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/


THE WIRK

Redskins are getting rolled by the Eagles on MNF

I'm watching the Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Redskins game and can't believe my eyes.  On a day when I heard that the Washington Redskins gave Donovan McNabb a 5 year/$78 million dollar deal, the Redskins are getting rolled. WOW.  It's 50something to basically nothing right now (i.e. 59-28) with just under 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter, and I'm looking out the window at the stars trying to understand how and why McNabb (i.e. who's lack of cardio got him pulled at the end of a game <---  Seriously?!?!  Am I really supposed to believe that?) earned such a sweet deal.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not hating.  I'm for everyone getting as much money as they can, for whatever it is they do.  But wow...  This performance on MNF is abysmal, and almost makes me want to change the channel.  That's right, "almost".  I want to see if the Eagles score 70+ tonight.

I was at the first meeting of the teams at Lincoln Financial Field, and I wouldn't have predicted this outcome for tonight.  Oh well.  One thing is for sure, I feel bad for the folks at FedEx Field, who are sitting in the rain...


THE WIRK

Redskins defeat the Packers in OT ~ Hail!

I'm not sure when it happened, but my friend, Kanak, has become a football fan.  She had tickets to the Green Bay Packers v Washington Redskins game on Sunday, and when I offered to sell them for her, she refused.  She said she wanted to go to the game.  When I picked myself off of the floor, I knew I was going to have to rally "early" (i.e. wake up in the AM) on Sunday and go with her.

****  Incidentally, the night before some guy took my cell phone home with him.  He said I dropped it.  I think he stole it.  Regardless, I offered him $100, if he brought my phone back to me before 10AM (i.e. he called me around 9AM).  For those of you that think that's a bit much, you have no idea what it's like to explain the situation to AT&T that your phone has been stolen and you want to replace it.  The amount of time and energy I'd waste to discuss this issue with those people, is far less than $100.

Kanak picked me up for the game, and we drove to her work and then walked to our friend JV's place.  The few blocks might as well have been a few miles, because I was in no mood for a Sunday morning stroll.  JV's sister drove us to FedEx Field.  I slept in the car on the way. 

View from the seats

Entering the stadium with the game underway, I just wanted to sit and enjoy the game.  I honestly couldn't have cared less about the outcome.  It was a gorgeous day, and I was just excited to be around friends. 

Our friend, Erin, "Don't Stop Believin'"

With Ari and Rod (aka "the Donkey")

With my girls: Kanak, Taters, Marin, and Jena

Kanak was asking questions throughout the game and following the action.  I haven't had to explain penalties (e.g. holding, offsides), football basics (e.g. downs, offense, defense), or that they're yelling "Coooooley" instead of "boo" (i.e. when Chris Cooley does something good) in a long time.  However, I couldn't help but notice that she's definitely been learning the game the past few weeks.  ****  Yes, Kanak, I was impressed.

The game turned out to be a good one!  It went into overtime.  When Green Bay won the coin toss, I assumed that the Packers would win.  When I watched them miss the field goal, I was shocked.  Overtime was stressful, but ultimately the Washington Redskins defeated the Green Bay Packers 16-13, thanks to Graham Gano's field goal... 

Sorry Packers fans.  You lose, and Aaron Rodgers has a concussion and may not play on Sunday. 

I'll admit, I'm not really Redskins fan, but after that performance ~ Hail to the Redskins! 

****  If you ask me, Redskins' fans should buy my tickets to go to all the games for the rest of the season, since the 2 games I've attended they've won.  If you don't remember, I was in Philadelphia last weekend.

Question:  Stadium dog for $6 or two hotdogs for $10?  Which would you choose?


THE WIRK

Redskins v Eagles ~ McNabb's homecoming, Vick leaves the game

On Sunday, I went and checked off another stadium in my quest to hit them all.  I finally decided to hit Lincoln Financial Field to watch the homecoming of Donovan McNabb.  The Washington Redskins were in Philly to take on the Philadelphia Eagles and I wanted to also check out Michael Vick.

It hit me that it was homecoming weekend when I was at dinner with my friend Erika on Saturday night.  She'd missed my birthday and wanted to make it up to me, and I was craving Mongolian beef so off to P.F. Changs we went.  At the restaurant we were surrounded by kids that were dressed up to the nines and it hit me, that it must be "Homecoming" season.  Well, how appropriate that I'd chosen to go to Philly to see the Redskins v Eagles match-up!

