Commonwealth Stadium-Lexington, Kentucky Produces Landmark Win!!

On Saturday, September 27, 2015, the Newly Renovated Commonwealth Stadium created the first ever SEC win with a victory over Missouri. More than 126 million dollars was spent on the ‘Transfiguration’ of the structure. Some ‘Transfiguration’s’ cost more than others.

Built in 1973, it is the newest football stadium in the Southeastern Conference, as measured by date of original construction. The original capacity for the stadium was 57,800.

In 1999 both ends of the stadium were enclosed and 40 suites were added, 10 in each corner of the stadium, resulting in a symmetrical oval bowl seating 67,530. The total cost of the expansion was $27.6 million. Seating adjustments over the next decade brought capacity to 67,942.

Recent upgrades included two LED video boards each measuring approximately 37 feet (11 m) high by 80 feet (24 m) wide (2,960 square feet), making each display the 20th-largest scoreboard in the country.

Combined, the 5,920 square feet (550 m2) made the new video boards one of the largest scoreboard systems in the country. Additionally, a new custom audio system and over 1,800 linear sq/ft of video ribbon board was implemented September 10, 2011.The
approximate cost of those upgrades totaled close to $6 million.

This new 2015 renovation includes a new press box, loge box seats, club seats, recruiting room, suites, concourses, bathrooms, lights and exterior facade while reducing capacity to around 61,000.

FRIDAY/PRE-GAME: As I am driving to the stadium, anticipation enters my system. I always go out with the same attitude. I play the role of ‘Marcus Aurelius’, wondering who or what I may encounter. What benefits will be exchanged?

The skies are overcast, though on the same polarity plane, separated by a few degrees, I embrace the change. Temperatures are in the 70’s with a chance of rain as compared to the 90’s I endured in Baton Rouge.

The stadium area was not as congested as Tiger Stadium. Tiger Stadium provided student parking because of its proximity to classrooms. Commonwealth Stadium, though on campus did not appear for this day to supply the same service.

It could be that the lots were being converted for the game day crowd. Whatever reason, free parking was being served for guests this day. To remain objective, I do no pre-game stadium research. The only research I have done is the top ten NCAA stadium capacities.

This is not one of them. This was my tweener game. I sandwiched it, between LSU and Tennessee which are in the top ten. My College Football Pilgrimage as a pattern is scheduled for 18 days. Two are major travel days, with smaller travel times mixed in.

My yearly agenda is to attend at least three major college football games within 16 days. In 2014, because of the advent of Thursday/Friday night games, four games were on my menu. My immediate goal is to finish out the top ten NCAA stadiums by 2017.

After this Pilgrimage, only 3 sites remain. University of Texas and Texas A&M (scheduled for 2016 season) and the University of Georgia in 2017. After that, my new direction may lead me to numbers 11-20.

While walking up to one the main gates, major to minor construction was evident everywhere around the stadium. My pre-game ritual consists of numerous things.
1. Pay homage to those ‘Greats” and ‘Commoners’ that previously battled inside as I walk the perimeter of the stadium.
2. Acquire game day parking information.
3. If the ‘ALL’ permits, perhaps take a peek or walk inside via permission.

As I neared the entrance, I saw a man with a UK shirt on engaged in a conversation. Waiting for an opening, I approached him and asked for help. He was more than willing to give his assistance.

As we were discussing game day parking, I mentioned my Pilgrimage. His kindness exceeded my expectations. He told me that he recently stepped aside as project director for the expansion of Commonwealth Stadium. Collecting deferred compensation called to him.

However, forces dictated that he return for the completion under the new title as assistant to the new project director. This gentleman’s name was Scott Clark. When Scott offered me a one man’s tour of this newly reconfigured stadium, I was overwhelmed.

My knees may have buckled slightly, as I regained my balance, with a wide smile on my face, I responded yes! As Scott led the way, I was like a bright eyed, bushy tail dog. With saliva leaking from the corners of my mouth, and my tail wagging out of control, I followed my master.

I barked out and gave him my card. I explained to Scott about my website and asked for his approval to take pictures. He said OK.

Scott explained in detail the expansion as we strolled the concourses. He even obliged to take my photo throughout my tour. Leading the way, Scott was very detailed oriented which enhanced my tour.

