One Hell of an Adventure
by MexiBruin on Sep 15, 2009 12:43 AM PDT
53 comments
As some of you may remember an incredibly plucky Vols fan came to Bruins Nation last Friday and offered a free ticket to anybody willing to fly out to Knoxville and take him up on his offer. Well after recommending it to anybody that was lurking, I managed to talk myself into it. Some of you may even remember that a year ago I had put up a fan post about what a great day I had at the Rose Bowl, and what great people the Tennessee Volunteers are. In that same post, I mentioned that the positive experience had instilled in me the sincere desire to fly out to this year's game. That was a year ago.
When Craig of Morristown, TN made the offer I knew deep inside I had to go. I have a dream of taking in some college football games in all the great cathedrals of the sport at such venues as The Big House, the Red River Rivalry, The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, and all the others. Neyland Stadium is so well esteemed as one of the better places to catch a football game, that I would never have forgiven myself if I didn't make the attempt. So without further ado, I present to you my recollections of one Hell of an Adventure.
It began early Friday when Volsrock1 made his offer hear on Bruins Nation. I scrambled to find a flight quickly because I had to go in to work at 2:00pm. I was frustrated time and time again because while I could find a reasonable flight and fare to take me to Knoxville, I could not find an acceptable return flight. They expect me to believe there are NO red eye flights back to LAX Saturday night?! Work loomed over my head and I finally booked a one way flight to Knoxville for 1:40am. No problem. I got out of work at Midnight. Plenty of time. Wrong. I got to LAX at 1:20am to find the Delta counter was closed and nobody to be found. I was going to miss my flight! I finally convinced this poor employee already on his way home to print my boarding pass and literally had to run like my life depended on it to catch my flight.
Quick side bar: Earlier in the spring I came upon a great pair of Puma court shoes that I bought with the intent of only ever wearing on Game Days. I made sure and packed them.
I arrived bright and early Saturday with no idea how I was going to get home. My host was a good 30 minutes out, so I got to the ticket counters and looked up flights. The internet was not lying! There were no flights home that night! I booked a flight for first thing the next morning: 6:40. After all I had to be back at work at 2:00pm. Craig picked me up shortly soon after, and we headed out to the game.
Knoxville and Tennessee in general is a beautiful place to live:
Downtown Knoxville. via photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net
This was in the "bad part of town" seriously. via photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net
Craig and I picked up some beers and found us a nice convenient place to 'warm up' for the game. We were joined by this young couple. And, let me just say, this just goes to show how friendly people are in Tennessee. They saw this odd looking group, I was wearing Powder Blue after all and came over and introduced themselves and made themselves at home.
Brandon & Rose via photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net
After a few rounds of Mexican Beer and Jack Daniel's fruit punch we headed over to Neyland.
Craig found us a great place on Vols Walk to watch the band enter the stadium then something really great happened. I over heard somebody say, "I think that's the guy that flew out here from Bruins Nation" or something to that effect. I turned and met my fellow Nationer uclafan11!! That was a blast. Of course, at the time I had no idea what an incredible party she had just hosted. And, my one great regret of the weekend was that I did not take a picture with her then and there. Sorry!
I also want to take a moment to point something out. I have never seen so much Orange in one place on so many people in one day. It was amazing. I have been disappointed in the past when taking in a game at the Rose Bowl by the number of people that come to a game in regular street clothes. The Vols have no such problem. The only time I see Bruins represent their school colors as well as the Tennessee fans did that day is when we play South Central. For the Tennessee Volunteers, every game day is a day you wear your school colors. We could learn a lot from their example. OK, Rant is over.
Check this out. Before:
And After:
Another quick rant. California has nothing on Tennessee's lovely ladies. I was in Oh My God! Status the whole time. And I don't just mean the young ladies in the prime of life. It didn't matter the age group. Beautiful women everywhere. And herein lies the secret I think. These ladies were not afraid to have curves. And, they wear their make up differently out there. They just had a very natural look to them. So, just for the hell of it: the Tennessee Majorettes:
OK, enough of this. Let's get inside. But before we do, a quick view of the Volunteer Navy.
