When I was a kid, my family and I would show up early to Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants games to ensure we received the promotional giveaway. At the time, I also wanted to show up early so I could catch batting practice home run balls from Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco. So the time spent before the game in the ballpark was worthwhile. However, as time moved on, I ended up giving away nearly all of the promotional giveaways I received and only kept the baseballs I caught.

For this reason, even though I have Chicago Cubs season tickets and the Cubs have many promotional days throughout the year, I never go into the ballpark early. In theory, the promotional giveaway is a time versus money argument. By entering the ballpark two hours early, I would receive the giveaway and may be able to sell it on eBay. Or, I could enter at game time, not receive the giveaway and buy the giveaway from someone else if it was that important to me.

Fast forward to Easter Sunday. Blackhawks Jim invited me to the Blackhawks game. But, there was a catch. He wanted to arrive when the gates opened (12:30 pm) in order to receive the Sweet Baby Ray’s Blackhawks Apron. Fine I thought. But, let me tell you – if you go to more than a couple of games per year, spending 90 minutes in an arena before the game is not that exciting.

First, Blackhawks Jim and I ate at the Budweiser Brewpub and Carvery. But it was crowded and we were in the sun so we moved onto the Ketel One Club. We had no place to sit in the Ketel One Club so at 1:30 pm we went to our seats to watch the teams’ warm-up. Knowing we had awhile in the arena before the game I bought “The Committed Indian” outside of the United Center. “The Committed Indian” is a great publication you should always buy on your way into the United Center. It goes into more depth on the game you are attending than the “official” game program the Blackhawks sell. Plus it only costs $3.

Arriving early at the United Center, confirmed my unilateral decision not to arrive at the ballpark early for any promotional giveaways. I would much rather spend my time at home or at a bar or restaurant before the game.

Calgary Flames at Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks scored early and Antti Niemi shut down the Flames to lead the Blackhawks to a 4-1 victory. Before the game started the Blackhawks clinched the Central Division title when the Red Wings lost to the Flyers – their first division title since winning the Norris Division in 1992-93.