While riding up the elevators to the new suites and press box areas, Scott told me that he would take me to areas, where only a few are invited to enter. My ‘Blessings’ were multiplying.

Thoughts of Tiger Stadium bounced inside of my brain. Can stadiums communicate with each other? The week before, I could have crashed Death Valley, but I chose to wait for my invitation. Could this be my reward for holding true to my oath of only entering when I am invited? I carry that oath everywhere I go.

For a moment, I played the role of the media as I looked out from their windows.

This is the view from inside the University of Kentucky President’s suite.

Only a few are privy from this site.

This is the view from the top of the new suites, press boxes, coaches’ boxes, etc.

With time running short, I was only able to see the stadium’s new recruiting area from the outside. This area is the first of its kind to be built into the viewing area of a college football stadium.

According to Lexington Herald-Leader: “Instead of being positioned in the bowels of the stadium or in an adjacent building-like many other recruiting rooms-the Wildcat’s new addition is carved directly into one end zone of Commonwealth with an attached patio that allows recruits and their families to step into the open air, look out onto the field and soak the game-day atmosphere”.

The room includes a number of TVs for video games plus two 178 inch TV screens. Pre- game menu is provided for guests. Non-guests are charged $8. Recruits cannot actually be in the room during the game according to NCAA rules. So visiting recruits are herded to seats in the student sections once the game begins. Currently, they are permitted to run back in for snacks and bathroom breaks at halftime.

Our tour concluded in Scott’s office. Pictures of the original stadium hung on the walls. There were other photos of the current stadium during other renovations. Scott also described the other Olympic style athletic venues that were constructed under his watch.

He pointed out the new outdoor football practice facility with all the amenities that was being constructed a stone’s throw from the Commonwealth and their indoor practice facility. Before leaving, I thanked Scott for his time. He declined my offer for his photo.

As I continued my pre-game ritual of walking around the exterior of the stadium my thoughts were: All in all, the University of Kentucky was taking advantage of the SEC money flowing in from their lucrative TV deals.

Following the wisdom of Confucius, Commonwealth Stadium has under gone a renovation. I looked forward to the benefits that it might bring on game day when it opens up its arms again for its invited guests.

As my ritual concluded, it started to rain. I still had one more stop to make. Though I was not granted an audience, my hope circled around my thoughts of meeting the pope. You college basketball fans know exactly who I am talking about.

While driving in the rain in unfamiliar territory, I finally made it to his office. I was surprised that there was no Swiss Guards standing outside his palace, as they do in the Vatican City. I was visiting Coach John Calipari on a whim.

Pope John is a native of Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Aliquippa, Pa. is located 10 miles north of Moon Township. I consider anyone born or living within a 15 mile radius of Aliquippa to be of the same clan. The opportunity to exchange is what I sought.

After speaking with his representative, the pope of Lexington was not in. His return was a question mark. An audience with the pope would have to wait for another moment. I left his representative my card to share with him.

Before I departed, I told her that I have closely followed his career since his Pitt days as an assistant from 1985-1988 to the present day. She told me, if he was in and had a moment, he would have granted me an audience. I thanked her and left.

While driving back to my motel in the rain, I was thinking about the other well-known current successful college basketball coach who was a native 10 miles north of Aliquippa. Sean Miller current Head Coach of the Arizona Wildcats played basketball at Blackhawk High School. (More on college basketball, when the season starts.)

Game Day: September 26, 2015, Missouri at Kentucky, kickoff-7:30 pm
While driving to the stadium, dark, heavy clouds loomed above. Forecast called for a 60% chance of rain. I try to be prepared for various weather situations.

Thoughts of Roman Gladiators filled my brain. I know very little about them. This is what I Know: The Roman Gladiators’ Games have now morphed into what is known as the game of Football. Our ‘Modern-Day’ Gladiators wear similar armament as did their predecessors.

Instead of fighting to the death, today’s score and battles are decided differently. Not all Roman Gladiators made it to Rome. Throughout the Empire, other smaller coliseums dotted the landscape near other major and minor cities.

I was imagining that similar scenes of today’s tailgating activities were part of the Gladiator Battles. People from different villages probably traveled miles even days to join in the festivities. Campsites were probably set up similar to the tailgate sights of today. I wondered if you had to pay for parking in those days.

