Game outcome:   Colts 23, Jaguars 28

 Stadium Overview:

This stadium will be the site of the 2005 SuperBowl. It is in a nice location overlooking the St. Johns River. My favorite thing about the stadium was the fact that the Jaguars players park right in the same lot as the fans, and walk right in the main gate. We were able to watch them arrive. This would have been more exciting if I knew what at least one of the players looks like, but I didn't.  We had field passes prior to the game, so I was able to take some great pictures. View all the pictures from this stadium.

 Our Seats:

Our seats were nosebleeds, but we did not sit in them. The stadium was fairly empty, and we just plopped down in a better location. Nobody seemed to notice.

 Opposing Fans:

The friends were friendly until their 1-7 Jaguars beat our 7-1 Colts. At that point we realized they had no idea how to win graciously. Then again, with such a crappy record, they just don't have practice being classy.

 Stadium Food:

I only tried a typical Super Pretzel, and it was typically stale. There were a lot of concessions stands, though, and the food looked really good.

 Tailgating:

Considering the stadium is right in the middle of the parking lot, I was surprised there were not more tailgaters. We did not really see anything worth mentioning.

 City Information:

Jacksonville has a couple hot spots, but for the most part, it is kind of lame. Make your way to Jacksonville Beach if you are looking for action.

 Hotel Information:

We stayed at a Radisson that is directly across the St. Johns River from the stadium. It was convenient to take the water taxi right to the stadium.

 Would we go back?

Probably, but we would stay at the beach next time. It is an easy flight, and a nice stadium.

Greg in our hotel with the stadium out the window.

A parachuter lands in the stadium before the game.

A shot of the cheerleaders (per Stephen's request).

Look how close my seat was to these cheery ladies.

 Game outcome:   Colts 17, Titans 27

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor, easy access from the highway, nothing really special, but nothing negative either. I guess for a new stadium I expected to see more bells and whistles, but although there weren't any, nothing really seemed to be missing either.

 Our Seats:

For the first time, Greg and I did not sit together!  We had purchased our seats from the Titans ticket office the day they went on sale, and were only able to get single tickets. I was row 5, at about the 10 yard line, and Greg was a couple sections over and a few rows higher. Both were really good seats.

 Opposing Fans:

Since I was sitting by myself and big pregnant, everyone near me was very nice and friendly. I was actually beside a 6 year old girl attending her first game, and her father was trying earnestly to explain football to her, while I struggled to convert her to a Colts fan.  She was happy to explain to me that the Titans had more points than the Colts, and even threw in a few, "See? Look at the scoreboard!" comments.

 Stadium Food:

One of the best burgers ever known to stadium food eaters can be found here at at a place called Logan's.  I mean, this was a GREAT cheeseburger.  Don't bother grilling your own in the parking lot, go on into the stadium and buy one here instead.

 Tailgating:

Lots of tailgating going on in all the lots.  The parking areas surround the stadium, so are convenient for tailgating.

 City Information:

Nashville, the country music capital of the world, is a nice place for a weekend getaway. We are not even country music fans, but there is so much else going on that it didn't matter. There is an area of town called The District, which is downtown and full of shops and restaurants.  It is bordered on one side by Riverfront Park, which overlooks the stadium on the other side of the river.

 Hotel Information:

The best and only place to stay is the Ramada Limited, which is practically in the parking lot (see the top photo, which was taken from inside our hotel room, and shows the stadium behind Greg out the window).  The price was right, we could leave the car right there during the game, and we were on the highway 3 minutes after returning to our car after the game!

 Would we go back?

I am sure we will go back, since this is a rivalry that is just beginning to develop.  This is such a convenient drive from Indianapolis, the hotel was great, and there is so much to do in the city.

 Game outcome:   Colts 21,   Redskins, 26

 Stadium Overview:

Although I would have liked to have seen this game years ago at the awesome RFK Stadium, the new FedEx Field is really a nice place to watch a game.  This was the first time we had been to an outdoor night game, and it was really a treat. The location is really in Maryland and not in the city of D.C.  Parking is absolutely horrendous -- you will pay $25 to be several blocks away.  Any parking in the vicinity of the stadium is for permits only.  

