We had season tickets again this year and even though I haven't attended every home game, I have really enjoyed the games I have attended. I like basketball. I get it. I find it very entertaining.
As Rick and I sat in our seats last night, we thought about ALL the games we have attended over the years in the Marriott Center. There have surely been 100s of them by now. We have seen some extremely exciting games with great players like Danny Ainge, Kresimir Cosic, Devin Durrant, Shawn Bradley, Travis Hansen, Greg Kite, Rafael Araujo, Michael Smith and Andy Toolson and most recently Brandon Davies, Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Haws and Kyle Collinsworth.
I remember the days before the shot clock when the players would slow the ball down at the end of the game, trying to hold on to their lead. It would drive me nuts if we were behind and within striking distance and we couldn't get the ball. I remember when the shorts were short and the legs were, well, long. I remember when teams wouldn't play BYU before the announcement of the priesthood being available to all worthy males. I remember some very heated games against our rivals in the WAC. I remember the great satisfaction that came with each and every win over Utah. I remember eating BYU concession treats and was especially delighted with the invention and sale of "the Cougar Tail" maple bar doughnut. I remember when the seats were all gold in the Marriott center and the hall ways were enclosed and narrow. In fact, I remember the first time I walked into the Marriott Center in 1973. It was the largest building I had ever visited and I was so overwhelmed by its size. Little did I know how many events I would attend there in my future.
Now, the games are just as exciting, but some things have changed that aren't my favorite. I love the new jumbo score board, but I don't like the selfie social media screen. Who cares about watching selfies of other people at the game with their BYU hastags?? Big DEAL. Am I missing something? I use to like the half-time entertainment that was entertaining, but now I dislike watching the Cougarettes toss their hair around a million times (I must be getting OLD.) Their dancing and such is OK, but those head movements and hair tossing is SO ANNOYING! Plus, their routines are so short. Why not present an actual half-time routine? I remember when the cheerleaders would build insanely high people pyramids that would take our breath away. Now they don't go more than one person high. Also, I remember when we had about 10 cheerleaders, now it seems like there are 110. I don't like the constant "entertainment" provided during the time outs that are so stupid with contests of various sorts. Let's just have a moment to ourselves while the players rest, huh?
The new speaker system is awesome and I like the loud music, but it is very loud! (Age probably showing again.) It makes my hears ring even worse than they already do. I need some of those kiddy head phones or ear plugs at the least. No one can say they can't hear what is going on. I like how the BYU students dress in a similar color and use those crazy signs and other items to distract the opposing free throw shooters. And I will admit...I love Cosmo. He is truly athletic. His news skills on his hover board are amazing.
Anyway, the point is we've enjoyed our lengthy history at the Marriott Center watching BYU take a lot of teams to the woodshed. Nothing was more entertaining than the years Jimmer played. Truly, those games weren't to be missed. It's been so fun to share this activity that Rick and I enjoy doing together and I appreciate him taking me to "Our House" where we rise and shout.
Go Cougars!!
2 comments:
Great post, Vonnie. It is really fun to go with you to the games, even with the distractions of too much audience participation, too much noise, and too many distractions. The game of basketball is a good one, and I'm glad you like it.
vfr
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