We got into the stadium a good hour early. It looked like this:
One more thing, I didn't want to keep you in suspense:
Being in the Stadium meant we got to witness this:
I want to point out that the Tennessee Volunteer marching band played the Bruin Fight song before the game started. They also played a good selection of John Williams scores from film like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Star Wars." I have no idea if they knew John Williams is a Bruin, but for them to play our fight song was a very noble gesture, I thought. PS I made sure everybody in our section knew JW is a Bruin.
The famous "running through the T" via photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net
Oh by the way, this thing is HUGE:
See the people at the bottom for scale purposes via photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net
By the start of the game, everybody was in their seats. compare to the 1 hours before photo. Not an empty seat in the house:
Craig and I had great seats. Great view of the field and our band.And nobody every begrudged me a cheer here or there. If anything, I think they enjoyed watching our own traditions such as the 8 clap and UC! - LA! cheers. And, I was surrounded by Volunteers:
It was kick off time. I don't have to tell you the rest:
But I do want to add a few things: I flew out to Tennessee without knowing how I was going to get home, knowing I had to work the next day. Once I had a flight booked, I had no idea where I was going to spend the night. After the game, Brandon texted me and asked if we wanted to go to dinner. Craig wanted to get home which was an hour and a half away. I went to dinner with Brandon and Rose and let them know of my predicament. They took me in and offered me their guest room for the night. Brandon got up at 5:30 in the morning to take me to the airport! I am forever indebted to such wonderfully generous and hospitable people. For the second year in a row, I am amazed by the quality of character of the people of the great state of Tennessee. I will forever cheer for Tennessee from here on out and wish them luck in all things. Go Vols! Beat Florida!
Finally, after very little sleep having flown out after work and taking two red eyes, it was an enormous comfort walking through LAX and finding this aptly named souvenir shop:
How very appropriate!! via photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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wow what an adventure
these stories are all amazing, you’ve done the bruin faithful proud by representing our fan base in Knoxville, thanks for sharing!
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Sep 15, 2009 1:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome stuff.
Great photos, too. Thanks for linking over on RTT.
The UT band always plays the opposing fight song in pregame. I’ve always thought that was a fantastic gesture, especially when it’s Florida or Alabama.
by Hooper on Sep 15, 2009 5:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's an amazing gesture,
It definitely moved me.
by Centric on Sep 15, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a great, positive story!
Well done!
As much as I miss living in CA, and lament living in Exile — “Southern hospitality” is the real deal.
My thanks to Craig for giving you the chance to take this adventure and share it with us.
BTW — I didn’t know John Williams was a Bruin; for many years my dad was a studio musician and his bassoon is on many of Williams scores.
Thanks.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Sep 15, 2009 6:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously?
About your Dad? How cool is that?!
by Free the 16 on Sep 22, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dad's Bassoon
was the sound of the space ship in Close Encounters of a Third Kind, and the introduction to the Alfred Hitchcock show.
Dad was a great classical musician and was somewhat amused that his kids were so proud of those two performances.
Thanks for bringing back those memories for me.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Sep 27, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great story and photos
And loved the kicks.
Thanks for posting this and glad you had a great time. Yet another example of the classy and gracious Vols fans. It’s too bad all fans can’t be like them.
by Barnes2JJ on Sep 15, 2009 6:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Few more things.
Keep in mind I flew at of LA at 1:40am. I met this guy Arem from Glendale on my flight. We managed to sit next to each other on the second leg of our flights. We got to talking and found something in similar. When I arrived at UCLA, I noticed the disparity in love and affection our Football and Basketball programs receive from the fans in general and the administration in particular. I decided then and there I would focus my fandom upon the football team. The idea being, I would change the culture at UCLA one fan at a time, beginning with myself. I found Arem had felt the same way! We had a nice long discussion about it on the flight from Memphis to Knoxville.
Arem
Walking to our seats, I snuck up and joined a pair of Bruins getting their picture taken. We talked briefly and I mentioned I was going to post on Bruins Nation. I get up this morning and find this an email this morning from Zach and Jeff:
Finally, a look at some of my souvenirs on the airport lounge carpet. Just because.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 15, 2009 8:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Red eye to Tennessee
MexiBruin,
It was a pleasure meeting you and chatting with you on the plane. I too had an amazing time in Knoxville. Thanks for posting my picture. I reconnected with a UCLA classmate after 16 years in Knoxville and he forwarded me the link to this page telling me that you posted my picture. Hope to see you at the Rose Bowl this Saturday.
