Puck Tour: PPG Paints Arena
FINAL SCORE: Devils 6 - Penguins 3
January 28, 2019
The second stop on the arena tour was Pittsburgh. And let me tell you, I had the time of my fucking life. I did not realize when I bought my ticket that it was in the Captain Morgan Club, and I was right on the glass behind the penalty box. Initially, I was trying to wear the home team gear to each game, but the Pens were playing my team. So, I said fuck it, and was the only one in red in the entire club section. Devils fans did not travel well.
I sit down in my seat, waiting for the first victim in the box. Crosby. Perfect. I threw some Devils horns above his head, and the film crew quickly lowered their camera to get me off of the jumobtron. They’re so protective over that fuckin squid.
Second period, I’m pretty toasty from the vodka sodas. Devils score, I stand up, get cursed at and told to sit down. I’m screamin “IF YOU’RE TEAM WAS SCORING TOO, YOU’D BE STANDING. THE DEVILS SUCK, LET ME LIVE!” They respected that. But, five minutes later, the security guard comes down and goes “excuse me, miss - please stop tapping on the glass.” I’m the only person in red, no wonder he thinks it’s me. But no, it was the douchebag on the end. Pitt fans stuck up for me, while I laughed and told the dude he was profiling me because of my outfit.
Third period, I notice the sideline guy who helps with the calls with his headphones on was staring at me. I mean, I ain’t a bad face to look at. Know how to make the fans really angry? Got him to toss me a puck. All it took was a couple winks, I’m tellin ya. I fuckin worked it. Turned towards the crowd, lifted the puck to all of them, and bowed. Death stares and some chirps fly at me, “I’ve had season tickets for years and I never got a god damn puck!” Well, sir, be a chick.
Let me just be clear: I was not one of those obnoxious fans. In fact, I got asked to take a picture (the one above), with Penguins fans because I apparently was the “best opposing fan” they have ever come across. I held my own, respectfully.
Some smokeshow behind me slipped me his business card. I made him drive me back to my hotel in his pickup truck. Told him I was going to sleep, then I went out some more. Shoutout to Jake and his buds, appreciate ya.
The overall arena was not as hype as I thought it would be. The music and overall presentation they had was underwhelming; Vegas was SO much louder. Maybe it’s beause Pitt was trailing the entire game.
Recommended things to do in Pittsburgh:
I stayed at the Distrikt hotel downtown, which later I found out was in the middle of the downtown 9-5 job life. But, I got in early to be able to take a nap before the game. The Uber to the hotel was about a half hour- little pricey, too. My seat was section 112, row C, seat 17 - right on the glass. I paid about $180 for the ticket, way cheaper than Vegas. I hit up Nakama, a sushi place in south side, and it was really good. Get the alaskan roll (thanks for the tip, Maria). After the game, I headed to Red Dogs - the bar was kind of divey, but so much fun with a great crowd.
I decided to stay an extra day because I didn’t realize that one of my best friends from home just bought a house. We hit up Mad Mex, a decent mexican place, and some other bar in shady side. If you’re looking to party and hit up crazy college type bars, go to the south side. For a little more class, go to shady side. Also, things are fairly priced/cheap in Pitt.
MVP of the game:
Me. But also, that goal by Boyle was fire. Check it out on @wtp_podcast ‘s Instagram. Kink’s is also 3-0 against the Pens this year. Surprising road win.
Follow me on social media to find out what my next moves are:
Instagram - @sammajews
Twitter - @s_majew