Surrounding these coliseums, vendor sold their wares. Fans, eating and drinking, would catch up like ‘olde faithful friends’. Favorites for today’s battle were a topic for some. Others dreamed of one day making it to Rome to witness the best of the Roman Gladiators.

Following the advice of Scott Clark, I found a prime campsite for $25 which fit my needs. After parking the car, I made an initial assessment of my surroundings. The stadium was in my view. Wanting to check on the scores of other games, I saw a campsite with a TV.

EDITORS NOTE: Though names are quickly exchanged with my card, pictures tell the story. On future Pilgrimages, obtaining their information in a written format will be sought.

Standing on the perimeter of their site, I was able to see their TV. Within time, this family and I were getting caught up like ‘olde faithful friends’.

I told them of my thoughts as I drove to the stadium. The wife replied her husband has similar thoughts. Before parting, the wife gave me a cookie for my journey. The main dish was still being prepared.

I asked if it was home baked. She replied, not his time. I thanked her for her honesty and the cookie. After gearing up for my adventure, this young man shouts out at me as I ventured out of the lot.

He calls out “Aliquippa” as in reference to my colors. I said how do you know about the Quips. He said his mother was from Pittsburgh. I said the Quips must travel well. He just ‘smiled’, and supplied some information.

This was my view as I crossed the street. Flags, motor-homes, trailers, tents, cars and buses dotted the landscape. Thoughts of Roman Gladiators filled my brain, knowing that this same scene was being played throughout our country.

My next stop gave me an opportunity to present a dissertation of the current status of Pitt Football. It was not pretty or encouraging. As usual, we shared thoughts on today’s game. I thanked them for letting me vent.

While walking around and discussing the current status of Kentucky Football, I discovered two major camps of thought:
1. Some saw the cup as half-empty.
2. Some saw the cup as half-full.

The half-empty camp, though they love their Wildcat Football, keep getting their hearts broken as their team finds ways to lose at the end of games. It is as though some curse has been placed upon the land.

As one fan so eloquently explained: When the basketball team is down by 10 with one minute to go, most fans are expecting ‘how are we going to win this one’. When the football is up by 10 during the 4th quarter a number of fans are expecting ‘how will we lose this one’.

The late Paul “Bear” Bryant won more games than any other coach in UK football history. Bryant spent eight years in Lexington (1946-53) and produced an impressive 60-23 record. He led the Wildcats to four bowl games and their first SEC title in 1950. (More later on “Bear” Bryant and a possible curse).

The half-full camp was rejoicing in the results of recent events. Though, a tough home loss before an electrifying, sellout crowd last week, progress has been marked and more progress was expected.

It was the consensus of both camps, that this was a ‘Landmark Game’, for various reasons. This could be the first SEC win in the newly renovated Commonwealth Stadium. A win would snap an 18 game losing skid vs. ranked teams.

Above all, a victory would give Head Football Coach Mark Stoops his first win over a ranked team as a head coach. As one fan said, a ‘Landmark Game’ will result in a loss or a win. Most ‘Landmark Games’ are defined with a win. If we lose, it will be just another loss.

While moving from campsite to campsite, I thought about past Pilgrimages. It takes more than a football team to win the game. It starts with the staff preparing and manning the operations of the stadium.

Having dedicated, talented players and coaches are a necessity. Above all it takes the passion and the energy of the faithful to produce the results that are sought. This exchange of ‘energy’ is vital. ‘It’ is similar to a life force. Players, fans, TV announcers, media and others always try to describe ‘It’.

‘It’ is a though there is some reciprocal transaction between all parties involved. Walking through the campsites, it was obvious, as I was told that the crowd was down from last week. The electricity was less. Weather and other factors could be the cause.

I kept repeating to all that I encountered, “What are you going to bring today”? I came all the way from Las Vegas to see everyone’s best. My philosophy is simple: “Be the Best You Can Be”.

Think about it, what more can one expect of oneself. If you expect the best from others, then you too must lead by example. If not, stop expecting the best of others.

Some of the sites are better described by photos. I encountered a few firsts and shared in the moments with ‘olde faithful friends’. We celebrated as I shared their food, drinks, handshakes and hugs. I was embraced by the faithful of the Kentucky Wildcats.