Go Bruins!
Aram
by Double_Bruin on Sep 16, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey!!
I was wondering if you would come by BN and see yourself immortalized.
Good flying with you too, buddy. Great game. I’ll be at the Cal game this season only. I work Saturdays.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 17, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crowd Noise
You forgot to mention how loud the stadium gets!
And if you were going to miss my viewing party this was reason to do it. Thanks for the photos and updates.
by apbruin on Sep 15, 2009 8:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Raza?! Is that you?
Glad to see you here on the Nation. Everybody meet Raza. My 2nd year roommate. We met while dorming it up at Mira Hershey Hall.
Alejandro brings up a great point. Up until the 3rd quarter, I was seriously wondering what the big deal about Neyland Stadium and it’s reputation. But come the 4th quarter, they showered us with an unbelievable wall of sound. The ground was shaking and I swear I’ve never heard more noise in one place before. Another great example I think we need to bring the Bruin Community at large.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 15, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah its me
Raza! I was telling everyone at the party about the text you sent me before the game saying, “Guess where I am at.” I then told everyone at the party the story that led up to your trip. Everyone was pretty captivated by your story.
As far as examples we can take away from other stadiums I picked one up last year when I went to the ASU game in Tempe. Yeah that game. Anyway, on critical third downs for opposing teams the ASU fans, with help from the electronic message displays at the stadium, just bury the opposing team and opposing fans with crowd noise. It got obnoxious after a while, but still I was impressed.
by apbruin on Sep 16, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great story and pics!
Thanks for sharing this Mexi! Great point about fan focus on the football program. One fan at a time. Well, we have a huge number of fans here on Bruins Nation that should take up the challenge. Maybe a few years from now when the football team gets the respect and notice it deserves, we can point to Mexi’s post and say, “This is when it all started.”
A big shout out to Vols fans that show how to rabidly support their team, while at the same time showing sportsmanship, respect and true southern hospitality for their opponents.
One last point, it’s been mentioned before, but there is a direct Vols connection to the UCLA program. In that post is also my own experience with Vols hospitality.
by Telemachus on Sep 15, 2009 8:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome
Props for overcoming all the logistical issues and getting yourself out there. Craig and the Volunteer fanbase did themselves proud.
Was unable to go to Knoxville (regretting it right now) but I plan on going to Austin next year.
by BlueReign on Sep 15, 2009 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great Story Mexi
I wish I could have gotten down for the game from here in Milwaukee, but from reading your story and everyone else’s, I almost feel like I was there.
I know it’s still a few months away (and during basketball season), but is anyone coming out for the Notre Dame basketball game?
If not, I’ll see you in Austin for sure next year.
"Let's go Padres, let's have some baseball fun..."
by MilwaukeePadre on Sep 15, 2009 8:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is why I love this blog
Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s people like you and UCLAFan11 that make being apart of this BN community so special. Where else can a diehard, rabid Bruins fan get this kind of insight? Posts like these and blogs in general are not replacing the MSM; they’re enhancing it. And, I for one, am better for it.
richramus
by richramus on Sep 15, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great story and great pix
It reminds us of what kind of hosts we need to be when the other side’s fans show up at the Rose Bowl. (With one exception, of course.)
by Fox 71 on Sep 15, 2009 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Amazing Experience!
No doubt about it, next to Bruins, Tennessee fans are the best! Those we met at the Rose Bowl last year were great people too.
Thanks for sharing!
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
by HoozierDaddy on Sep 15, 2009 11:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great to meet you!
You’re right, we should have taken a picture! Next time. Great post – thank you for sharing! GO BRUINS!!!
by uclafan11 on Sep 15, 2009 11:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
after hearing all these wonderful stories, I'm really fired up to go to Austin next year
half of my buddies down here at SMU are UT fans, so I dont think I’ll have any trouble setting that trip up!
William Doolittle at your service, a.k.a. will do.
by Ollie on Sep 15, 2009 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Epic post, Mexi!!
You, as well as others, mentioned that the Tennessee marching band played our fight song. That’s an unusual, yet noble, gesture. The South has its good and bad points, but Vols fans definitely let the good shine! Thanks for sharing your story, Mexi! Maybe we can meet each other at a home game one day. :)
by solidgoldsound on Sep 15, 2009 1:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am coordinating another large Tailgater for the Cal game.