 Our Seats:

Nosebleeds.  We were way, way high up, but near the 45 yard line, so pretty decent seats (see the pic of the view from our seats to the left).

 Opposing Fans:

The Redskins fans arrived for the game toward the end of the 1st quarter and left around the end of the 3rd quarter, despite the game being close. I asked my neighboring fan about it, and he made sure I understood how busy everyone is (yeah, whatever.)  Everyone was really nice to us.

 Stadium Food:

All of the concession stands I saw seemed to have exactly the same thing, and nothing special.  There were a couple gourmet pretzel stands which always top the typical rubber SuperPretzels that most places have.  I suggest eating before you go to the game.

 Tailgating:

Lots and lots of tailgating going on in the $25 dollar parking lots a mile away from the Stadium.

 City Information:

It's our nations capital !! If you have not been there, it is a shame.

 Hotel Information:

There is nothing that is super-close to FedEx Field but we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Landover, Maryland and were able to take the hotel shuttle to a couple blocks from the stadium, and then our walk home took about 45 minutes, so not too bad.

 Would we go back?

Probably, since there is so much to see and do in D.C.

Trans World Dome              Home of the Rams               St. Louis, Missouri                  December 30, 2001

 Game outcome:   Colts 17,   Rams 42

 Stadium Overview:

I still can't figure out the name of this place.  I guess since American Airlines bought TWA, they did not pick up the naming agreement with the stadium, but no one else has bought the name yet, so they are calling it "The Dome at America's Center", but the Trans World name still appears all over.  This is a really nice dome.  However, they need to work on their sound management.  Several times they had music blaring while the announcer was talking, while a commercial was playing on the big screen, so 3 different noises blasting through the speakers at once making it impossible to hear anything.  In addition, the scoreboard disappears after the Rams do anything good in order to display celebratory messages.

 Our Seats:

The lower part of the upper level (terrace level).  Great seats, but expensive!

 Opposing Fans:

Most were friendly. Several seemed to lack basic understanding of the game.  Most wanted to ridicule the Colts for letting Marshall Faulk go, but typically they agreed that it was a deal that worked out well for both teams.

 Stadium Food:

We did not try any. Saw some great looking nachos, though! I took a picture of a concession stand because I like the sign.

 Tailgating:

We did not see any, but we could smell grills coming from somewhere.

 City Information:

The arch, riverboat gambling, and great restaurants and bars are all within walking distance of the stadium.  Lots to do and see. Make sure to take the free Anheuser Busch Brewery tour.

 Hotel Information:

We stayed at the "historic" Mayfair Hotel, now a Wyndham.  Apparently this used to be the place to see and be seen in the 20's through 40's, entertaining presidents, actors, etc.  It is cheap now, but still has snotty staff that does not realize the glory days are gone.

 Would we go back?

Sure.  It's only a four hour drive.

PSINet Stadium           Home of the Ravens             Baltimore, Maryland            December 2, 2001

 Game outcome:  Colts 27, Ravens 39

 Stadium Overview:

Okay, believe it or not, the Ravens have a band. Yes, they are the only NFL team with their own marching band, complete with drum majors and flag girls (& boys, women and men).  These band members represent all age groups, and most have probably been cut from a high school band at some point.  The band is certainly an embarrassment to the fans, who tired quickly of our teasing ("Yeah, maybe you won the Super Bowl last year, but at least we don't have a band!") Despite the band, this is probably my favorite outdoor stadium so far. They certainly have the best big screen televisions.

 Our Seats:

Lower level, corner, 31 rows up

 Opposing Fans:

Having won the Super Bowl last year, they were appropriately mouthy yet enjoyable. We had a lot of fun with them. I was concerned that they would still be bitter about the Colts leaving town in the middle of the night.  Even if they are, they were smart enough to realize that Greg and I were not driving the Mayflower trucks, and that we are simply happy to have a team.

 Stadium Food:

Did not try any due to eating too much at the ESPN Zone prior to the game.

 Tailgating:

We did not see any tailgating.

