I know that many of you who see the title above are probably wondering when I started playing professional football. Actually, I will be a mere spectator, one of over 100,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium tonight when they host the Eagles.
If you've read my blog regularly, you probably know by now that I am a big-time Cowboys fan, and I was indoctrinated (as it were) by my mom when I was still a toddler. I was born and raised in Dallas, so it's pretty much mandated by law there. 
At any rate, I'm happy to be attending my first "live" NFL game in 25 years. Yes, you read that correctly. Although I very rarely miss watching a game, it's usually from the comfort of my own home. The last time I went to a game was with my mom in 1984 - I was 14 years old. Today, I'm taking a road trip with two of my best friends to watch the very first playoff game in the new stadium. Regardless of the outcome, I can say I was there for this piece of history, right?
I only wish that they could have ordered up some warmer weather, since the current temperature in Arlington, Texas is a brisk 28 degrees and it's expected to get down to 16 degrees tonight. Based on what I saw from the parking, my guess is that we'll be walking about a mile each way to the stadium (which, thankfully, is enclosed).
Needless to say, I'll be wearing layers. I'll also be wearing the authentic NFL Aikman jersey that my wife got me for Christmas. I've worn it for the past two games, and the Cowboys managed to shut out back-to-back opponents for the first time in their storied history (almost 50 years!). That being said, I think a third shutout would be too much to ask, but I am hoping and praying for a victory. As a lifelong fan, it's been painful to watch them disintegrate every year in December since 1996, when they last won an actual playoff game. In fact, it may please those of you who aren't Cowboy fans to hear that 13 of the 16 NFC teams have a playoff victory since the Cowboys' last one.
I don't like to make predictions, or to participate in any pre-game trash talk, but I am hoping for a victory, even if it happens in overtime, or if they squeak it out by one point. However, I do kinda hope they wrap it up before overtime, since we're driving back home for about 3 hours after the game, and I'm already anticipating getting home around 2am.
Have a great weekend - I'm sure I will be acting like an obnoxious, rabid fan tonight, even if it is in the nosebleed section. Based on our tickets, I'm especially thankful to Jerry Jones for installing the world's largest HDTV screen at the stadium. :-)
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Jeez, jason. And here I was, about to ask for your autograph! LOL
Debi
It will be a doozie! I am looking forward to a Cowboy victory!
Hi Jason... Drive carefully and be prepared to deal with traffic around the stadium (coming and going). I will be watching from the warmth of my sofa!
Jason ---- your post today got my attention -- I will be watching this game tonight from the warmth of my living room -- I love the Eagles -- I pull for Dallas unless they are playing the
Eagles -- so tonight, we will be on opposite sides -- may the best team win. At any rate, you will be a part of history and I will not. Have fun and stay warm.
Jason - Sounds like a blast, although I am not a Cowboys fan I'm sure win or lose it will be a great time in that great new stadium. GO CHARGERS!
I'll bet this weather will help you understand "the frozen tundra" a little better. Have a great time at the game! Hopefully you've had a recent closing so you can afford the concessions.
Jason, enjoy the game and the new stadium. Let us know if Jerry Jones still has those pole dancers up above near the upper deck.
So, do the Cowboys get their first playoff victory in more than a decade?
I wish I could be there with you to cheer on the boys! I live fairly close to the stadium but the tickets and parking are a 'bank load' of money. I don't know when you are driving back but I am up for coffee in the morning if you are around. Go Cowboys!
I've had the good fortunate to attend two Redskins (gasp they used to win games) Super Bowls. One in Tampa and one in Minnesota. Our family had season tickets for 55 years before I decided that the huge increase in ticket prices (thanks Dan Synder) made it impossible to hold on the tickets any longer. Since it is the Eagles and the Cowboys both bitter rivals I throw my support behind the Cowboys on this one. Have fun!
Jason, you lucky duck!!! Have a great time! I'm a HUGE Carolina Panthers fan, and go whenever I can get a ticket. Maybe your Cowboys will break their streak tonight!
I wish you great fun and a win for tonight. As a Saints fan, I can't pull for them, but I did go to a Cowboys game once, many moons ago! Great fun, indeed.
Jason - well have a great time. I will be at a Dusty Bottle party - they may have the game on - last year we watched the Chargers play and win. I like the Comboys pretty well myself. Will drink a toast to you adn them.
