RFK Stadium is turning 50 ~ I Remember

Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, RFK Stadium...
Happy birthday to you!

I'm not originally from the DC/VA/MD area, but I've been in the area long enough to consider it "home".  Yesterday, I attended a press conference to kick off the RFK Stadium 50th Anniversary Celebration.  Some notables in attendance, were Vincent Gray (i.e. the Mayor of DC), Kevin Payne (i.e. President and CEO of DC United), Charles Mann (i.e. former Washington Redskin), Gregory McCarthy (i.e. Vice President of the Washington Nationals), and Norm Everson (i.e. former player for George Washington University).  If you're like me, you'd never heard of Norm either, but if you were at the event, I assure you that you'd never forget him. 

Greg O'Dell, President and CEO, of Events DC kicked of the event and various government and team officials spoke about their own RFK memories.  Everything from football games, to baseball coming back to DC, to boxing, to musical performances have taken place at a building that was described as having "soul".  The "I Remember" campaign is personal and definitely had people more than willing to recall their own experiences at the venue.  Norm's story was the last one and had people talking (i.e. if you want the details, "google" it)!

As someone who moved to the DC area in 2004, I was bummed to hear that I missed the Michael Jackson "Victory" tour and surprised to learn that boxing matches had taken place there.  I've only been to RFK a handful of times, and it was for the Washington Nationals, the Military Bowl, and a DC United Game... 

Well, RFK Stadium, I look forward to creating more memories with you.

Through the "I Remember" campaign, fans can vote for the RFK All-Stadium Team.  This "team" will be 50 of the greatest athletes and entertainers in stadium history.  Fans can also share pictures and memories with each other.  The URLs are: http://www.rfkstadium50.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/RFKStadium.

In addition to numerous events occurring at RFK the rest of the year, October 29 is RFK Stadium Appreciation Day.  Memorabilia will be on display at the DC Armory from 9AM-7PM.  The event will also feature family-friendly activities (i.e. player appearances and giveaways).  Further, tours of RFK Stadium will be given at 10AM, Noon, and 2PM.  These tours will give visitors a behind the scenes look at the locker rooms and the field.  The tours are free, but please register at the following link: http.://www.rfkstadium50.com/


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LA Galaxy v DC United ~ I finally saw David Beckham in person

Last night David Beckham was in town with the LA Galaxy to take on DC United at RFK Stadium.  I'll admit right now, that I don't pay attention to soccer except during the World Cup and the Olympics.  I'm not even a huge David Beckham fan compared to my other friends.  Sure, he's attractive... 

However, unlike some of my girlfriends, I don't want to chase him.

At any rate, if seeing Beckham was on my bucket list, I guess I can check it off now.

As for the game itself, it ended tied with a score of 1-1.  Landon Donovan did not play for the Galaxy.  If you want the specifics on the game, you'll need to "google" it.  Like I said, I don't really watch soccer!

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DC101 Chili Cook-Off: Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots rocked!

Yesterday I was told that I'm missing out on some great NBA Playoff games, since I haven't been devoting my attention to the Eastern or Western Conference Finals.  Perhaps...  However, yesterday I decided I wanted to do the "music thing" and check out the 2010 DC101 Chili Cook-Off and check out Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots.

I'd never seen either band perform before, at least I know for sure I hadn't seen Alice in Chains before last night.  I'm a little hazy when it comes to STP, but regardless I wanted to see them yesterday.  My brother is more of a music guy than me.  He's probably the only person I know of that still hits Lollapalooza.  Who even knew that festival was still going on?  But I digress.  Regardless, I know what I like but I asked my brother if both bands were still relevant.  He replied, "They're cool, but it's pure nostalgia ~ STP only recently back together and Chains has been touring with new singer for a few years since Layne Staley is dead." 

I knew Layne Staley had died, but I'll never forget the image of the guy with his eyes sewn shut in the "Man in the Box" video, so I wanted to check Alice in Chains out.  STP's new self-titled album, "Stone Temple Pilots," is in stores on Tuesday.  It's the 6th album, and their first in 9 years.

I took the metro down to the Stadium Armory with my friend, Brian to meet our friends.  Brian was psyched to hear Alice in Chains perform, "Would?"  He started to play it a little bit of the song on the train (i.e. with this iPhone) and the 2 teenagers across the train immediately smiled.  They were headed to the event also.

Arriving at the event, I was surprised with how big the space was and how many people were there ~ yet it wasn't too crowded/packed.  There were crowds of people walking out while we were walking in.  We arrived at 5:30 (i.e. Alice in Chains was just coming on or had just started).  I'm guessing from the looks of the people heading out of the event that they'd arrived early and partied too hard, so it was time for them to go.

My friend and I tasted no chili, but the chicken on a stick was great.  It was huge ~ seriously, almost an entire chicken.

We indulged in a funnel cake, and then the rain started.  It didn't matter.  The weather was warm and the rain wasn't going to ruin the fun.  With our beer tickets we got our beers and met up with friends.  Brian heard Alice in Chains perform "Would?" and their other hits, and he was thrilled.

Alice in Chains

In between Alice and Chains, I went to meet my friend closer to the stage, and she and I caught up.  I watched  about 30 mins of the STP set by the stage.  STP opened with "Vasoline" and sounded awesome.  I was curious to see how Scott Weiland would look, and he looked sharp.

Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland

After about 30 mins I decided I wanted to move back into the Sound Stage VIP area (i.e. closer to the exit), since the plan was for my friend and I to catch the rest of Game 3 of the Boston Celtics v Orlando Magic series and wanted to get out easilly.  Here's one of the pics I took of STP from that area. 

Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots came out strong and performed well.  My brother was right.  It was pure nostalgia, and I loved every minute of it! 

On the way out I saw this guy, lying in the lawn, so remember to party responsibly.  Haha.

Don't be this guy

If you've never been to the DC101 Chili Cook-Off, definitely check it out if the bands or chili interest you.  It's a great event, and it's for charity (i.e. benefits the National Kidney Foundation).

****  Oh, and I have to mention that Scott Weiland used to live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  In college my friend, Paul, drilled this fact into me so I'd be remiss without stating it.

THE WIRK