Dealing with the Rain as a Sports Fan

I'm heading out the door soon to watch a college football game.  It is raining like cats and dogs and the venue is an outdoor stadium. Something about football in the elements makes the game all the more epic.  This can add to the excitement of being a fan, but it can make for a pretty miserable prospect for being a fan.

Quick Tip: The most important thing about watching a sporting event in the rain is that everyone in your party has a positive attitude about it.  

If the sporting event you are going to may or may not get cancelled by the rain, make sure to have an alternative event planned.  If you going with your family, take them out to lunch or dinner in the town or city that you travelled to instead.  This will brighten the mood.  In the case of my girlfriend, Well Dressed Sports Gal likes going to sporting events when the weather is nice, but her fandom doesn't extend to rain, sleet or snow. Fair enough.  Take a buddy to the game instead and have a nice evening at home with the ladyfriend afterword.  

If your traveling partner is game for traveling to the event, be prepared.  A simple store bought can of waterproofing spray will go a long way.  Bring a waterproofed rain jacket.  Hopefully for you, you've already waterproofed your favorite cap just in case.  If not, shame on you, a can of this stuff is only six bucks.  

Quick Tip #2: If you plan on bringing an umbrella, check on the venue's website to make sure they are allowed in the stadium.  

What I've got my eye on: I just purchased a custom made college football jersey.  Here is hoping these become a trend. I'd go with the commemorative World Series Champions Phillies t-shirt or sweatshirt rather than a cap.  Why?  You can pass it on to your kids and it might be a while until your squad wins another world championship (or your city for that matter Philly).  

A line of vintage t-shirts at Ebbets Field Flannels is really making me salivate.  Check out this San Francisco Seals longsleeve shirt.  Also available are the Rosewell Rockets, Denver Bears, and Jersey Giants. You can wear these under an open zip up hoodie for maximum effect. 

How to Host a Monday Night Football Party

The 2008-2009 regular season of Monday Night Football (MNF) kicks off this evening and I couldn't be more excited to host a "shindig".  

The art of hosting a MNF party, however, is in many ways totally different from hosting a Super Bowl viewing party.  For one, MNF is, for many of us, on a "school night".  It isn't the same as the quasi-national holiday of the Super Bowl.  Most of us have to go to bed a decent time, without having consumed to many adult beverages so that we might drag ourselves into work on Tuesday morning.  For me, the key to a great MNF viewing party is a chill, low-key atmosphere.  This isn't playoff football here, people.  No need to get all crazy.  

Here are some tips to hosting the perfect Monday Night Football get together. 

-Despite the fact that John Madden no longer annoys the viewers of MNF with his blabbering, television commentary for most sporting events continues to be pretty pointless.  Keep the volume low so that people who are so interested in the game can carry a conversation.  Invite a mix of football and non-football fans.  Your favorite team will probably only be featured on MNF once or twice over the course of the season.  If you make this a regular thing, focus mainly on keeping your guests happy.  Is there enough beer and chips on the table?  

-Grab a Heineken Light mini keg.  The novelty of a mini-keg is cool for any party and the imported light beer will satisfy most beer drinkers.  Here is an added tip, buy a plastic pitcher and put it in a bowl surrounded by ice.  Pump out the foamy beer from the keg into the pitcher and let it settle before pouring.   

-Because your team will probably only make one appearance on MNF this season, make your viewing party a celebration of all things football.  Grab a couple of football themed glasses, napkins and bowls this week at the story, and consider hanging a vintage jersey from the wall in your tv room.  

-If your team is playing, especially on an away week, expect a higher turnout than usual and be prepared with additional food and drink.  

-If you're going to a MNF viewing party, the same rule applies as with the Super Bowl, you are allowed to wear a jersey from your favorite team, even if they aren't playing that evening.  Here is an important tip however - don't go overboard.  Vikings fans, leave the horns at home unless Minnesota is actually playing in the game.  

-If all else fails, wear a well broken in vintage t-shirt from any sport. 

Have fun and enjoy the game!