I hauled my lifeless body out of bed and drove to Philly.  It's an easy drive (i.e. about 2 hours) and by about 3PM (i.e. after paying $25) I was parked in a lot staring at Citizens Bank Park.  Immediately I was reminded that I needed to check and see what the National League Division Series match-up would be when I got home.  I've been hoping for a Cincinnati Reds v Philadelphia Phillies match-up so I can see the Reds easily.  Although, schedule permitting I do intend to go to Cincinnati and see the Reds at home...  Fingers crossed.

Back to football.

Upon entering Lincoln Financial Field, I noticed that the band Kristen and the Noise was playing.  Wow.  Feels like I never left the DC/MD/VA area...  I noticed that there were ladies selling hats and ties to benefit breast cancer awareness.  Alright, I wasn't planning on buying an Eagles hat.  I'll admit it right now, I'm not an Eagles fan and I dreaded going to the Linc because of the horror stories I've heard about Eagles fans.  However, breast cancer has affected my family and what's $25?  Wearing my new hat, I climbed the steps to the 100 level concourse and sent texts to my friends in the stadium.  After that I was starving and went straight to the concession stand and spent $13.50 on a Philly cheesesteak and a large diet-Pepsi.  When in Rome...

Before the game started, I was curious (i.e. along with everyone else in the free world) as to how Eagles fans would react to McNabb's return.  As he was introduced and ran onto the field, people stood, cheered, and clapped for McNabb.  There were some boos, but the cheers were louder.  Eagles fans were respectful towards him, and I was inpressed by their class.

I used to live in Atlanta and at that time I have to admit, I became a bit of  a Michael Vick fan.  He made football exciting and was fun to watch.  So, I thought what better game to watch since he had been playing touch since the season began.  Well, in that sense, I'd be disappointed. I ended up watching for Kevin Kolb than I intended to since Vick left the game, sometime during the 2nd Quarter...

Kevin Kolb...  Yeah, I really didn't care.

Kolb in the game

As the game went on, it seems like penalty after penalty was being called against the Eagles.  Needless to say the Eagles' fans around me were getting progressively annoyed.  With every false start, holding, and even horse collar call, the man behind me would yell towards the field, "Your mom holds/false starts/horse collars."  Ahh yes.  That's more of what I expected. 

McNabb working

LeSean McCoy leaves the field

Here's one for you, as McCoy got up and walked off the field, the loud mouth behind me said, "Hey, McCoy.  Did Andy Reid promise you 2 vicodin if you got up?!?!"  WOW.  I have to admit.  That was funny!

Eagles offense, so close yet so far away

There were some older ladies around me also and they were hostile when it came to rooting on the  Eagles defense (i.e. or lack there of), but this is football so I wasn't too surprised.  Aside from that douche behind me, the majority of fans were just fine.  Then agan, I did see at least 4 other occasions where someone was about to get punched.  Security seemed to be everywhere to handle and attempt to diffuse the situations "quickly".

It was drizzling during the game, and I was wearing my mini-skirt and Uggs.  Not the best choice, I've ever made, but I survived.  With about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter I knew the Washington Redskins were going to win and I wanted to beat traffic so I bee-lined for the parking lot.  I'll admit, I also wanted to check out Harrah's in Chester on the way home.

I just need to see the Sixers (i.e. Philadelphia 76ers) play at home, and I can cross the city off of my list!  Time to check the schedule.

If you are an Eagles fan, and you want to help raise awareness for breast cancer here's a shirt for you.  It's a great cause.

THE WIRK

Eagles have agreed to trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins

Sit down and have some Chunky soup.  It appears that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins.  Maybe I should've made hitting the Linc (i.e. Lincoln Financial) a priority.  With McNabb gone, and Kevin Kolb taking the reigns, I'm not sure there's any urgency or that I care too much anymore to make the trip to Philly.  Further, although I live in the area, I still can't understand the moves of Dan Snyder and the Redskins.  At a minimum, I'm fortunate to have a professional football team in the area so I can go and scout the visiting teams.

I am a Colts fan.  GO COLTS!


THE WIRK