This message is for Joe in Philly, and all others in the Broward County/Dade County, FL and the Greater Philadelphia areas...Joe, the last time I posted a message, I asked if anyone wanted to hang out and go to a sporting event (preferably an NBA, but NHL works as well), and Joe asked me to give specific dates. The way it looks now, and keep in mind that I HAVE NOT PURCHASED THE TICKETS AT THE TIME OF THIS MESSAGE, is that I will arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday Night, March 11...I understand that this is PrideFest in Lauderdale. I am also POSSIBLY interested in attending Pride. I know that the Panthers have a home game against the Flyers on Wednesday, March 15th. That might work, if anyone else is interested.

I then fly from Lauderdale to Philly on Friday morning (the 17th) and I am staying with my aunt in Feasterville-Trevose until Sunday Night. If there's a Sixers', Phantoms', or Flyers' game Friday Night or Saturday Night, that would be awesome. I apologize for inundating the group with these details, but I wanted to be as specific as possible. So, if anyone wants to attend a sporting event while I'm in these areas, please respond to the message. Thanks!

[ February 20, 2006, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: Falconpride ]

Well, the Sixers and Flyers are away that weekend because the Wachovia Center is hosting the first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. That would be great to see, but getting tickets is the obvious problem there.

The Phantoms are home (at the Spectrum) that Friday night vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL team). If you have any interest in indoor soccer (or at least guys in shorts with nice strong legs), the Kixx have a game at the Spectrum that Saturday night.

Joe---I think that a Kixx game sounds great. I've never seen a live soccer game before, even though Pittsburgh has a minor league soccer team. I've already been to some minor league hockey games (Rochester Amerks of the AHL, and the Trenton Titans). Interesting side note: when the team was in the A-League (now they're in a different league), they were to play a home game against Montreal. I was supposed to sing both Canadian and American National Anthems at that game, which was on my 20th birthday. However, I ended up with a kidney stone, and spent that weekend in the hospital. Talk about luck--NOT! So, let me know how much tickets are, and how to get in contact with you via phone or e-mail. Anyone else want to join? Let either myself or Joe know. Thanks!

OK...I was just looking at the Kixx...apparently they suck the big one. The Phantoms could also be a viable option, especially since the Baby Pens' are my team, and they kick ass. So, Joe, either one is cool.

Ok....still waiting on responses from members...read earlier posts! Thanks!

Yes, but it's not so much about winning as it is about guys in shorts. wink

Let's see if we get some other responses. Getting tickets to either one shouldn't be a problem.

[ February 19, 2006, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Ok, Joe...I booked my airplane tickets. I will just be going to Philadelphia, as opposed to my earlier plans of going to Ft. Lauderdale first (sorry, guys). I am coming in Friday, Mar. 17 in the afternoon, and leaving Sunday Night, the 19th. So, take your pick of sporting event, and let me know, so that I may purchase tickets accordingly. Thanks!

[ February 20, 2006, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: Falconpride ]

Don't worry about buying the tickets in advance. Plus we may have someone want to go at the last minute. We'll keep bumping this up now and then until the time comes.

You may want to edit the subject line (on your original post in the thread, just click on the icon that looks like a paper and pencil) to something like "Hang Out in Philly 3/17-18."

You can add me to the short list of attendees, wherever you might be going.

Scottie...thanks for your interest. We're debating between going to a Phantoms' game on Friday Night, or a Kixx game on Saturday. Joe, is there another way of getting a hold of you? Like an e-mail address, or a phone number? This form of communication isn't direct enough. Thanks.

P.S. What would the likelihood be of getting tickets to the first-round games of the NCAA Tourney at the Wachovia Center? I'm gonna investigate that...

My e-mail address is listed in my profile. Click on the little icon at the top of this post (next to the date and time).

Unless you have connections or are willing to pay huge sums of money to a ticket broker/scalper I wouldn't count on NCAA tickets. wink Regarding Phantoms vs. Kixx, it doesn't really matter to me. I went to some Phantoms games last year (and, of course, Flyers games this year) so I'm not hockey-deprived. I've also been to indoor soccer games before (though I don't recall seeing the Kixx, come to think of it).

scottie, if you have a preference either way let us know. Seems only fair after we dragged you to an Eagles game.

I'll yield to the visitor - whatever his preference is, I am fine with.

FP - Check your PM's.

