|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Best Bet for your sporting dollar By Richard W. Kozak, Jr.  |
| |
I just can’t seem to get that darned commercial out of my head. You know the one that goes, “F-R-E-E; that’s spells free ba pa deed a dum dum dee!” While both infectious and maddening at times that little bit of national advertising does tell the truth. In these trying times of financial unrest, if one can something…anything without cost, it’s a pretty good deal.
The same can be said for the sporting world.
I hate to point fingers and spread around blame because, for years, I was much like any other Western New Yorker who enjoyed a multitude of sporting events. What began as an idle past time soon became a more and more expensive proposition as each season passed. How did “they” do it? When did “we” stop noticing?
Truthfully, did you ever think that one could willingly fork over $ 75 to $ 100 for a ticket to a game or concert and think that price tag was a bargain? I didn’t either.
That’s why I am almost giddy with joy at finding and entertaining and ultra-affordable sporting event that whole heartedly entertained and didn’t put a dent, not even a nick into my pocketbook or family budget.
The answer…drum roll please…Medaille College Soccer.
Don’t laugh because I’m totally serious.
Part of my job as the radio voice of the Harvard Cup Football League is, long after the stadium is empty, to wrap up our gear and put the stadium in order. As the football teams and their fans left the stadium, from the far corner of the stadium “football” teams of a different kind entered the hallowed grounds of All-High Stadium.
From asking the grounds crew, I found out that on this beautiful September evening, for the next few hours the Stadium would be hosting a double header of college soccer. The Medialle Men’s and Women’s programs would be hosting La Roche College.
With my two year old daughter in tow, I figured I’d purchase a ticket and stay for a little bit of the first game. I walked through the hallways of the Stadium to the box office to find the office empty. A member of the Medaille game day crew asked if he might help me and I asked where I might purchase a ticket.
After a puzzled look he replied, “It’s free. You don’t have to pay. Just find a seat.”
Incredulous, I took my daughter’s hand and staked a claim to our seats. I can only tell you that, not only, was the soccer supreme, but the atmosphere was outstanding. The game was billed as “Parent’s night” and the smells of burgers and dogs wafted throughout the stadium. The price for the food? FREE.
On the field, two great games of different ilk were played. The Lady Mavs upended La Roche 2-1 in double overtime off a goal from Ken West’s Laura Freeman.
The men’s team rolled to a 6-0 victory that kept the raucous crowd on its feet. If anyone thinks that soccer is a low scoring game, the Mavericks have outscored their opponents at All-High by the ridiculous number of 35-1.
For a great time at All-High, log on to www.mediallesports.com for more scheduling information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|