Field Reports from Columbus?

I just checked in about a half hour ago. I think it's time to go find beer.

 

I am here at the Captiol Square Hyatt. Loaded with US fans.

My plane trip here from Charlotte (where I connected) had about 8 or 9 US fans and about 3-4 Mexican fans.

Looks like US fans are ready.

 

I don't like that one bit...and yeah keep the reports coming for those of us not able to be there in person.

 

Yes give us updates so we can live through you.

I couldn't swing the game this time.

 

If you go to http://www.rubytuesdaylive.com/ you can see what is going on inside the bar. Just click on "VIEW US LIVE". This is where the American Outlaws/HSH will be before the game. Enjoy!

 

I'm on the OSU campus in Columbus and will be going to the match in a few hours time. I haven't been to the bars or anything, so I don't know how it's shaping up down there.

Here is what I can tell you...as far as weather conditions go...it's currently very grey and overcast, 50s and mild, and a light breeze. It's sort of like the calm before the storm, literally. Rain and wind are on the way though. If you haven't seen the weather radar, there's a strong wind/rain band sweeping north-east and it's in Western Ohio and Indiana right now. Wind advisories are already being issued as well as flood warnings. We heard earlier reports stating that we could receive winds up to 60mph, but that the rain would clear out by kickoff. However, from looking at the radar, it appears as though we might have both for the match.

I hope that helps.

C'Mon You Yanks!!!

 

Just checked in an hour ago, within view of the Stadium. Me and the boy are PUMPED UP!! Lots of US and MEX fans around. Can't wait for the Match!!

 

Soccer by Ives has a running day commentary of goings on that he experiences throughout the day

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/02/usa-vs-mexico-matchday-commentary.html

 

My group went to the Claddagh last night and were singing and chanting into the morninIg. If that didn't get you pumped for the game, nothing will!!! We're getting ready to head over there now for the pre-game and shuttle ride. I'll be with the guy with pink hair. He wanted to paint his hair red, but the drug store only had pink. We convinced him that the pink paint in his black hair would come out red! LOL

 

At the airport waiting to fly back home. Posting from my Android phone.

Man that was fun last night. It was definitely a dark & stormy night.

 

I somehow survived.

 

Incredible time. The whole day was just insane.

Got there around 3 thinking the gates were going to open by 4. Turns out they didn't open until 5:30 which was a huge mistake on US Soccer's part, IMO. There was a big crush at the gates when they opened and the cops were getting nervous because some people were getting pressed hard into the fence.

I wish US fans were a little more early arriving seeing as it was just me and 4 other USA fans waiting in line at Gate 4 compared to half of ********ing Mexico. It was fun talking shit to thousands of people though. A very 300ish vibe.

Around 4:30, the storm of the century hit and I was soaked to the ********ing bone. I was wearing snow boots and my feet were soaked! The worst part though was when I got to the gate I found that my ticket had melted in my back pocket and all that was left was my ticket stub. Due to the number of people, security just took the stub and waved me through. I realized the mistake I had made when I was making my way over to the North End because I had absolutely no form of ticket to show to the ushers if they checked.

Luckily I met this guy named Matt from St. Louis who was with AO. He got seperated from his group so we made fast friends when I let him use my phone and he talked the usher into letting me in the North End. Thanks Matt, if you're reading this, you're a standup guy!

The game experience somehow topped 2005. USA fans - we were ********ing incredible. I was right behind the goal towards the front so it was a little hard to get coordinated with the band in the middle for chants and songs with the wind carrying the nosie, but in the end it all worked out really well. We kept it simple with several songs and made tons of noise - having the roof was awesome. My particular favorite was our first "Dos a Cero" chant early on. The stadium was only half full with mostly Mexican'ts and it really pissed them off. It was hilarious to hear thousands of derisive whistles in response.

Couldn't've asked for a better night. The cold and rain sucked but the goal celebrations warmed you up quick! Dos a Cero!

 

The Jackpine Savages are back in the Northwoods but not quite home yet. We had a dark o'clock flight this morning, we've stopped for brunch, and I'll drop St. Patrick off at his apartment before heading down to school (I have a 3pm lab appointment that I must keep).

Hopefully none of SA/AO/HSH etc were at the Motel 6 out by us.

We had a wonderful time, as always. We didn't make it to Claddagh because of some tactical mistakes, and some of our stuff is still wet from the monsoon. But what is a nats game without some sort of weather incident--either freezing cold temps, wind and rain, or heat?

Saw Dempsey in the airport this morning. Not brave enough to talk to him, though. I wanted to see baby pictures...

hhaire: PM me about how to send you your beanie.

 

The Clarmont Inn-Claddagh's, with shuttle to stadium combination was divine. It made things incredibly easy and fun. I met a bunch of people and had a great time. Afther game, I went to some place - High Beck (?) - down the street from the Clarmont that gradually filled up with locals who'd been to the game. I wanted to go to Claddagh's, but needed food and that didn't seem possible there. I had a great, fun trip.