Coincidence 12/31/06

Meaningless Vikings Game
As with most coincidences I document, there's a bit of back-story involved with the significance of the events. This morning was a late late start for me. The band had a gig last night, so it was 3am or so when I got home. Today, I was heading for the meaningless Vikings game at the Metrodome, courtesy of band-mate Dirk. My initial plan was to hop on my bike and ride up to the gate (a free parking spot closer than anyone gets for $25.00). But the weather was nasty. Sleet and thick winds meant the slush would stick to all parts of your body. The backup plan was to hop on the bus that stops just a few yards from my house, and dash over to the game via light-rail. The game started at noon, I woke up at 11am. I had just missed the last bus that would've got me there on time (it runs limited on Sundays).

Fire Engine and Flat Tire
I devised a new 'get it done' plan, with the objective getting there on time, but not paying for parking. I tossed my bicycle into the backseat of my car, and wore some water resistant clothing. Time was still the essence, since Dirk was already in the dome and heading to Gate H to meet me and give me the ticket. My hastily devised plan was to park on the other side of the Mississippi river across from the dome downtown. The drive to the parking spot had a number of obstacles placed in my path. First was a fire engine blocking the street in front of the firehouse. It had just returned from a call and was slowly backing into the garage. Then another dilemma was presented before me. The car in front of me was driving with a flat tire. What should I do? Get out and tell him he's an idiot to drive his car with a flat tire? I abstain, thinking he could be nursing it to a service station. After he continues to drive on for several blocks, it is obvious this man is driving in denial. I know people out there who live paycheck to paycheck, and are unable to save enough money to repair or buy a new tire. But there comes a time when you have to face reality and suck it up. Same goes for those who drive around with one of those tiny temporary tires. There are some fundamental parts to an automobile necessary to engage in vehicle transport, this includes 4 wheels.

Gate H
By now, I become amused at the obvious trend going on here. The late start, the crappy weather, the oddball driving obstacles. However, I easily find a free parking spot about 2 blocks from the stone arch bridge. The bike ride is far from delightful. Cold sleet is pelted into my face and everywhere else for the roughly 1-2 mile bike ride to the Metrodome. It is about 11:45 am as I coast up to gate H. I give Dirk's cell phone a call, but just get his voicemail. I left a message telling him I was at Gate H and was in the line for security. How was this going to play out? Did he know I called and was on my way in? Would he be able to find me? Would I even get close enough inside for him to see me? Then I hear someone say "free ticket". Then some laughter. It is two guys directly behind me in the security line. I figure they are just joking. Then he says "This is the second time in a row I can't give away an extra ticket". I turn around and ask "do you have an extra ticket?". He was holding it in his hand. I told him that I didn't have a ticket yet and could use it to get in and find Dirk. So my fate changed just like that.

Happy Crappy New Year's Eve
Dirk found me within a few seconds (he literally just showed up at the gate the same time I got in). He asked me how I was able to get in. At first I lied and said "I told the ticket taker I was FBI and she let me right through." Then I gave him an almost equally implausible explanation, the truth. The last time I ever went to a Vikings game was a few weeks prior when I got a free ticket from my former employer. In that game the Vikings played the Patriots, and it was the beginning of Brad Johnson's downfall. In that game, by the 3rd quarter, it was just too embarrassing to stay and watch our team fumble around like they were amateurs. I left early in that game, even though it was a thrill to watch a game in the Metrodome with pretty decent seats. Today, the Vikings played the Rams, with a faint hope that maybe the Rams were bad enough to lose today. Tavaris Jackson was the starting QB, and is the future of the Minnesota franchise. But he was making rookie mistakes, throwing an interception on the third play of the game. So it went, another humiliation that was just too shameful to witness, even though the Vikings cheerleaders staked out in front our seats (row six) had nice looking outfits. We left in the middle of the 3rd quarter. The final turned out to be Rams 41 Vikings 21.