As stadiums before, I was welcomed as a stranger in a strange land wearing my own colors. We exchanged tales that we will carry. The ‘blessings’ I received were plentiful and I hoped that I was able to reciprocate.

ANOTHER CHAMPION:This site was honored for two years in the row by one of the local sports stations.

SPIKED WATERMELON!!

MY FIRST MIZZOU FANSMY FIRST DEEP FRY

I INDULGED

SHE SAID ARM TACKLING WAS PERMITTED!!

SKIES STARTED TO CLEAR!!

As I moved closer to the stadium, the scene is shifting quickly. A Mizzou faithful has fallen. With kick-off in about 90 minutes, I was on schedule.

THE FIRST WAVE OF TIGERS!!

MORE CAMPSITES!!

MORE TIGERS!!

Since I had my personal tour yesterday, there was no need to walk the inside concourses.Standing near my gate, I heard the band. With the band were members of the UK Dance Team. Still in the character of Marcus Aurelius, I surmised that they must be here for my benefit and me for theirs.Flashes of my 2013 Oregon Pilgrimage lit up in my brain. It was at both Universities that I was blest with photo opportunities with members of their dance/cheer squads. I now seek other opportunities as I Pilgrim on.

The ‘energy’ that these Dance Team Members create can buckle one’s knee. To be exposed to whatever ‘IT’ is that they are creating is a ‘blessing’. When the ‘ALL’ permits, my moment is sometimes created.

Was this my moment? I spotted the UK Dance Team adviser. My best option would be to get her approval first. Fear would not be a factor. A plan developed in my brain. I would approach her with my card in my hand.

The worst, she would say no. To me the word no is just a result. It does not implicate failure. It means whatever you seek is not available at this time. One of my heroes is Thomas Edison.

Before his battery discovery, when asked of his 20,000 battery failures, Tom replied, “I did not fail. I discovered 20,000 different ways in how not to make a battery”. Edison and other greats believed that humans do not fail. Humans only get results.

With that in mind, I first asked this attractive woman if she was the team adviser. She replied she was an assistant. While introducing myself, I presented my card to her. We exchanged handshakes.

As the team performed for the crowd, I explained to her about my Pilgrimage, my new website, and my purpose. She thanked me for speaking to her first and agreed to my request.

Waiting for the performance to end, I shared my stories about the 2014 Pilgrimage with her. She looked at me and said something about me knowing or practicing the ‘Law of Attraction’.

I just ‘smiled’. The ‘Law of Attraction’ is quite simple according to Wikipedia: “The law of attraction is the name given to the maxim “like attracts like” which in New Thought philosophy is used to sum up the idea that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts a person brings positive or negative experiences into their life.[1][2] This belief is based upon the idea that people and their thoughts are both made from “pure energy”, and the belief that like energy attracts like energy.”

When the performance ended, this was my results. The adviser took two photos. This photo is courtesy of Rob Bolson of the Herald-Leader. It is one of 38 photos that were posted on http://www.kentucky.com/2015/09/26/4058062_snapped-fans-at-uk-missouri.html?rh=1.

The ‘energy’ has now taken on a whole new meaning. The buzz from the crowd grew louder. It was time to enter Commonwealth Stadium as an invited guest.

Upon entering my section, I was greeted by Dave. Dave was wearing a 101 pin in his lapel of his jacket. Remembering about the 600 in Baton Rouge, I asked Dave about the pin.

He said this pin represented a club from IBM that started 50 years ago. It was after a basketball loss. The 101 members from this plant faxed a letter of support to Adolph Rupp, Head Basketball Coach at Kentucky.

The fax read something like; we are here to support you and your program. Anything we can do, please asked. Fifty years later, the club has grown. Most members volunteer their times at different sporting events as staff members.

Other volunteer activities plus scholarships are also included in their functions. It was a pleasure to shake the hand of this man and the other volunteers I would encounter at this event. A photo opportunity was in order.

My next stop would be about the 50 yard line. To some, the seats on the 50 yard line are the best in the house. For others like me, the best seat is where I park my ass.

The usher behind the camera had an interesting tale. Let me set the table. There is another fan that was part of our conversation for a total of three. ‘I do not know Sam I am’, the relationship between the other two.

