Author Archives: Nik Bronder

The Boss at the United Center.

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Last night I went to see The Boss for the first time and the show was awesome. I knew a good portion of the songs which was good considering I’m not a Springsteen fanatic like some one I know. I opted out of waiting in the rain for the numbered wristbands for the pit but the rest of the floor was still general admission. My view of the stage was pretty good and besides a douchebag taking photos with his Blackberry all night it was a great spot. I was surprised by the crowd which was mostly middle aged men. I figured middle aged but not men.

The sound was great and I got to see Clarence so I can’t really complain. The highlight of the night for me was ‘Spirit in the Night‘ which of course reminds me of driving to Montreal.

Here’s the review from the Tribune.

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Game #3: Penn State at Indiana.

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Julie and I added to the list of Big Ten stadiums I’ve visited on Saturday by seeing the Indiana – Penn State game this weekend in Bloomington. For it being Indiana Football the game was a rather competitive. Indiana made a late rally but still came up short 36-31. Nearly all of the points in the game were scored in the opposite side of the stadium where our seats were. That side of the stadium is a construction zone (literally there’s a bulldozer and re-bar everywhere) and there is no net for behind the goal posts. So everytime a field goal or an extra point is scored the ball just sails into a dirt and then some kid goes and gets it. Classic Indiana.

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Five reasons I now know Indiana is known as the Land of Mellencamp:

  1. The IU band insisted on playing Mellencamp’s greatest hits between plays.
  2. Memorial Stadium is just a stones throw from John Mellencamp Pavilion training facility.
  3. I actually heard Jack & Diane on the radio while in Indiana.
  4. The open end of the stadium is literally a dirt pile.
  5. When I tried to call a cab in downtown Bloomington the operator asked “What town are you in?”

Sucking on a chili dog indeed.

Google Maps: Big Ten Stadiums:


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So far, so good. I only have Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota left on my list. Bloomington was about 4 hours from Chicago (compared to the 2 hours it takes to get to West Lafayette) so we made it into an overnight trip.

Chicago Blackhawks off to a good start.

Opening Face-Off.

The Blackhawks celebrating rookie Jonathan Toews opening goal.Kevyn Adams taking the Face-Off in the Chicago’s zone.Chicago led 3-0 at the end of the 1st period.

Last Thursday night Julie and I headed to Finley Dunne’s to watch overrated South Florida lose to Rutgers. After talking to the bartender about the Hockey Package he offered us tickets to the Blackhawks game on Friday. We had plans to do diner with The Frencho’s and Dom & Kelly so we decided to just catch the beginning of the game and then bail. It was worth it. The tickets were in the Bud Light Legends Lounge which just so happens to have an open bar and buffet. My kind of seats.

I was completely amazed at the lack of filled seats in the areana. At about 5 minutes before opening Face-Off I’m swear I could have counted everyone in the arena. Seemed like it was in the hundreds. There were whole sections that were empty or had 4 or 5 people in them. Amazing.

The Blackhawks got off to a quick start scoring two goals within the first 7 minutes and then taking a 3-0 lead before the 1st period was over. We left after the 1st period but we’re seriously considering getting a 5 game package. We took at a cab to Quartino and met up with everyone else for a night of more food and more drinks. The Blackhawks ended up holding on for a 5-3 victory.