NBA: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls

I had already purchased a $10 ticket to the Pistons at Bulls game for Tuesday night so I was still planning to attend the game even though I had flown back from Dublin, Ireland the day before. However, my plans changed a little when I found out my neighbors were also attending.

Pre Game Dining
I met my neighbors at WestEnd Bar & Grill located at 1326 W. Madison St. – about a 5 block walk to the United Center. On game nights WestEnd has a $5 – 22 ounce domestic beer special and a shuttle that runs to and from the arena. One of my neighbor’s friend’s chose to drive the five blocks to the United Center and pay $12 to park – something I would not recommend doing unless the temperature is extremely cold.

The Game
The Bulls, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in the crowd, finished the game with a 17-2 run to defeat the Pistons 107-102.

In one of the longest halftimes I have ever witnessed, the Bulls honored Johnny “Red” Kerr, who was the first head coach of the Chicago Bulls and spent 30 years as a broadcaster. The halftime clock started at 25 minutes and stopped at 5 minutes for about 10-15 minutes for a total of 40 minutes or so. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Jerry Colangelo gave speeches and were in attendance, while President Barrack Obama and NBA commissioner David Stern gave video messages on the scoreboard.

United Center
During the game, I discovered that the United Center now sells a “Super Nachos.” Although I do not remember the official name, these nachos are a big upgrade from the usual chips covered with cheese dip and jalapenos. The “Super Nachos” comes with beef, salsa, sour cream and shredded cheese and is easily big enough for two people.