After the photo session, talks evolved around the history of Kentucky Football. We discussed past ‘Greats’. The name Paul “Bear” Bryant entered the conversation. The usher then said, I am going to tell you the ‘real story’ why the “Bear” left Kentucky.

I am thinking to myself, more folklore. I can get use to this. He goes on to tell us the following. Adolph Rupp discovered that the “Bear” was having an affair with his wife. After the 53 football season, Rupp went to the University President and board.

He demanded that “Bear” Bryant be sent to other woods. “Bear” left for Texas A&M. Connecting the dots, it now made sense. Could these actions have resulted in the curse of the “Bear Trap”. We know of the curse of the Bambino and the Red Sox, or the ‘goat’ and the Cubs. It is a theory, a possibility.

Though nothing is officially written about this curse, unless it is exorcised, it will continue to play havoc with Kentucky Football. Maybe, just maybe, all it will take is the first SEC victory in the “Reconfigured” Commonwealth Stadium to release itself from the “Bear Trap Curse”.

More news was told about the pope. I was pointed to the gate where he sometimes enters the stadium. I was more interested in being granted an audience with the pope than pre-game warm-ups.

While making my way over to the gate, more photo opportunities were created.

PART OF THE GROUP TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM

A SURPRISE INVITATION BY THE USHER WAITING FOR THE POPE

IT WAS KNOWN AS SOUVENIR POPCORN!!

An audience with the pope was not to be.

My return trip to my seat made for more photos.

HIS SON WORE #18

I excitedly made my way to my seat in time for the Singing of ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ and the National Anthem, only to discover that I was in the wrong row. The ‘energy’ buzz was having an effect.

I stumbled as I made my journey upward. With my colors, I probably resembled some drunkard from some unknown village. I announced to one and all that I was from Las Vegas and all was well. (My choice of beverage is water.)

Just about the time to enter my official row, the singing of ‘My Old Kentucky’ home began. TV misses out on all this pageantry. My time at Columbus, Ohio in 2012 produced a ‘cum da laude’ moment with the dotting of the ‘I’. From that experience, I am on the look for more moments where ever I go.

I stopped in my row, removed my hat and was serenaded to a ‘fine’ rendition of My Old Kentucky Home by this gentleman. My goose-flesh was raised.

He followed it up with a beautiful version of the National Anthem singing along with the
Acapella Group I met earlier. When the songs ended I thanked him. While squeezing to my confirmed seat, I said to myself, “Welcome to Commonwealth Stadium”.

The Game:
Like all games this one painted its own story. From the onset both teams played with high ‘energy’. The sounds of the combat echoed about the stadium. As I looked around the stadium, a capacity crowd would not be reached.

The ‘energy’ of the crowd did not match the ‘energy’ of the players. Since, I have pilgramed to other stadiums of similar size, I ‘know’ my level for goose-flesh raising. The crowd was not bringing it yet.

One group that brought it all day was the Kentucky Dance Team. This squad along with the Cheer Squad is nationally recognized. The Cheer Squad with the band was nearer to the student section. In between the Battle, the Dance Team was within my sights.

What I encountered outside the stadium, was only part of the Team. My estimate for the entire team was 60 dancers. Fifteen were placed in each corner of the end zone for all to enjoy, unlike other stadiums, with only a small unit of 15-20.

These organized choreographed dances were performed at a high ‘energy’ level. It was obvious that these women were bringing their best. They were going to leave it all on the field, leading by example.

As the Battle wore on, it can best be described as punch-counterpunch. Missouri took the lead by 7 late in the first quarter. Kentucky answered with a long drive of its own to tie it. At halftime it was tied 7-7.

Lack of points, were not a result from lack of effort from the players. Besides some questionable decisions by coaches and players which we expect, there were questionable calls, as in other games by the officials. (Future posts will explore more of my thoughts on this issue, including the asinine ‘targeting rule’)

As the Battle waged on into the 3rd quarter, Missouri kicked a FG to take a three point lead at the 6:04 mark. On their ensuring drive, with the ‘energy’ rising in the stadium, Kentucky answered back with a TD of its own at the 1:58 mark to now lead the game.

With both teams lining up for the kickoff, I felt the passion of the Kentucky crowd. Their ‘energy’ tingled my goose-flesh. They were starting to reciprocate back to the players, as they stood in unison, letting their cheers be heard.

