My second sporting event for Thursday was the San Jose Sharks opening round playoff game versus the Los Angeles Kings. After the golf tournament, I dropped the Ultimate Sports Baby off at my parent’s house and drove down to San Jose for the game.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
In the past there have been plenty of scalpers outside of HP Pavilion. However, tonight there were no scalpers outside of the arena. They must have been downtown which is in the opposite direction from where I parked.
There were some fans who were selling …

In a rare moment, I had to turn down an invite from Hospitality Jim to attend the Chicago Blackhawks game on October 27. First, I was not feeling well and second, we were leaving for Europe the next night and I needed to pack.
However, two days after getting back from Europe, Hospitality Jim invited me to tonight’s Blackhawks game. Since I figured I would not be invited to both games, tonight’s invite could have been a makeup invite.

Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks
The Coyotes scored two goals within 35 seconds and …

Before Game 4 of the NHL Finals in Philadelphia ticket prices for Game 5 were insane. On StubHub, SRO tickets were priced at $650 each upper level seats were $1000 each. At these prices, I would have stayed home and watched Game 5 on television. But, the Blackhawks lost Game 4 and tickets prices went into a free fall.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
I figured my best bet for buying tickets last night was to once again show up at Billy Goat Tavern. That was a good strategy for Game 1 when …

It was the Ultimate Sports Wife’s and my first night out after the birth of our son three weeks ago. And, what better way to spend the night then at Game 2 of the NHL Finals (at least in my opinion). The only issue – ticket prices were insanely expensive. With prices this high, I would normally buy tickets ahead of time from a ticket broker. This not only avoids having to carry around a lot of cash but also guarantees your tickets. Plus, you will probably not spend much …

With the Cubs game ending around 5:45 pm, I had plenty of time to drive to the United Center in time to buy a ticket for Game 1. As I write in the ticket buying guide for Championship games, I had done my research ahead of time. However, instead of buying ahead of time, I had a feeling ticket prices would drop outside of the arena so I went to the United Center empty handed. My first stop was outside of Billy Goat Tavern where most scalpers congregate for sporting …

I was back at the United Center after missing the last two Blackhawks playoff games. This game I was not going to miss. The Blackhawks had a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1992 and the first time since I have been living in Chicago.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
Blackhawks Jim, who I am now renaming Hospitality Jim after the London version of Hospitality Jim, picked me up. He already had a ticket so we needed to buy two tickets – one for me and …

It was one of the most exciting Blackhawks games I have attended this season. The Canucks scored two goals within the first five minutes of the game and it appeared Game 2 was heading in the same direction as Game 1. However, the Blackhawks reversed their fortunes and also scored a goal in the first period.
After a scoreless second period, Patrick Sharp scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game at two goals apiece with 13:11 left in the game. It appeared the game was heading into overtime until Kris …

As opposed to the doubleheader I attended on Friday, I had a lot of time in between the Cubs game and Blackhawks game on Saturday. Thus, I went home to relax before driving to the United Center.
Parking
I parked for free on Washington Blvd. between Ashland Blvd. and Paulina St. The walk is not too far from the United Center and will allow you to pass scalpers as you walk to the arena.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
After parking, I walked to the United Center box office directly. I saw a scalper I …

As I wrote this morning, my plan for today was to attend both the Chicago Blackhawks playoff game this afternoon and Chicago Fire game this evening.
Beg, Borrow and Deal
Blackhawks Jim volunteered to pick me up so we could drive to the United Center together. On route, I checked craigslist.org and found the following ad, “Just found out I have to work and can’t go to today’s game, I’ve got two standing room only tix available $60 for the pair which is less than face+fees. I live at Wells/Division and can …

With the Cubs game lasting 10 innings, I did not have any time at home before needing to meet Blackhawks Jim for dinner before the Blackhawks game. After the Cubs game, I went back home to meet the Ultimate Sports Wife and we were off.
Pre Game Dining
The Ultimate Sports Wife chose Carnivale for dinner before the game. Located at 702 W. Fulton Market, Carnivale is less than two miles from the United Center – meaning you will need to drive to the arena after dinner. The dinner was great although …