I am not really a “sporty” person. I played softball for one year, and mostly sat the bench. We do enjoy going out to sporting events, but – honestly – a lot of that is for the “going out” part of the equation. The crowd, the excitement, the yelling, the beer. Emphasis on beer.
Well, there was no beer at the college semi-finals in Denver Sunday night (emphasis on college), but there was A LOT of excitement and yelling. We saw both games of the Women’s Final Four: UConn vs. Notre Dame and Baylor vs. Stanford. I have been to the Pepsi Center for plenty of events, including Avalanche and Nuggets games – but I have never heard it that LOUD.
And all have been fun, but there was something about the sport at this college level – and at Final Four level – that had some intangible air of CRAZY in the place. All of use could feel it – even Declan, who usually spends sporting events drawing. For these ladies, he only drew about 1/2 the time and actually watched the game too.
There was also tangible excitement when past Olympian coaches were announced and celebrated there on our home court. The careers of over a half dozen amazing athletes were described, culminating with Pat Summitt – the all-time winningest (yes, that *is* a word) college coach, male or female. I did look up that exact stat about her, but I *had* heard of her before that, proving how famous she is. When she walked out, the place absolutely erupted.
Like I said, I had been to basketball games. And no offense to the big dudes from the NBA – there was something scrappy about these women that was just so enjoyable to watch. Perhaps they were just fighting their hardest to get to the finals (tonight!) – but something tells me that is the way college ball goes down, and why we have March Madness. And perhaps I should watch more often, because I think I would like it. These women showed a whole lot of athleticism, grace and sportsmanship. We may just have to go to some local woman’s college basketball games now.
The championship game is sold out, but you can watch it on ESPN/ESPN3 at 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday night (4/3/12). The game will be Baylor vs. Notre Dame.
Based on how loud the Baylor and Notre Dame fans were, I am guessing I will hear them from my house.
Best of luck to the Lady Bears and the Fighting Irish!
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Disclosure: I was provided tickets to the game by Infiniti, a sponsor of the event, but all words and thoughts are mine. ~ Aimee
Author: Aimee
Amber Johnson
Sounds like a blast! I’ve been remiss we haven’t been down to Tourney Town…have heard great things about it.
Aimee
Yes, we missed Tourney Town as well – but it sounded like a blast!