 City Information:

The Inner Harbor, like the Stadium, is downtown and has plenty to do-- shopping, aquarium, ship tours, many, many restaurants.  We were able to walk all over in a matter of minutes, from harbor to stadium to hotel, etc. If you are going for a game, be sure to make it a long weekend.

 Hotel Information:

Many choices within walking distance of the stadium.  We stayed at the Wyndham, which used to be an Omni, and seemed less expensive than some of the others. Of course, the Shula's Steakhouse downstairs is way overpriced.

 Would we go back?

Absolutely.

Louisiana Superdome            Home of the Saints          New Orleans, Louisiana         November 18, 2001

 Game outcome:   Colts 20, Saints 34

 Stadium Overview:

Absolutely the best of the best. I hear they want a new stadium in New Orleans. I would love it if we could pick this one up and bring it to Indianapolis.  The place is fantastic. My favorite thing is the music.  They have jazz band music instead of the usual stadium tunes, playing When The Saints Go Marching In every time the team makes a big play.  After a Saints' score, big blow up dancing Mardi Gras characters dance at each end zone.

 Our Seats:

End zone (aren't they always?)  We were under a big overhang from the level above, which made it difficult to look around, and which held the noise so it was really loud.

 Opposing Fans:

 Maybe it was our section, but the fans were all friendly, but mellow.  They seemed more interested in the game as entertainment than as a sports competition.

 Stadium Food:

Don't eat before you come, if you can help it. They have anything and everything you could want, from typical stadium food to jambalaya and everything in between.

 Tailgating:

We did not see any, but there was a lot of excitement around the stadium, with games, booths, etc.

 City Information:

It's the Big Easy, what can I say?  You will miss the best parts of the French Quarter if you hang out on Bourbon Street and don't spend time around the French Market.  For oysters, an absolute must is the Acme Oyster Bar.

 Hotel Information:

It's New Orleans! Stay wherever you'd like!  We stayed at the Radisson on Canal Street, which is exactly between the Superdome and the French Quarter, so walking distance from both, which was nice.

 Would we go back?

Again and again, if we get the chance.  Might even catch a football game!

Soldier Field                        Home of the Bears                      Chicago, Illinois                    November 5, 2000

 Game outcome:   Colts 24, Bears 27

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor, on Lake Michigan. Although this place is a classic, I was not impressed. This is an unusual stadium.  It is not very steep, so you might think you have good seats, but you are far back from the field.

 Our Seats:

30-some rows up from the field, but the equivalent of 80 rows back at most other stadiums.

 Opposing Fans:

We were there when the Colts were doing great, and the Bears were stinking. Everyone around us claimed to be Green Bay fans, or fans of some other team, and only cheered for the Bears out of convenience.  Funny though, as soon as the Bears won this game, these people sure trash talked like they had personal interest.

 Stadium Food:

The usual, nothing special.

 Tailgating:

We went on a bus trip with The Blue Crew fan club and tailgated in front of the bus.  There was a lot of tailgating going on.

 City Information:

It's Chicago, for crying out loud. Look it up. 

 Hotel Information:

See previous line.

 Would we go back?

Probably, but only because it is so close to Indianapolis. Not because the stadium experience was anything special.

Ralph Wilson Stadium          Home of the Bills           Buffalo, New York            Oct. 1, 2000 & Nov. 4, 2001

 Game outcome:         Colts 18, Bills 16 ;        Colts 30, Bills 14

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor. The Stadium itself is nothing special. It is worth noting that there is a lot of parking available for cheap at houses along the main route to the stadium, which makes it really easy to get out after the game.

 Our Seats:

Lower level end zone; Lower level, 10 yard line, visitors side

 Opposing Fans:

Very nice to us on both trips, but enjoy fighting amongst each other, usually over the Flutie/Johnson quarterback controversy. Even though Flutie was gone in 2001, they still fought.

 Stadium Food:

I thought I'd get great New York Style pizza at the stadium, but I was wrong.  However, they certainly have the best nachos.  They have the typical chips and runny cheese kind, but also have some real nacho that are piled high with anything you could want.  You need to search for the booth that sells these.

 Tailgating:

Lots and lots of tailgating going on, in large parking lots.

