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.