Free Ticket to Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers

Nicole and I left Chicago at noon and arrived at our hotel by 4:30 pm (with some stops along the way). The hotel (which I was concerned about based on reviews online) was great! It was a 4-star hotel – the lobby and rooms were luxurious, but not “that” luxurious. With Nicole happy with the hotel, I was relieved and ready to attend the Indiana Pacers game for the third time this season. Since Nicole wanted to rest when she got to the hotel the Pacers game worked into our schedule. I left the hotel after 6 pm for the 7 pm tip off and Nicole planned to meet me after the game ended around 9:15 pm.

Obtaining Tickets
I walked towards the box office as usual. However, last week I realized most of the possible free tickets are within the main entrance of Conseco Fieldhouse (on Pennsylvania St.) – before you reach the box office but after you enter the doors to the arena. This time I asked a couple of groups if they had an extra ticket – they did not. Then I asked a few high school kids if they did. They guy with the tickets hesitated but his buddy said “who cares” and they handed me one ticket. It was only a $10 ticket but, remember, at most games you can sit wherever you want in the arena. I later learned it was Haiti night and the Pacers would donate a portion of each $10 ticket purchased – Oops!

The Game
The 76ers defeated the Pacers convincingly 107-97. Allen Iverson scored 17 points and had 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Towards the end of the third quarter I realized the game lasted longer than last week’s game and was thankful last week’s game was quicker. Last week I left the Pacers game with 2:24 remaining in order to make the Colts Divisional Playoff game on time. Here is how the timing worked to make tonight different:

8:55 pm: 4th quarter started.
9:00 pm: 8:42 left in the 4th quarter.
9:05 pm: 6:39 left in the 4th quarter.
9:10 pm: 4:37 left in the 4th quarter. Last week I would have left at this time. Elton Brand was shooting free throws with the 76ers up 100-85 and I would only have five minutes to make it to Lucas Oil Stadium – the same time I left last week.
9:15 pm: 2:45 left in the 4th quarter.
9:20 pm: 1:41 left in the 4th quarter.
9:23 pm: Game Over.

Post Game Dining
For whatever reason, Nicole was late. So even though I was waiting for her by 9:30 pm, she was still at the hotel. I walked to the place I was supposed to meet her and realized that Ambrossia Centro (an Italian restaurant) was near out meeting spot. I checked out a couple of restaurants but the Ambrossia was perfect for us for a couple of reasons: 1) It was near where we were meeting, 2) It was Italian, and 3) they would seat us after 10 pm which was the time it appeared Nicole would arrive.

Before Nicole arrived, I went to the Wild Beaver Saloon – across the street from Ambrossia Centro. Wild Beaver Saloon had a good atmosphere and good drink specials for a Saturday night.

When Nicole showed up I crossed the street. Ambrossia Centro was a great place for dinner. First, the food was great. Second, it was a rare restaurant in downtown Indianapolis that was not a national chain. We were pleased with our choice for dinner.

NBA: New Orleans Hornets at Indiana Pacers

After buying my ticket for the Colts playoff game, buying my ticket for the Pacers game was easy. On my walk looking for Colts tickets, I had already checked in with the Conseco Fieldhouse box office – cheapest ticket was $10. I was planning to buy a $10 ticket from the box office when I walked by a few scalpers. I offered them $5 for a ticket and the guy asked for $10. I looked at the ticket and the face value was $125. I paid the $10 immediately.

I realized that everyone downtown was planning to attend the Colts game only and that nobody could sell a Pacers ticket. It was the perfect day to attend a Pacers game if wanted cheap seats.

Pre Game
After buying my ticket, I walked over to the first bar I saw near the stadium – The Pub Indianapolis. The place was packed with Colts and Ravens fans as was the rest of downtown Indianapolis – the main reason I had a $125 ticket for $10.

The Game
The seat I bought was 19 rows up from center court. One of the best seats I have sat in (legally) for an NBA game. When I attended the Pacers home opener, I noticed a fan who sits directly next to the basket. Tonight that same fan was there wearing a Colts jersey with name “Pacer Guy” on his back. He held up a sign that read “Tailgating at the Pacers Game” which was in fact what I was doing. I am not sure if this guy is paid by the Pacers or not, but his signs are very professional looking.


Half of the fans at the game were wearing Colts jerseys and the Conseco Fieldhouse was at least half empty. My main concern was that the game could maintain a swift pace and end with enough time to run to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Colts game.


The game was surprisingly good as the Hornets defeated the Pacers 101-96. However, I had to check the final score on my phone as I left the game after New Orleans called a timeout with 2:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. I estimated that was the best time to leave so I would miss a minimum amount of time from both games.

