Pittsburgh, Part 2 - the game

The Winter Classic was certainly an amazing experience - one of the coolest sporting events I've ever been to.  The HBO 24/7 definitely helped get us all excited about the game, and provided a great view into both teams leading up to the game.  The pre-game fan area was packed with lots of activities.  Our favorite one was the tent with the players uniforms - it was exciting to try on Ovi's gloves, helmet and shorts...well...husband tried on the shorts...they were a liiittle snug...

When we got into the stadium, we walked straight to our seats to check out the view.  Pretty cool spot, we were in section 141.  The teams were doing their pregame warmups when we first got there.  Then we wanted to walk up to the top of the stadium, just to check it out and see the view from up there.  I think the first row of the upper level, center ice, would have probably been the best seats in the house.  You're high enough to see the entire ice, but not in the rafters. 

The intros were very cool, and the teams came out from right under where we were sitting.  Having the game under the lights, a change from the original schedule because of the weather, was so much better.  The atmosphere, fire at introductions, and fireworks would not have been the same with a 1pm puck drop. 

The fans, for the most part, were very nice.  Maybe about 2/3 of them were as nice as could be - almost southern hospitality nice.  Speaking to us, asking us about our trip and weekend so far, saying how great it was for us to be there, etc.  But...the other 1/3....were horrible.  Absolutely awful.  Cussing every other word...calling us names...and everything in between.

Overall the weekend was great.  Parts of Pittsburgh were awesome, and others...not so much.  (don't ever try to get a cab in Pittsburgh....it's been known to take 2+ hours...)  I really enjoyed traveling for New Year's weekend!  It was something fun and different to do - and I enjoyed being at a 'normal' city - you don't need to go somewhere flashy to have a good time.  Especially when you're with good friends :)

Did I mention it rained?!

Pittsburgh, Part 1 - everything but the game

New Year's Eve has never been one of my favorite holidays.  I attempted to go to NYC one year when husband (then boyfriend) lived in Connecticut....that ended with me on crutches and back on the couch in time for the ball to drop.  Most years we've just gotten together with friends and hunkered down for the night.  This year was different.  This year was the Winter Classic, Capitals vs. Penguins. 

Three of our closest friends went up to Pittsburgh, PA, with us to celebrate the end of 2010, beginning of 2011, and go to the annual outdoor NHL hockey game.  We drove up on New Year's Eve, stopping first at the original Primanti Bros.  "A Pittsburgh Tradition Since 1933" says the website.  Standing in line with dozens of other Capitals fans, we waited for about an hour...and it was totally worth it. 

Yes.  Those ARE certainly french fries on my cheese steak sandwich.  And cole slaw.

Then we did a little shopping to get Amy a Winter Classic hat (which was a promised yet unpurchased Christmas gift from bf Nick) and myself a cute Winter Classic long sleeved tshirt.  After that we split - Tommy and I went to a bar to watch the UGA bowl game and the other 3 headed to the science museum to see the Stanley Cup. 

Then we all raced back to the hotel, changed clothes in 1.5 minutes, and rushed to our dinner reservation.  Besides the game, dinner at Toast Kitchen was probably the best part of the weekend.  We had a big group of 12, including some other DC friends, so they split us into 2 tables.  It was very fun and the food was fantastic.  Their local spinach salad with a fried egg and bacon vinaigrette was amazing!!  The wine list was good and very reasonably priced.  I ordered a glass of champagne for everyone at both tables and they were very helpful with doing exactly what I asked.  Next time you're in Pittsburgh, you definitely need to check out Toast.  It's a tiny restaurant, so make reservations! 

To watch the ball drop, we went to Le Mardi Gras up in Shady Side...the bartenders at Toast suggested it.  They are known to pour the stiffest drinks in town, and that was sure the case for our group that night.  It was a fun place to ring in the New Year!  We even got in a little "C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS" cheer!



Saturday morning began a little slower for some than others...luckily they made the call for the game to be moved to 8pm (from 1pm) Friday evening, so we knew we had some extra time during the day.  Panera breakfast sandwiches and some Starbucks got us up and moving.  Dressed in head to toe red, we headed out into the city.  Three of us went to Fat Heads to get a big and late lunch before the game - the boys also wanted to try some of their fancy beers.  The burgers were enormous and full of some interesting combinations.  We met some nice DC folks and sat with them for lunch.  Definitely recommend this place, too - the food was really good.  The Wisco fans went down closer to the stadium to watch the Rose Bowl and try to cheer the Badgers to victory....unfortunately they didn't do so well. 

About mid-afternoon we started the trek across town to the stadium for the highly anticipated Winter Classic!  In my next post, I'll share more details and photos about the game, and the Caps victory!!