Even though Kentucky had the lead entering the fourth quarter, I started to sense that the cup is half-empty/half-full. I thought about the “Bear Trap Curse”. A Landmark Game would be decided in the final quarter.

With the Battle entering the fourth quarter, the high ‘energy’ continued. Each player, coach, and fan contributed to the ‘reciprocation’. I started to feel a ‘Historic Moment/Event being created. I rode its wave cheering along with Kentucky faithful.

Each play was the new defining play. This new play could determine the outcome. With the players raising their ‘energy’, the fans matched them. Anticipation and excitement filled the air.

Kentucky scored again at the 6:20 mark of the fourth quarter to take a 21-10 lead. With plenty of time on the clock, would the “Bear Trap Curse” break the hearts of the Kentucky faithful again?As the clock unwound, with 3 minutes remaining, Missouri kick a FG to cut the lead to eight. With everyone on their feet, cheering wildly, the last 3 minutes finally read 0:00.
Final score Kentucky 21-Missouri 13.

A Landmark Win had just been produced at the ‘Transfigured Commonwealth Stadium’.
Coach Mark Stoops snapped his streak. The team broke their losing streak against ranked teams. The ‘Transfigured Commonwealth Stadium’ produced its first SEC win.

If you believe in folklore, perhaps the “Bear Trap Curse” was also exorcised. Time will tell of those results.

As I stood watching the 58,008 faithful depart, I looked up to the sky. This is what I saw. The sun surrendered to the moon.Being the Roman Goddess of the moon, and off in some distant part of the galaxies, Dianna was shining her light on Commonwealth Stadium. I perceived the sign as a ‘blessing’.

The scoreboards were turned off; only a few remained including these fans from Mizzou.Even though the ‘smiles’ shined, their shell shocked faces say it all. All traveled
many hours to witness a victory only to take back with them on the long return, the thoughts of “only if”.

We shared a few moments. I told them about my Pilgrimage. Questions were asked about it. I explained simply to them:
1. According to others, do not use the word retired. My term is I am collecting ‘Deferred Compensation’ similar to a PPA. Studies indicate that the use of the ‘R’ word is the start of the ‘D’ process as in dying.
2. There is no age limit on dreams.
3. Follow the advice of my late Financial Adviser, Tony DeVecchio. After, achieving my Master’s Degree, he told me that I was paying too much to the federal government. He convinced me to pay myself first, to take advantage of the 403b plan, similar to a 401k or other investment vehicles. A minimum of 10% or more should go to this fund, and then plan your budget around the rest. With the state of Nevada, deferred compensation plan, he said when the time comes; you will be able to PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS.
4. Practice regularly the 6 Healthy Behaviors throughout your life in order to increase your odds of maintaining ‘homeostasis’ to PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS. (More on this later in future posts.)

Final Thoughts- the Kentucky Wildcat Football Program is now as Robert Frost pens is at the junction of “The Road Not Taken”. It will take the impetus of the entire UK Football Faithful to determine its future path. Time will tell of its results.

I encourage the Faithful of Kentucky Football, to bring your very best each time you witness an event. As Marcus Aurelius says, we have no control over outside forces, but only how we react to them. The only thing we have control over is what goes on inside of our heads.

If that is the case, there is no reason or no excuse on why the Kentucky Football Faithful should not cheer as does your basketball fans. The outcome of the Battle should not affect your journey, for it is only a result.

Off in my distant land, I will keep close tabs on the path of the Kentucky Football Program. The pieces are coming together. Following the lead of other top coaches, Mark Stoops’ calling card is ‘defense’. The old saying is ‘Defense should always travel well’.

The hurry-up spread offense is attractive to today’s high school players. Combine those with the new and remodeled facilities, more top talent will be enticed. I look forward to the future of the UK Football Program and the ‘saga’ of the “Bear Trap Curse”.

For you readers, it has been decided that all future posts will be done on a regular weekly basis. A new topic(s) will be posted on a Thursday/Friday of each week. Bookmark us and consider it your Friday’s Fixin with the ‘Fox-Feather’.

I do not know about you, but throughout my life thru my college days I was always tagged with a nickname that always stuck. During my Aliquippa High School days it was the ‘Fox’. My Pitt days I was known as ‘Feather’. Hence, my new moniker: ‘Fox-Feather’.