Triple-Doubles
Chris Paul nearly had a triple-double (22 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists). This was the closest I have been to seeing a triple-double for awhile. I have seen four triple-doubles in the past:

1) Chris Mullin – Golden State Warriors vs. Seattle SuperSonics on January 14, 1994.
2) Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on March 25, 2000.
3) Jason Kidd – New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors on February 2, 2002.
4) Lamar Odom – Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets on April 3, 2007.

NBA: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls

As I have had for most of the Bulls games I have attended this season, I already had my ticket for the Bulls game tonight. I bought a $10 ticket at the start of the season. And, as usual, I sat in a lower row in the upper deck ($60 face value).

The Game
This game was not the most exciting game to attend but I figured I would have a free Monday night at the start of the season and I did. The Bulls defeated the Pistons convincingly 120-87 to give the Pistons their 13th consecutive loss. Detroit matched its longest losing streak since 1993-94.

Luc Longley was in the stands watching his first NBA game in about 10 years. He sat courtside.

NBA: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls

After attending Monday Night Football some fans may take Tuesday night to relax and recover. I chose to recover at the Chicago Bulls game.

Obtaining Tickets
I am not sure if I would have actually attended tonight’s game if I did not already have a ticket. However, I had bought $10 tickets to a few games before the start of the season. The reason I bought the tickets is that my general theory is that you should pay as little as possible to just get into the game. Then you can sit anywhere you like – especially at Bulls games where there are usually many seats available. I normally sit in the first few rows of the upper deck (face value $60) rather than try to sneak into the lower level.

The Game
After the first quarter the Bulls were ahead by 19 points. A lead they lost when the Pacers took a 72-71 lead with 6:24 left in the 3rd quarter. After the Pacers took the lead, the Bulls went on a 10-0 run and won the game 104-95.

NBA: New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls

Tonight the Bulls came back from a 17 point deficit to defeat the Knicks 98-89. The Knicks attempted 47 three-pointers falling two shy of the NBA record while only taking 39 two-point shots. Dallas holds the league record when they attempted 49 three-pointers on March 5, 1996.

The Northwestern Football team was in attendance as the Bulls wished them luck in their upcoming bowl appearance in the Outback Bowl on January 1, 2010.

Obtaining Tickets
I had already purchased my ticket for the game – cost $10. Since it is difficult to pay less than $10 on the secondary ticket market I buy a few games before the start of the season. Then I sit wherever I want in the United Center since plenty of seats are always available. Last night I sat in the first few rows of the upper deck – face value of those seats is $60 (non premium game).

Win #2: Nets at Bulls

For the second consecutive game in Chicago, the worst team in the league came to town. On Sunday, the Rams (1-10) played the Bears. Tonight, the New Jersey Nets (1-19) played the Bulls.

The Bulls showed how poorly they are playing right now losing to the Nets 103-101. The Nets, who set the record for the worst start in NBA history by starting the season with 18 losses, have now won 2 out of 3. This was also the Nets first win on the road in 18 games dating back to last season.

The game was tied at 54 going into halftime. The Nets went on an 8-0 run to start the third quarter and were ahead 80-70 at the end of the third quarter. The Bulls went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter but could not pull out the win.

Obtaining Tickets
Back in October when I attended a pre-season game I bought $10 tickets for a few games this season. Tonight was one of the games I already had a ticket. Good thing too since the snow was really coming down as I walked to the United Center – not the best weather to try and buy a ticket on the secondary market.

NBA: New York Knicks at Orlando Magic

On our last night in Florida, I went to see the Orlando Magic host the New York Knicks. In the past the Ultimate Sports Wife and I have made a day of going to a sporting event in Orlando by combining a trip to either Disney World or Universal Studios. However, this time Nicole did not want to attend the game so I drove directly to Amway Arena.

Parking
After sitting in traffic for 30 minutes just to get off at Amelia St. (the Amway Arena exit), I did not drive towards the stadium as I have done in the past because traffic was so bad. Instead I turned right and ended up parking for free on Orange Ave. north of Concord St. The only downfall was that the walk was a few blocks to the arena.

Obtaining Tickets
When I got to the arena there were plenty of extra tickets available as the game had already started. As I did Monday night I asked a scalper for a $5 ticket and he accepted.

The Game
The game was relatively close through the first half until the Magic took a 10 point lead with three minutes left in the second quarter. The Magic held their lead throughout the second half and won the game 118-104.

One notable fan missing from the game was Tiger Woods – a Magic season ticket holder. Even though he only attends a handful of games per season, he had admitted to infidelity earlier on Wednesday and was an expected no-show.