College Basketball

This is such a great time of year. The weather is gorgeous and college basketball is in the air! Last month, our family was able to take in the Stadium Shootout at the University of Phoenix stadium (where the Cardinals play football). This was a one day tournament featuring four excellent college basketball teams including our beloved BYU Cougars. We purchased sideline tickets that included an all-you-can-eat buffet as well. We were treated to hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, prime rib, bread sticks, pasta, brownies, cookies, soft drinks, water - basically everything you could want. There was plenty of food and it was all really good. Our seats were only a few rows from the court so we had an excellent view of the games.



The first game featured Louisville vs Minnesota. It was an okay game with Minnesota pulling out an upset win over ranked Louisville (although Minnesota is better than the experts say). We had trouble getting into the game but there were still some impressive plays. What I was more impressed with was the fact that Muhammed Ali was attending the game (he's from Louisville) and was sitting a couple rows in front of us albeit he was courtside. I was a bit star-struck with seeing him up close but it was interesting how many people around us, especially those younger than us, had no idea who he was, what he had accomplished and what he meant to the sports world. Boxing has not had many "class acts" as of late but Ali was the greatest! It would be like someone not knowing who John Wooden, Wilt Chamberlin, Knute Rockne, or Walter Payton where. Anyhow, I'm glad my kids were able to see him and learn a little bit more about sports history.


Some of the BYU team came into the stands during the first game to watch and relax. Camille took the kids over to meet the players and get a few photos with them. They were more than happy to accomodate, even letting the kids sit amongst them and watch the game.


The second game featured BYU versus ASU. This was the game most of the crowd came to witness since ASU is only a few miles to the east and they are ranked having only lost 1 game thus far. BYU has also started out strong going undefeated through their early schedule although they haven't played many strong opponents. The crowd was definitely pro-ASU; in fact we were surrounded by ASU fans, many of whom had a few drinks in them by tip-off. But everyone was respectful of us and complimentary of the BYU team and players. We had a great time cheering on the Cougars and the game was well-played by both teams. The game came down to the final seconds as BYU fired up a shot that was initially counted but after video review, was waved off. BYU lost by 1 point!! It was a disappointing end to an otherwise fun outing.