Snowy Night in Chicago: Stars at Blackhawks

It was a snowy night to attend the Chicago Blackhawks game. But I managed to make the drive from my home to the United Center in less than 30 minutes. Rather than park for free on the street as I have many times this season, I used one of the parking passes I bought last year from Red Top Parking. I parked in their lot rather than brave the snow on the city streets.

Obtaining Tickets
I parked just before 7:30 pm. I expected to see more ticket scalpers walking towards the United Center box office than I did – but it had snowed all day. The scalpers who were there, either looking for tickets or did not have a single. Meaning I bought a standing room only ticket for $25 from the ticket office – even though seats were available. I bought SRO because my cousin, “Blackhawks Jim,” was at the game and I was hoping to sit with them in the first level.

Standing Room Only
Since I arrived just before the game started, I immediately went to the upper deck and found a seat for the first period. “Blackhawks Jim” texted me that there was a seat in front of them so I met up with him during the first intermission. The seat was free so I sat in section 120 row 10 for the 2nd and 3rd periods.

The Game
Tonight was Tony Esposito Heritage Night. I actually attended the last Tony Esposito Night on March 19, 2008 when the Blackhawks started celebrating the hero’s of their past.

This was the fourth shootout game I have attended this season. Kris Versteeg scored in the 5th round to win the shootout 1-0 and give the Blackhawks the win 4-3. Patrick Kane scored two goals in the first period as the Stars and Blackhawks traded goals throughout the game.

NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars

While I was on my flight to Dallas I decided my best option was to attend the Dallas Stars game at 1 pm and then drive to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl. My timing for the day would need to be nearly perfect. I figured the Stars game would last 2.5 hours, giving me enough time to drive to San Antonio.

My flight was scheduled to land at 11:45 am and Dallas Love Field is only a 10 minute drive (5 miles) to American Airlines Center. Thus, I figured I could make the Stars game on time. My flight was five minutes late and I had my rental car by 12:30 pm. Just as I thought, I was parking at 12:45 pm – just enough time to buy a ticket from a scalper and enter the arena.

Parking
I parked in a lot near the W Hotel for $10. This was the best lot so I could make my getaway to San Antonio after the game.

Obtaining Tickets
I only wanted to spend $10 on a ticket for the game. However, when I talked to a couple of scalpers they were not willing to part with their tickets for less than $50 ($150 face value). I ended up paying $40 for a club level ticket which did not have a face value on it. After the game I looked at the Stars’ website and they do not list a price (but it is listed higher than the $150 seats).

The Game
Scoring in the game came quickly after the intermissions. Vancouver’s first goal came 1:30 into the second period. Dallas tied the game 37 seconds into the third period and Vancouver took the lead two minutes later. Roberto Luongo then shut down the Stars – making 13 saves to close out the game. Vancouver scored an empty net goal with 17 seconds left in the game to win 3-1.

As soon as the final horn blew, I ran out of the arena to my car. It was 3:30 pm and I had a minimum four hour drive ahead of me.