My First NFL Game
(Picture courtesy of Kerry Kadel)
Kerry Kadel | Editor-in-Chief
I do not know much about football. At least, I can’t watch a game and amidst the huge dogpile of players see if it was a fumble, a flag, or some other rule of the sport that I hardly know about. I learn at least one new rule of football any time I watch a game at Milanos, or in the comfort of my home over break with my highly-ecstatic family.
I love the excitement of watching whatever team I’m rooting for score a touchdown, or the shock of a play getting turned-over or a point taken away, and the sadness of seeing my team get absolutely slaughtered by their opponent.
I know more about baseball, basketball and soccer than football, so when I was asked to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers vs LA Chargers game on Sunday Sept. 22, I was all-in, but nervous that I wouldn’t be the best cheerleader in the stands. I’m not crazy about the sport, at least not until Fantasy Season begins, and a team is made for me but managed by someone else, that’s when I’m the number-one fan and/or cheerleader.
When asked about who my favorite NFL teams are, I shock many people when I say that I am a Cincinnati Bengals and Steelers fan–by association. My dad is a Bengals fan, while my brothers are Steelers fans, all three having gone to the Bengals v. Steelers games together, having a blast, their team winning or losing.
Now, having met my boyfriend, a big Steelers fan who asked me to attend the Sept. 22 game with him, my first ever NFL game–how could I resist?
The plan was to wake up at 7am, drive to Pittsburgh, watch the game, and drive back to Ohio all in the same day.
With that plan, I was to be granted the highest honor of the road trip: Passenger Princess. I would sit in the passenger seat all the way to and back for the trip, never having to drive once. As the great eldest daughter I am, for years since I got my license, I always had to drive my younger siblings everywhere–especially when my older brother moved into UD. To ensure that I’d be spoiled as Passenger Princess, I was granted to choose my favorite snacks and drinks, given a blanket, and received a gift–unprecedented.
I was given a Pillow Pet, but not just any Pillow Pet–a Freddy Fazbear Pillow Pet from the world-renowned indie mascot horror game Five Nights at Freddy’s.
After that, we were off to Pittsburgh.
Timeline of Events:
8:50 am – Leaving my residence
10:25 am – Entering West Virginia (and as tradition, play “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver)
10:35 am – Entering Pennsylvania
1:00 pm – Game time
Acrisure Stadium is a sight to behold once entering through the front doors, but there’s something amazing to be said about the extremely large community of Steelers fans tailgating outside in the parking lots in front of the stadium. Most have grills firing up burgers and hotdogs, blasting music and drinking with companions. One tailgating vehicle even had inflatables to spice up their party.
Inside the stadium, there is a magnificent hanging sculpture of the structure of a Steelers helmet breaking through yellow glass. I hope every stadium has something as amazing as this. I wanted to take more pictures, but the crowd was rushing in, and it was a sea of black and gold. I’ve been in MLB stadiums more than NFL, such as Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, but the crowds in Acrisure were a mix of suffocated ecstasy. I got used to it quickly, especially arriving on the level where our seats were. After attaining lunch, we found our seats, and I must say that it was the perfect view.
I fed off the energy of those around me, and the hype that this stadium brought was making me feel like I had to shout more so my cheers could be heard over everyone’s. I forgot to mention that this game was the home opener for the Steelers.
So, there was a lot of excitement and hopes riding on this game for the Steelers to win. And, since it was my first time at an NFL game, my boyfriend playfully joked that my presence would either be good or bad luck.
I’d say seeing the Steelers win 20-10 against the Chargers is pretty lucky.
Justin Fields is a mad man out there, having thrown a pass for a touchdown and running for another. TJ Watt is also an exceptional player and entertaining to watch as Steelers’ linebacker. He just became the second-fastest player to have 100 sacks, taking down Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys during their last game on Oct. 6 (unfortunately, Steelers lost that game). With the help of linebacker teammate Nick Herbig, Watt earned half of the sack, bringing his stat to 100 exactly.
I was given a pink Terrible Towel from my boyfriend, who had the original gold towel. My Terrible Towel was pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, and I absolutely loved having it and waving it around not because it was pink, but because my grandmother has been cancer free nearing a year ago now. It was so fun to be swinging the Terrible Towel in its home stadium, either because I was cheering before the game even started, after a touchdown, or because the Steelers had a great play.
What I would have done differently for this pandemonic event is wear more sunscreen and take a nap on the way to or back. My boyfriend and I were in our own worlds at one point, delirious and slap-happy, chowing down on Arby’s for dinner in the car, and awaiting the moment where I could shower because I had formed a huge sweat stain on my back from the seats in the stadium.
Either way, I’d love to go to another NFL game, Steelers or not, and I’d like to attend one in the season that everyone agrees is the best time to go: winter. However, I will be dressed from head to toe in layers and unrecognizable under coats and layers of long-sleeves and sweatpants. Even if I could barely move my arms, I’d still be swinging the Terrible Towel.