I got a caravan of alumni, friends and family for The Spring Game and we had so much fun we want to do it again. The plan is to continue growing the circle of tail gaters and make it a yearly thing. Kind of like a Reunion.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 15, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tailgate
I’m glad the Cal tailgate is still on. I told everyone at the party about it.
by apbruin on Sep 16, 2009 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leche is going to join us.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 16, 2009 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and I want to mention once again
Volsrock1 is awesome for hosting one of our own.
by Tydides on Sep 15, 2009 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Band Playing our Fight Song
In the 1986 Rose Bowl game, the Iowa band played the UCLA fight song. It moved the whole Bruin section to a hush. Total class. The Iowa fans were in stark contrast the the Illinois fans we had seen a couple of years before (who we sent packing 45-9 in one of the BEST days of my Bruin life as a fan). Sounds like TN is total class.
by davebruin on Sep 15, 2009 3:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Host
Your host deserves some kind of humanitarian award. I am not sure if I could pull a gesture like that. I imagine he wouldn’t have any problem giving the ticket away to another Vols fan; instead, he offers it to the opposing team’s fan. Why you ask? Why? I suppose one of the possible answer to that is, he sees an opportunity to build on a community of respectful rivals – and from what our valiant Bruins have shown, we are a capable and a worthy rival.
And how wonderful is it to run into the very family that’s hosting THE BIG family? A scriptwriter would’ve been crazy to write something like this, but all y’all pulled it off.
by UCLAngels on Sep 15, 2009 9:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Three days later
and I’m still getting goosebumps, from reading adventures like Mexi’s and uclafan11’s.
Only, it’s not just the football thrills. It’s the feeling of brotherhood with one another and with, yes, rivals. Thanks, Mexi, for elevating the discourse and for being such a good ambassador. Fun story, fun pictures. You’ve extended the pleasure for us all.
And, volsrock1, you really do rock. What a grand, noble, and generous gesture. I am now officially a Vols fan.
by Bruinut on Sep 15, 2009 9:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome stories coming out of the weekend
In particular, it has been wonderful to hear how just classy (for lack of better words) the Vols’ nation is. Let me be the latest to give volsrock1 thanks for opening this opportunity to one of our own.
After reading the stories of the Knoxville experience that have been posted over the last few days, I am already looking forward to making next fall’s trip to Austin.
by bruinhoo on Sep 15, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am glad I did it
I didn’t know what to expect nether picking up a stranger at the airport that could have been an Axe killer etc…LOL
But I would do it again in a heart beat!!!! It was a blast!!!!
The funniest part was …when we left the stadium and Hector (MexiBruin) heard all the Tree Frogs (Locust) screaming in the trees…..He ask WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!…he thought it was burgler alarms…LOL
And that pic he said was bad part of town..REALLY WAS/IS!!!..Its off Magnolia Ave no one goes that way to the game so traffic is down
Anyway good luck rest of season and kick USC ass…OK
by volsrock1 on Sep 16, 2009 10:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My future Vol
Oh…my son Stone and future Vol at his middle school homecoming game last night
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3926798606_cc4d473018.jpg
by volsrock1 on Sep 16, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Looks like
a future All-SEC all star to me!
You represent your school extremely well. And you have a great first name.
by Barnes2JJ on Sep 16, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, a hit with the ladies already!
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 16, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great post, MexiBruin.
After reading all of these tremendous stories, I’m just about ready to book my tickets for Austin!
He's not retired...THANK YOU!
by baybruin415 on Sep 16, 2009 5:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Got to go next year
Props to Craig (volsrock1) and to all of the Tennessee fans for being such gracious hosts. This really encourages me to watch a game at Neyland sooner than later.
by Angeleno on Sep 16, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Amazing Story
Along with 66’s post about Nestor, I appreciate the Bruin content everyone posts on this site. I encourage everyone connected with their local alumni group around the USA and world to inform their fellow members about the site.
by bostonbruin on Sep 16, 2009 6:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Very glad
that you had a great time in Knoxville. I was there, and as I always do to most opposing fans, went out of my way to welcome our foes. Hope you have an opportunity to make it back sometime!
by Oskie on Sep 17, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
Hey Mex,
Thanks to you and all the UCLA faithful for coming to our home. We take great pride in our football and welcome you and all others anytime you want to come to Neyland. Great luck to you guys this year!!! Go Vols, Go Bruins
by McRad on Sep 17, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bruins
Check out the 3 posts above mine and all the others by the Vols fans.