 City Information:

Even though Buffalo sits on Lake Erie, we were unable to find very much excitement in the city itself. However, we were minutes from Niagara Falls, which made this a great weekend vacation.

 Hotel Information:

Both trips we stayed in Hamburg, NY, once at a Holiday Inn, then at a Comfort Inn, which was brand new in 2001. Hamburg is right along highway 95, and only 15 minutes from the Stadium, which sits outside of town. There is nothing within walking distance of the stadium, except a couple 1-story no name strip motels that might rent by the hour.

 Would we go back?

Yes. Both trips were fun.

Arrowhead Stadium                Home of the Chiefs                Kansas City, Missouri                   Sept. 3, 2000

 Game outcome:   Colts 27, Chiefs 14Chiefs 14Chiefs 14        

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor. The fans give this place so much energy.

 Our Seats:

Nosebleeds. Way up high in a corner on a 100 degree day. We were just happy to have gotten tickets.

 Opposing Fans:

Absolutely courteous and wonderful. It is awesome to see the entire place following a Chiefs touchdown all chant in unison.  I have not seen or heard anything this loud anywhere else.

 Stadium Food:

Great gourmet pretzels made before your eyes.

 Tailgating:

Lots of tailgating going on.  The main problem is they don't open their lot until 3 hours before game time, so cars were lined up waiting to get in for hours. We tailgated in the parking lot of our hotel and waved to all the Chiefs fans waiting to tailgate.

 City Information:

 Kansas City has a couple active, fun areas to hang out and shop or eat.

 Hotel Information:

We stayed at the Holiday Inn across from the stadium. There are a couple other hotels nearby, but this was the only one when we were there that was a simple walk across the street.

 Would we go back?

Yes! We actually tried in 2001- had tickets, hotel, everything, but the NFL changed the game from Sunday to Thursday at the last minute, and we were unable to get away from work.

Browns Stadium                                     Cleveland, Ohio                December 26, 1999

(Sorry, No pictures Taken)

 Game outcome: Colts 29, Browns 28

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor. One of our favorites. A super facility.

 Our Seats:

We sat end zone, just a few rows off the field. (Opposite the infamous Doghouse, although we could see that big dude with the dog mask at the other end.)

 Opposing Fans:

This was probably the most fun we had at a road game.  The fans in Cleveland are great.  They are die-hard, but can enjoy exchanging friendly banter with opposing fans without getting violent (take a hint, Eagles fans!) 

 Stadium Food:

The best pizza I have found so far.  The first place I ever saw those cool plastic beer bottles that are everywhere now.

 Tailgating:

Since we drove in and right back out after the game, we did not spend time doing anything else in Cleveland, and did not tailgate.  We did notice; however, that fans have solved the cold-weather issue by tailgating inside parking garages. 

 City Information:

N/A

 Hotel Information:

N/A

 Would we go back?

Definitely!

 Game outcome: Colts 44, Eagles 17

 Stadium Overview:

Outdoor. Easy access to the team outside the stadium. (See picture of me with Bill Polian.)  The crappy crowd & the even crappier location prevents anything but negative feelings about this place. They have a courtroom in the stadium to handle their own trashy fans, who are a disgrace to their team. (No, that's not our sign in the picture with "Losses" misspelled.)

 Our Seats:

Corner end zone.

 Opposing Fans:

I have heard horror stories about people getting beat up, urinated upon, etc.  The worst that happened to us was Greg’s hat was taken and thrown around for a while. Wisely we were very calm, and did not stand or cheer or anything. The Colts were so far ahead in this game that all of their fans left at halftime (when The Vet stops serving beer), and we were able to relax and enjoy the Colts trouncing of the Eagles.

 Stadium Food:

They need to add Lithium or Valium to the menu.

 Tailgating:

I did not see much. Disguise yourself if you try.

 City Information:

Lots of historical sights to see & great restaurant options.

 Hotel Information:

Holiday Inn within throwing distance of the stadium. Other than that, there is nothing around. Watch out for crack whores in the parking lot in the early morning hours asking, “What time is it?” - “It’s 7:20.” -“Is that morning or night?”

 Would we go back?

To the city? Yes. To the stadium? No.