Jeff
Jason: I used to be an Eagles fan, but I'm so far out of football right now that I'll root for the Cowboys just for you. Hope you have a great time!
Should be a great game tonight. I will be there in spirit! Save me a beer!
Jason,
I hope that the Cowboys win tonight they have gone winless in the playoffs for way too long. I would have thought you would have shown us your colors and your days of playing...... That's alright I saved your photo.
Jason, no matter the outcome you will have a fabulous time there. I'm biased towards the opposition but nonetheless this should be an awesome game! I'm glad I was able to see you suited up, thanks to Don.
Enjoy it my friend!
I've been to many baseball and hockey and basketball playoff games, but since my football team has stunk for so long, I've not had the opportunity to see a playoff game!!!
However, even though the fat lady hasn't sung yet, my Jets are beating up on the Bengals right now!!!
HAHAAAA Have a great time, as you know I am a rabid fan too and look forward to a Monday Morning Quarterback session with you when you return!
GO EAGLES!!! Ha. I've never been to a live football game, but I'm no diehard fan either. Now Phillies baseball, THEN we're talking!
HI Jason - As I write this the game is just starting, so I will be leaving AR to watch. After last week, it will be interesting to see how this game goes. I know Romo is playing his best football ever, so we'll see. Stay warm!
whoo-hoo! just jump up and down and yell a lot....you'll be warm enough.
Well, I'm starting to give up on the game. The Eagles just dont have it tonight and the game is so lopsided that it's not that much fun to watch (although I'm sure you are having a lot of fun, since you are a Cowboys fan). I'll be interested to know if it was hot and stuffy with the roof closed in that stadium.
Several get memories can be made at a game. We have many ourselves.
It was a good game to attend, they won!! Awesome that you were there last night; how fun!!
Wasn't it great to see DALLAS playing like champions!!!
How fun Jason! My dad used to bring me to the 49er games when my grandparents lived in SF. I loved Football!
Teral - Yes! I hope they can pull off three more victories! :)
So how was it!?
HI THERE JASON! Well this is fantastic! Just being there is something - but to have your team win on top of it all! I'm going for the Arizona Cardinals - but I do wish Romo and the boys a good run! -- Gab
That was a great game, and I imagine watching it in that brand new stadium must have been awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Steve - It was truly awesome!
Gabrielle - I also like the Cardinals, and I hope they beat the Saints this weekend, especially if we beat the Vikings. That would put the Cardinals and Cowboys in the NFC Championship game....in Dallas. :)
Joseph - It was an amazing experience, and I was ecstatic to get a chance to attend. Go Cowboys!
Have a great time! I still remember seeing my first Pro football game. The Buffalo Bills against somebody else. (I was a girl, not into sports) The only thing I remember about the game was that we had seat in the eighth row near the 10 yard line and the players would walk right in front of us. THE big thrill was seeeing OJ Simpson standing about 25 feet in front of me, drinking the gatorade. That was of course back when he was a hero, not a criminal.
Are we all going to see pix tomorrow?
Linda - It was actually Saturday night, and the Cowboys did win (yes!). I do have some photos that I could share soon. Thanks!
Jason- I can't believe it took you so long to go to a live game. There is nothing like the atmosphere. The M&T bank stadium in Baltimore is amazing. It's a shame the Ravens won't get a home game as they head for the Superbowl!
Ellie - I went to several when I was a kid, then attended one when I was a teenager, but I hadn't been in 25 years. The atmosphere at Cowboys Stadium is also amazing! The only way that we would get another home game would be if we win and so do the Cardinals.
You chose a good game! The Cowboys look like they're back.
Bruce - Agreed, on both counts. I am hoping they can pull off another victory against Minnesota this weekend.
Sounds like you probably had a good time. They whupped em! The last time I went to a game was when I was 13. I'm a bucs fan so you probably already know who won. LOL
Nathan - We had an awesome time that night. So awesome, in fact, that I am still hoarse from screaming my head off. :)
Im a little behind on my comments, so Im just getting to this. GO COWBOYS! Perhaps you were the lucky charm they needed to move past the first game of playoffs. Hopefully we will play just as solid for the Minnesota game. Any chance you could make it to that game?
John - I wish I could. All I can offer is this: my wife got me an authentic Aikman jersey for Christmas. The Cowboys are 3-0 since then (I wear it every time they play), and they've outscored their opponents 75-14. I will be wearing it again this Sunday before the game starts. :)