For the University of Central Florida game, we met up with the Shafers and tailgated on a VERY hot afternoon. Since it was a non-conference game, we were able to find parking passes for Lot 1 and cheap tickets. Chad, as a Terrapin Club member, was also invited to tour the new football facility in Cole Field House.
I have very mixed feelings about this facility. I remember watching so many awesome basketball games in this building. Sweating to death because it always got so hot during the game, and screaming on the Terps at the top of my lungs. I also remember camping out overnight in this building for tickets to Duke basketball games. I remember beating the #1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in a nail biter game. Also, I was there, along with Chad, for the final basketball game in that building, against UVA. And I remember sitting on the basketball court during my college graduation. So many wonderful memories, and it is hard to see the building transition to something new!!
But first, it was tailgate time!! We had a nice spread of fruits, snacks, and quesadillas. The kids took turns hogging the small areas of shade, to get out of the hot sun.
We had a fun spending time with the Shafers, but soon it was time to pack up and head to Cole Field House for our tour. It was a self-guided tour, so we were basically allowed to walk through the facility. We walked in and saw a massive football field down where the basketball court used to be. The seats were all gone (we have 2 of them in our basement now), and the ceiling was opened up with skylights. It really is an amazing facility.
Chad did not waste time getting down to the field, and the kids LOVED getting to run around. I loved the small chance to cool off from the heat. =)
As if the tailgate and tour weren't enough, now it was time to head to the actual football game. The Terps were playing UCF and it was an afternoon game. We had seats on the side facing the sun, so Charlie did not last long. He freaked out over the game opening fireworks (What is it with this kid and loud noises. Poor guy), and I took him back up to the concourse to find some shade. Within 5 minutes, he was fast asleep and I was stuck watching the game from up there. It was hot and Charlie was heavy, but I would never give up the opportunity for some cuddles with my sweet boy!
Chad and Lauren remained in the seats for quite a while. However, after watching multiple people pass out from the heat, we decided it was time to head to the other side of the stadium. The Shafers were over there, in the shade, and there were plenty of open seats. We finished watching the rest of the game in the comfortable shade. Unfortunately, the Terps lost, badly, but it was fun to be back in the stadium again, and the kids had a blast!
Hopefully our next Terps game will be cooler in temperature and the score will be closer. And hopefully there will be many more fun tailgates in our future!! Go Spret!!
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