Each time you visit, scroll your way down our Homepage and enjoy. I remember watching a Monday Night Football Game during the early days. Dandy Don, Howard, and Frank shared with us their views on the game plus other things.

It was in the old Astrodome. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Oilers getting their asses whipped, the camera panned the crowd. Before the camera man had a chance to react, a fan flipped the bird on national TV.

Dandy Don, without skipping a beat said there is another fan that thinks the Oilers are number one. I burst into laughter. When Dianna and Lacy granted me that photo, ‘It’ was ‘It’. Unless you knew the story behind ‘It’, you did not know my intent, and the humor that is meant.

When others flip me off with the bird, I thank them in my brain for recognizing that I am #1. To be considered #1, that is Historic. How many other websites have proof that they too are number one?

As I write from Nashville, Tennessee, I always find the time to enjoy the amenities of the area. These are a few of the amenities:

Grand Ole Opry: If you are a music fan, this is a ‘Shrine’. I paid homage to the ‘Greats’ and the ‘Commoners’ who performed on the stage, “inside the circle”. Talk about ‘Transfigurations’, the Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 90th birthday. Go to http://www.opry.com/history for more.

The show I went to featured Dierks Bently. He was being honored for 10 consecutive years of performances at the Opry. Leaving my camera in my car, I relied on my cell phone for pics. It is time for an upgrade.

A stop in downtown is a must for music lovers. In the downtown district, I was told that there were over 30 bars and restaurants that have live music.

The person, who took this picture, once lived in Nashville. When I asked about the styles of music played on Broadway, he summarized it. He pointed at a blue sign across the street from where we were standing. He said that place plays that old Bakersfield style, indicating it was old roots.

He said up and down the street you will find all different styles of country music. At the far end of Broadway, he exclaimed, I have no clue into ‘what the hell they are playing’. His woman friend agreed.

Since I was having withdrawals from not seeing line dancing for a while, I sought directions from them for the Wildhorse Saloon. They pointed me in the right direction. I thanked them for their time.

These were the ‘Ambassadors of Nashville’

While walking the sidewalks I was able to flavor most music coming from inside the establishments. Arriving to the Wildhorse Saloon, I found a seat at the bar. In no time, the Manager of the Wildhorse Saloon and I are sharing an ‘old faithful friend’ moment.

His name was Ricky Tabares. Ricky had just moved from Las Vegas. As an employee of the Marriott in Las Vegas, he bid on the transfer, and was selected. As a former member of the U S Marine Corps, Ricky earned his college degree from the University of Maryland in Business.

I thanked him for his service to our country. Personally, it is stories like his that creates inspiration for myself and others. As I was placing my order, the ‘signature dish’ of the Wildhorse Saloon was suggested.

This was the ‘signature dish’. Yes, Julie the server could have been the ‘signature dish’ of the Wildhorse Saloon; however, it is what she is serving.

THIS IS HOW IT LOOKED WHEN TIME ENDED!!

IN BETWEEN A SHOW!!

Matt and Liz O the bartenders.

Smoke and his woman, Megan joined in our gathering. Smoke spoke of ‘Historical’ eating moments. The stories he told were equivalent to ‘championship bouts’.

Before I left the Wildhorse, parting ways, handshakes and a hug were shared. If I ever make it back to Nashville, perhaps I too can create my own circle.

Making my way to the blue sign, I ventured in.The band announced that after 4 years of playing in Nashville, this was their last gig for a while in town. To me, it sounded like another ‘Historical Moment’. I absorbed whatever they were producing. If this was to be their last gig, ‘It’ was being left on that stag.

Cool thing about Broadway, there is no cover admission. The drinks at Robert’s Western World Home were reasonably priced. To earn their keep, the musicians pass the tip jar during their sets.

When placing my token in the tip jar, I shook the hand of the lead guitar player and told him, this is just like church. You get a ‘blessing’ and when the basket is passed; you tip for the ‘blessing’. He laughed, as I thanked him for his ‘blessing’.

My next and final stop on my 2015 College Football Pilgrimage is Knoxville, Tennessee, October 2-3, 2015. It is the home to Neyland Stadium, with a capacity of 102,455. Until next Friday’s Fixin with ‘Fox-Feather’, keep PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS!!