And remember that Volsrock1 intentionally gave up an extra ticket to a Bruin when I’m sure someone in Tennessee would have gladly have accepted it.
Is there a classier fanbase? Just amazing.
by Barnes2JJ on Sep 18, 2009 5:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
UCLA vs TN
Hi MexiBruin,
As obvious from my screen name, I am a die hard VOLS fan. I was there for the game last week. I am so glad that you enjoyed the atmosphere and I am glad that everyone showed you some good old fashioned southern hospitality. I flew to California for the UT vs UCLA game in 1997 (it was Peyton Manning’s senior year). I tell everyone in TN how great the UCLS fans were. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I even ended up tailgating with some UCLA fans. I am so proud of both of our teams and their fans for being fiercly competitive and at the same time showing good sportsmanship. I always pull for and watch UCLA on TV and pull for them (as long as they aren’t playing my VOLS). I hope that you guys have a great season.
by tnvolfan3333 on Sep 18, 2009 6:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Back at you
I hate Kiffin but I don’t care.
BEAT FLORIDA.
GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 18, 2009 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The pleasure is all mine.
One of the big reasons I took the risk to fly out there on a last minute whim was the incredible friendliness of the Vols fans that came out to the Rose Bowl last year. I even mention it in last year’s thread. The experience was so positive I declared shortly thereafter that I wanted to fly out to this years game and spend some more time with the Tennessee fans.
Unlike our rivals in the seamy underbelly of Los Angeles, you guys know how to compete with a fiercely competitive spirit while maintaining a dignified sportsmanship.
Go Vols. Beat Florida.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Sep 18, 2009 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fantastic story - great photos!
I love the attitude,MexiBruin, to grab a flight and make it happen. Great stories about the hospitality in Knoxville. Vol fans are overall very friendly and simply love Tennessee football.
I was at the game (flew in from Dallas) and have to say that the Bruin fans were the classiest, coolest visiting fans I’ve ever encountered. The four who sat in front of us were great and complimentary of Neyland and the entire game experience. Of course that “experience” left me afterwards feeling like my heart had been cut out with a kitchen knife, but that’s college football, right? I knew it would be a tough game as UCLA has a lot of talent (a lot of young talent) and a great coach.
Hope the Vols and Bruins can get a home-and-home scheduled soon as our series is one of the great intersectional games in college football. Going back to the sixties the games have almost always been close and hard-fought.
Good luck in the rest of the season—I’ll be pulling for you.
by IamtheVolrus on Sep 18, 2009 8:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Great article!
You highlighted the reasons why I’m proud to be a Vol. I’m glad you had a good time, and in my book, true fans like yourself are always welcome in Knoxville – no matter what colors you are wearing.
by utatch on Sep 18, 2009 9:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Another tie b/t UCLA and Tennessee
UT grad Bill Barnes, one of over 20 head coaches produced by General Robert Neyland, coached the Bruins from ‘58-’64. He died recently.
http://www.today.ucla.edu/portal/ut/in-memoriam-bill-barnes-90399.aspx
Great article BTW, Mexi. Makes me proud to be from Tennessee.
by BillVol on Sep 18, 2009 7:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you
Thank you for such a wonderful article and representation of Knoxville through your photographs and article!
Some TN fans (NOT all) forget how truly blessed we are to have such a wonderful college football program. Growing up in Knoxville, you especially take for granted that unique feeling, until you move away. I currently live in Nashville which is Vandyland- Vanderbilt- Trust me.. not fun if you attended UT.
As we begin a new era at Tennessee with Coach Lane Kiffin, face our first conference opponent today (Florida), it is more important than ever to be reminded what exactly is at the heart of Big Orange Football. Your article did just that for me and made me so proud to be from Knoxville and a Volunteer!
I especially liked your observation about us Southern ladies… great call! ; )
Even though we lost, (sigh) Let me say that UCLA fans are wonderful, gracious, and fun to be around! Every visitor that I came in contact with that day represented UCLA proudly.
So Go Bruins! (Unless they are playing the Vols of course!) You are always welcome at Neyland Stadium!
by MissVol on Sep 19, 2009 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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