LONG TIME FAN

I’ve been a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs team for thirty years.  Steve DeBerg was the quarterback when I first began following them steadily in 1988.  I was only twenty one years old when I became a fan for life.  My (then) husband and I used to have our own little “tailgate parties” when we attended the games at Arrowhead Stadium.  I recall that this usually consisted of a little disposable charcoal grill, some hot dogs, chips, and a six pack of beer.  The last Chiefs game that I attended was in 1994, and Joe Montana was the quarterback.  My biggest memory of that game was the fact that it was so cold I couldn’t feel my feet for a week.  Oh, yes, also..my friend Brenda’s nachos.  She ordered nachos, and by the time we got back to our seats, the cheese was frozen.  It wasn’t just a little crusty on top, it was frozen solid!

FAST FORWARD 24 YEARS…

Joe Montana is no longer the quarterback, and I am no longer in my twenties.  I am now fifty one years old, overweight, with some nifty new back problems. My days of drinking and hanging out in large crowds of people are long gone.  These days, I’d rather hang out in my pajamas and watch the game on television.  Large crowds give me anxiety.  Wanna know what else gives me anxiety?  HEIGHTS.  I am so bothered by heights that I will only purchase seats in the lower level when attending concerts at our local arena.  I made the mistake of purchasing upper bowl seats for a Garth Brooks concert a couple of years ago.  When I got to my seat, I thought I was going to die. My heart was pounding out of my chest, I was dizzy, I couldn’t concentrate.  I had to get out of there, and I did.  I found an attendant and told them I would be glad to pay more, but there was no way I could sit in that seat.  My son and I got moved to some great seats (thankfully), and I learned a lot about myself..

THERE IS ALWAYS AN EXCEPTION..

When my brother kindly extended an offer for my teenage son and I to attend a Chiefs game with them, I couldn’t resist.  I knew that his season ticket seats were located in the upper level.  I thought long and hard about it, and decided it was time for me to stop acting like an old lady and have some fun!  Besides, my son REALLY wanted to go!

Continue reading Stepping out of my Comfort Zone: Tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium