NFL Pro Bowl

Haven’t been to a pigskin game in a long time. That made me look forward to this game with high anticipation. From what I was reading the Pro Bowl is not played like a regular game. More on the caution side to prevent injury. It seemed like flag football. Interesting.
Game day arrives. I pick up Lady L, my professional football expert, and we’re off. All of a sudden we hit traffic and not even on the fwy yet. I start realizing we may not have left early enough. When we finally get on the fwy Lady L gets the alert communiqué telling us to park at the LCC parking lot. Nice. That will save us time looking for parking which there was none.
We parked close and quick to the bus boarding immediately. The day before we were riding Roberts Hawaii buses for Mighty Mo. Luxurious and air conditioned. Today we’re riding school buses that seem like they could fall apart at any time. The seats were cheap. The back of the seat kept bending back and forth, popping as it did. The kids really ride this thing? Okay, that’s another discussion but wow! We went from rich and luxury to squalor and poor. Such a big difference it was shocking. lol
Lady L is giving me the traffic updates. The traffic is caused by the game. Certain gates and roads are closed. Lots of times I dish on technology but here’s where it helped us lots. So glad didn’t have to deal with that, better yet not get lost in the chaos trying to get in.
We realized the bus was the best option. As we were getting closer to the stadium, we saw HPD guiding the buses in The moved cones allowing the but quick access into the stadium. Didn’t have to wait in the ridiculous car line. Tailgate parties were in full swing. You could smell the bbqs all fired up cooking something spectacular.
After disembarking, we tried to get in the line that would get us in fast. That in itself was a task. It was difficult to see how the line was moving. I even got out of line and walked a ways up and thought I figured it out to find out I didn’t. We eventually got in but the lines were total chaotic confusion. Something to work on.
Finally in. Lady L got us drinks while I looked for t-​shirts. I could not find a large of any style at several of the kiosks. Well, guess I’ll have to go to plan B to thank my benefactors.
There was someone sitting in our seats. I said «Excuse me sir are you sitting in the correct seat because I believe these are ours?» He mumbled something and left. The guy sitting behind said I was too nice that I should have told him «F*&% get out of my seats!». It did cross my mind but I didn’t want to be mean. Plus, I was there to have fun. Games people play.
Anyway, I sit down and wow, there’s the cheerleaders. hahahah Start snapping on my cheesy, rinkadink, waterproof, crackproof, dustproof, dropproof camera. Enough of that. I start watching the game, figuring out who’s who, realizing I’m for Team Rice. Yay! Lady L is for the other team. I don’t know the name. I forgot. hehehe At one point, we’re doing the wave, and the crowd is able to keep on doing it… I lost count after 12. L and I found it kinda funny every time we were taking pics this lady infront of us would stand up waving her jersey preventing us taking our shots. Then, there’s the oddity of things you see along with the people watching. We will not get into that. Don’t want to gross anyone out and I don’t want to remember. Ahhhhh, life in the stadium. It’s good L bought me a melon drink. Refreshing and cool, made me chill and relaxed. Good game.
Even though Team Rice lost, it turned out to be an interesting game. Got to see some of the players, who they are, what they do, preparing for the next football season. And, L with the better understanding of the game today was helpful.
Exiting the stadium was much easier. So happy we took the bus because I started to remember what a hassle it is to leave an event like this with a full parking lot. We boarded the bus and watched how easily we zipped out of there guided by HPD. Reached the LCC parking lot and returned back to the Ewa zone watching a nice sunset.
It was nice to have the LCC parking as an overflow. They should do that all the time and set it up once a stadium event is sold out. If they can setup several overflows and have buses transport that could alleviate the parking issue at the stadium. One idea I have to decrease the bottleneck effect at the auto entrance from Kam Hwy is to allow the flow to turn in instead of making that little circle. Block the thru traffic from the other end. They change auto directions else where in the city. Why not here for these events.
Ok, with that out of the way, this would be good time for my Superbowl prediction. Broncos because they have the best defense. As Mike Ditka use to say you win the game on defense first. Let’s see if it holds true.
Update: Mike was right. hahahahaha

I love the Pro Bowl! Yes a lot of people say «It’s not a real game» «Players don’t care about this game» etc, etc. Some of it is true… the game is definitely not your typical NFL game– there are no kick off’s, no real tackling (or at least the big hits we see on TV) and the loss of possession when a quarter ends.
But as someone who can only dream of attending a real NFL game, this is as good as it gets. This is the game where you can see some of the biggest names in NFL having fun and in one spot. Adrian Peterson, Charles Woodson, Russell Wilson, Devonte Freeman… the list goes on. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the game. I personally think the NFL players appreciate a trip to Hawaii that they can enjoy with their families as I saw a lot of their families on the field.
My only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is the organization of security. The lines were ridiculous. Fans were frustrated and I know I was one of them. I should in line and was angry to see other lines moving faster. Come to find out, gate 4 decided to let 2 lines merge into one. Really? Organize it better please…
Aside from this, I still love the Pro Bowl and hope they will keep it in Hawaii.
#3 of 100 2016

KEEP THE PRO BOWL IN HAWAII!
Ok, Just wanted to get that out of my system.
The annual Pro Bowl which has been a part of Hawaii since the 1980’s is the hottest show/​event on the Islands when they come into town. The best players of both AFC & NFC collide in a clash of the titans-​like battle.
Every year people from all over the world gather here to watch the All-​Stars play for the last game of the season (before they swapped dates with the Super Bowl).
Every year, something different but the tailgating and pre parties remains the same. An experience all sports fans should witness.
Since my team is in the American Football Conference all I have say is… GO AFC!

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