[ February 21, 2006, 06:42 AM: Message edited by: scottie ]

Awww...thanks for deferring, Scottie. I think I would like to go to a Kixx game. I've never been to a soccer match before, if we can garner enough interest from other people in the area. If not, then I would be amenable to going to a Phantoms' game. Guys, you can contact me via e-mail to let me know. Thanks.

I'm available Friday and/or Sunday, but not Saturday. Don't forget about me!

too bad yas aren't doin this two weeks prior.....I'll be in town for a Phantoms game on the 3rd(Hershey on the 4th).

Well, if I'm available all weekend, and I hope that Joe and Scottie are as well, then we should go to the Phantoms' game on Friday. Like I said, either one would be cool, and we want to include as many people as we can. And Blue, sorry man, you're just gonna have to miss out on all the fun....

P.S. Joe, when are you going to learn how to respond to an e-mail? I sent you one, and am eagerly awaiting your response... wink

[ February 23, 2006, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: Falconpride ]

So the Phantoms it is, then, and on St. Patrick's Day. Everyone be sure to wear green! wink

FP: I am replying to your e-mail right now. I didn't reply previously because I didn't have anything to say. eek!

Joe...I just received your e-mail. Thanks for responding, and taking the point on organizing this meeting. I'm not Irish; do I still have to wear green? Do I even OWN anything green? I need to check my wardrobe... wink

P.S. If anyone has connections in the Phantoms' organization, I would LOVE to sing the National Anthem. Read one of my earlier posts, I have experience in doing so, and I currently sing with the GLBT chorus here in Pittsburgh. I can provide a tape if necessary. Or am I just doing some wishful thinking?

[ February 23, 2006, 04:05 PM: Message edited by: Falconpride ]

I talked to Falconpride yesterday, he asked about getting dinner before the game. I think we should plan on eating at McFaddens (at Citizens Bank Park, across the street from the Spectrum) before the game. Maybe meet at 5:30 PM? That gives us some time to hang out before the game.

Scottie...Joe sent me an e-mail regarding this as well. He said that McFadden's would be packed, due to it being St. Patty's day and all. He mentioned something about going to dinner in Center City before, and then taking a train to the arena. Guys, what do you think? It doesn't matter to me, as long as we can get to the Spectrum in time for the game. Everyone involved, let's weigh in on the subject.

P.S. Scottie, you're getting glowing reviews from your peers... wink

I'm only guessing that McFadden's would be packed. As I think about it, the restaurant area may not be as packed, though there are the NCAA games at the Wachovia Center both in the afternoon (12 pm) and at night (7 pm) -- so people who may be attending both sessions would possibly be there in between. Most of the crowds may actually be in the bar itself. So maybe we can take a chance on McFadden's.

The Spectrum does have a bar/restaurant inside called Bullies (ha!) -- it was the old Ovations Club in the days before the Wachovia Center. It opens at 5 pm. As a last resort we could try it.

As for singing the anthem, you could try contacting the Phantoms' offices and see what they say. As I understand it, teams generally arrange their anthem singers well in advance, though.

I checked into singing the National Anthem for both the Phantoms and the Kixx. The Phantoms are already booked for this season, but the Kixx aren't. However, the only way I can get to sing the Anthem is to do two things...1) Send in a tape and 2) somehow get a group of 50 or more people to buy tickets to go to the game. What do you think the likelihood of that happening is? Yeah...me, too...unless someone thinks I can get that many people to take an interest in me living out one of my dreams (the singing the National Anthem dream, NOT the sleeping with Greg Ostertag fantasy... wink ). Anyone have any ideas? Let me know ASAP. Thanks.

Scottie, there were three pitchers in the game. The starter and the middle reliever threw about 7 innings combined, but the closer nearly blew the save.

Did people stop talking? Where is everybody? I'm not bitching, just wondering....

I think everyone is mesmerized by your previous message about pitchers and a nearly blown save.

It occurs to me that while you're not likely to get 50 people to buy Kixx tickets so you can sing the anthem, you could "sing for your supper" before the Phantoms game. wink

I'll do you one better, Joe. If there's a bar that has karaoke that Friday Night, I'll be more than happy to take requests and perform a song after the game. Just remember, I'm a bari-tenor, so Journey, Kansas, and Styx are out . However, I can sing Elton, David Bowie, and some Duran Duran. And do you think you can guess what I was talking about with the "baseball" post wink ?

