Big Ten Tournament: Day 1 Mar08 '07
Back from my first day at the Big Ten Tournament, and for some reason, I am just wiped. I really didn't do anything strenuous besides putting in a full day.
Maybe it was the rush hour traffic back and forth on I-90, or maybe it was being on my feet most of the day.
In any event, I had a great day, and looking forward to loads more fun tomorrow.
The great escape
Volunteering at the tournament always takes my mind off the outside world. For those long hours that I am stuck in the United Center hallways, mingling with the Big Ten's finest coaches, players, media, and fans - everything else kind of takes a back seat.
Hours fly by without recognition.
All that matters inside that building is:
- Who's winning now?
- Who's playing next?
- Where's the closest I can possibly sit to watch the game?
- When is the next volunteer buffet?
- Someone just might want to cover Drew Neitzel from the arc.
- Which famous media member just entered the building?
And of course, where is Erin Andrews currently sitting?
See, these little things don't matter in the real world, but they are a great escape from the doldrums of daily living.
Driving home this evening on a jammed I-90, leaving downtown Chicago, I thought to myself:
Normally, I'd be really pissed right now. It's late in the afternoon. I want to get home. And I have to sit in traffic.
But that aggravation only surfaces after a day of work.
The reason I was at peace, even amidst the bumper-to-bumper lanes, was that I was coming from somewhere enjoyable. I had a great, eventful day, met lots of new people, and got a break from the office. This was a good day, and not even bad traffic could sour it.
Friday's agenda
The Friday of the Big Ten Tournament is always the longest. For me, festivities begin at 7:30 AM at the Fairmont Chicago, where many of the teams and media are staying.
Later in the day, I will hop over to the United Center to assist with duties there, as well as watch four games. Yes - four games in one afternoon/evening.
It's a lot of commotion. That's eight different teams, coaches, bands, and cheerleaders coming and going.
Game times are as follows:
- 11:00 AM
- 1:30 PM
- 5:40 PM
- 8:10 PM
I could potentially be gone from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Depending on my energy level, I may stay for everything.
Saturday's agenda
I won't even get into Saturday yet. Let's get through Friday first.
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