live at the Pontiac Silverdome. The very next play was his last run of the regular season as he took the hand off and went 53 yards down to the Jets three yard line. That run clinched the 13-10 victory for the Lions and sent them to the playoffs. After just 20 yards in the first half of that game, Barry exploded for 164 yards and a td on 15 carries in the second half. The back to back plays of him getting to 2,000 and then obliterating the mark with a 53 yard run are the two most exciting plays I've ever seen in person.

 

[TNA cross the line]

I have been to 3 Virginia Tech games with my fourth coming this Saturday when The U comes to Blacksburg. There is absolutly nothing like being part of 66,000 people chanting LETS GO HOKIES! in unison untill you hear the familiar opening guitar rift from Metallica's Inner Sandman and everyone around you starts hopping around and screaming. ITS ONE HELL OF A RUSH!

Here is the best video of the entrance i found on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ET8KpC7o2M&feature=player_detailpage

In 2008 i was at the VT vs Duke game in Blacksburg i was expecting a blowout but it was unfortunately a very close game. With the score 7-3 VT with 2 minutes left in the game with everyone on the edge of their seats on 2nd and 10 from their on 30 Dukes QB takes the snap and throws it to the flanker on a curl route and when he throws the ball VT DB Victor Macho Harris Jumps the pass picks it off and takes it to the house to seal the game for the Hokies and the stadium erupted i myself was screaming like a little girl and for me it was the best sporting experience i have had.

 

[Mick Overlast]

I have been to 3 Virginia Tech games with my fourth coming this Saturday when The U comes to Blacksburg. There is absolutly nothing like being part of 66,000 people chanting LETS GO HOKIES! in unison untill you hear the familiar opening guitar rift from Metallica's Inner Sandman and everyone around you starts hopping around and screaming. ITS ONE HELL OF A RUSH!

I saw Lane Stadium rocking Saturday when Enter Sandman came on before the final play. That had to be insanity. Congrats on the big W.

 

[The Crock]

My best sporting experience would have to be one I played in. This is one of the greatest memories I'll ever have, undoubtedly. It was senior night for the football team and we were playing a home game against our rivals. This game would determine who would win the region championship. The atmosphere was different that night, the crowd realized that the game was a pretty big deal.

The weather was horrid. Rain/snow/slush type of deal was just pouring. We went down a score in the fourth, only to come back and tie it. Our defense got the stop and we got the ball back with about 3 minutes left. We had a good drive down the field, but stalled when we got to their 40 or so. The coach calls me over (I was the QB) and decided to go for it on fourth down. We were 4 yards away, not much at all. I took the snap and ran a play action, nearly get sacked, but my back made an amazing block, I then took off and gained about 15 yards on the ground. That was easily my proudest moment on the field. The credit goes to my blockers though, especially my receivers, I wouldn't have gained the first down if not for them. We ran for a bit, gaining some yardage and draining the clock and kicked the winning field goal.

We lost in the playoffs that year, I hated it, but it was an amazing season.

My best sporting experience was at a Utah Jazz game a few years ago. Sundiata Gaines was playing on a 10 day contract, a rookie in the NBA. LeBron and the Cavs seemingly beat us on every turn and it looked like they had our number again. They were up two, but we had the ball with a few seconds left. We tossed the ball inbounds, made two passes, got it to Gaines and he launched a three pointer and sunk it. I think the shot was initially supposed to be Kyle Korver's, but Gaines was the open man. The arena totally blew up. I was lucky enough to be there. Great stuff. Here's the video:

[YOUTUBE]llArRqrdNcg[/YOUTUBE]

 

[BooCocky]

I love my Pirates, my Panthers and my Steelers but my fondest memory did not happen at home. I have two great memories in Blacksburg Virginia.

I remember going to Lane stadium October 28, 2000 and Vick and the Hokies were favored big. A hit in the game took Vick out and I remember them throwing the backup in. I remember in the final seconds when the QB threw the ball downfield and Pitt got called for a horrible pass interference penalty. VA tech goes onto kick the game winning field goal. luckily they went onto the National Championship game and got stomped.

