My first experience was riding 3.5 hours to the Dixie Classic when I was 6
Yogi, your just a pup! In my “Christmas Stocking” when I was 13 was a book of tickets to the first Dixie Classic. I had to walk a couple of miles to get there and back. I don’t know how long I’ve been a State fan but it had to have been a pretty long time for my mother to spend that kind of money (that context thing again) on a book of tickets. My seat was on the next to the top row in one of the extreme northern end sections. My eyes were young enough then that I could see all the way to the court. I didn’t know any better and sat in that seat through every game.
Later in HS I sold cokes in Reynolds — when I wasn’t watching the games. During the intermission between games you could make some real good change for a HS student. Cut my hand once and just sat their while the State fans opened bottles, poured the cokes, collected money and made change. Not one cynical bastard in the crowd. I promised myself when I ever grew up I would be that kind of fan.
I’m with you on nearly everything you write about being a loyal State fan — can’t think of a thing I disagree with. I grew up watching State football in old Riddick Stadium. “Stadium.” That’s a joke! I remember having to travel to Brokeback Hill to play our “home games” with the holes. I got my first football season tickets in Carter Stadium the year it opened. Four tickets and 4 kids tickets every year for years. I lost my 50 yard line tickets and now have 2 in the NEZ. Look at the panoramic photo. You’ll see me standing near the top looking up to my left at the score board.
Enough of the nostalgic reminiscing. I’m going over to another board and read me some “Great Unpleasantness” news. 😉