I know Pitt lost but the game meant so much. I had a cousin who went to Va Tech so her side was all cheering for VA Tech. I was always a loud mouth so I was talking so much shit. I remember when some guy rows in front of me threatened to kick my ass. Shit, you were a grown ass man and i was 13.

Anyways, I remember calling bullshit on the pass interference call and I remember going to the hotel only to hear sportscenter calling it bogus as well. The game was excellent. The atmosphere made that game much better.

I believe Pitt got redemtion the next year but that's not important. Now it's November 2, 2002, I remember the game was cold as hell and my seats were in no-mans land surrounded by Hokie fans. I remember some plays like crappy old punts that went 10 yards and so forth. Maybe that is a little exaggeration seeing as how I was only 15 but still. I remember the first play of the game, which was like a 40 yard pass to Fitzgerald. I remember Pitt driving to the 25 yard line or so and missing a field goal. I thought we were doomed. I remember our offense not doing shit for a while and I remember Tech grabbing a 14-0 lead.

Then I remember Pitt storming back right after Va Techs second touchdown to bring the game within 7 points. The one thing I remember clearly about that game is the Miree touchdown in the 4th quarter. I remember my uncle ( hokie fan) getting up and leaving because he didn't want to witness another Hokie letdown. Right after we convinced him to stay Miree took the ball up the middle and was gone for a 53 yard scamper. I remember rubbing it in, I also remember talking a lot of shit leaving the stadium.

Those games were great. So many memories going to those games when my cousin was in school. I miss them. They're ultimately my favorite sporting experience.

 

[TNA cross the line]

I saw Lane Stadium rocking Saturday when Enter Sandman came on before the final play. That had to be insanity. Congrats on the big W.

Thank you sir and it was FUCKING EPIC! Miami's biggest mistake was calling the time out right before the final play. They pretty much asked for it. When Enter Sandman hit i got an adrenaline rush like never before and started jumping and screaming uncontrollably. When Alonzo Tweedy made the game winning tackle i got right behind the ear of the miami fan in front of me and screamed "BYE BYE MIAMI!" And remained going crazy as Sandman was played for a 3rd time after the game winning tackle. It was defiantly the most EPIC sporting experience!

 

[Unsold Bacon]

To be honest I've only been to one professional sports game but am planning to go to my second on the 30th when the Bills take on the Redskins in Toronto as part of the Bills-Toronto series.

The one I've been to was a Toronto Blue Jays in which they faced the Baltimore Orioles. The experience was fantastic (even though I remember them losing) even though I don't even like baseball, it was fun. There is nothing live a live sports event. The Bills game should be a good one too.

 

[TNA cross the line]

[YOUTUBE]blzftASduNc[/YOUTUBE]



I was apart of this epicness! It was so crazy I dont think anything could ever come close to this for me aside from VT actually winning a National Title.

 

[LikeSheamusLoveOrton]

[YOUTUBE]blzftASduNc[/YOUTUBE]



I was apart of this epicness! It was so crazy I dont think anything could ever come close to this for me aside from VT actually winning a National Title.

I was there too!!!!! I too was going to nominate Virginia Tech football. I have been to over 40 games in the last 10 years. Ive been to Phillies games, Colts games (both at Indy and in Pittsburgh), I was at WrestleMania 27, and nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to Enter Sandman at VT. I bought tickets to the VT/UNC Thursday night game in a few weeks. Heres to hoping it will be as crazy as the Miami game! GO HOKIES!!!!

 

[TNA cross the line]

I was there too!!!!! I too was going to nominate Virginia Tech football. I have been to over 40 games in the last 10 years. Ive been to Phillies games, Colts games (both at Indy and in Pittsburgh), I was at WrestleMania 27, and nothing, and I mean NOTHING compares to Enter Sandman at VT. I bought tickets to the VT/UNC Thursday night game in a few weeks. Heres to hoping it will be as crazy as the Miami game! GO HOKIES!!!!

Well then tell me this out of your 40 games that you attended was this years miami game the loudest you have ever heard Lane Stadium roar? I saw on a VT football news website a poll which ranked the loudest moments in Lane Stadium and the end of the miami game came in second to the 2009 Nebraska Finish with Danny Coale, Tyrod Taylor and Dyrell Roberts.