Remember, it's St. Patrick's Day on a Friday night. Bars will be jampacked, I'm guessing. Even places that may have karaoke. Besides, I think karaoke isn't as much fun when it's done by someone who actually has talent. wink But we can discuss that when the time comes.

As for the baseball talk, I don't know if you're talking about a game that actually occurred, or if it's a general rules discussion, or of the two of you are speaking in secret code.

I think karaoke is more fun when you have talent. That way, you get to show off... . And with the baseball reference, I guess the joke is between Scottie and I. Speaking of Scottie, he's been silent as of late...not returning my calls or nothin'! I don't feel the love anymore. wink

He is a lawyer, he's probably quite busy. wink

Giving this a bump in case anyone else might want to join us (phillyrunner? mdphl?) at the game.

You know, I have never been to either a Phantoms or Kixx game, so this may be the opportunity to see one. And since Falconpride has his heart set on singing at the game, which doesn't look like will happen, perhaps he can seronade us privately. wink

Well, it's definitely the Phantoms game because that's the night Ted P. is available -- though I suppose some of us could go to the Kixx game the next night.

Phillyrinner, I'd be thrilled to serenade you . Can all those who are coming send pictures to my e-mail address, which is listed in my profile? That way, I can know whom to flirt with wink . If for some reason, you can't find a link in my profile to my picture, or if the link is non-functional, let me know when you send me the e-mail, and I can send you the pic. RATED G 0R PG ONLY!!! I hate to make that disclaimer, but on the Internet, you never know...thanks!

10 days...count 'em down... . I can't wait to meet yinz guys 'n at....(Pittsburgh-ese for "all of you, and that")...YEE HAWW!! :cool:

Don't they speak English in Pittsburgh?

The next time I'm on my PC I can see if I can find a pic that's suitable, if you don't find something on Outsports (in the galleries for the conventions or Phillies' gay nights) that suits your needs. I spend most of my time on my laptop these days and I don't have any pictures on the laptop.

Not really....come dahn here sometime, and I'll teach you \"Yinzer/Pittsburgh-ese\", 'n at..

Actually, I saw your pic in the Clubhouse, so that is unnecessary. Thanks, though. Give me a call when you get a chance, or I can simply call you tonight after my free minutes start at 7, if that's ok... :cool:

I'm coming to the Phantoms game and dinner. Sure thing. Wherever we have dinner.

I'm not promising to wear green, though. I'm most comfortable in my Oilers jersey at hockey games.

I'm home all evening, so since your minutes are free... wink

Sorry guys, I screwed up and forgot I promised to pick up someone at the airport Friday night. However, I can still join all of you for dinner, in Center City or South Philly.

That's too bad. I was interested in seeing your reaction to a hockey crowd, even if it isn't the Flyers. wink We'll let you know about the dinner plans.

If it's anything like his reaction at an NFL game - he'll be sound asleep in my arms (oops, I meant to say on my shoulder slumped over)

In your arms, eh? I guess now we really know what was going on in those end zone seats! wink mdphl, any chance of your joining us on the 17th? I'm thinking of getting the tickets before the day of the game so I'd like to get a definite count.

Joe, do you have an estimate on the ticket prices for both nights? And, I might need a ride back from the game to my aunt's house in Langhorne. Scottie is unsure of his plans, and even if the trains run that late back to Bucks Co., my aunt is about 2 miles from the Neshaminy Falls Station, so I can't walk it, and I don't know if she intends to be up that late. Even if she is, it's not fair to make her drive that late at night, if it's my idea to go out....Anyone able to help on this one? Let me know....thanks!

Lower level tickets are $19. Second level are $18 for rows 1-6 in the center sections, and $14 for the rest of the second level.

Falconpride if you get stuck for a ride home I could probably help you out.

I spoke to Falconpride on the phone earlier. He's having computer issues and can't get online right now...I guess I'll coordinate things a little. I'm going to meet him at Suburban Station Friday afternoon around 5 pm. From there we can go to wherever it is we decide to eat. phillyrunner: if you are attending the BBM movie at the Ritz on Sunday I'll talk to you then.

I plan to buy the tickets early in the week, so if anyone is reading this who may be interested in joining us, speak now or forever hold your peace. wink

[ March 10, 2006, 09:31 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

I'm coming! Get me a ticket. And I'm working earlier that day but should be done with lots of time to spare...Suburban Station would be fine for me, too, since I'd be coming in from Wayne (where I'm working that day).

Okay, last chance for anyone who hasn't already chimed in...I am buying the tickets for the game tomorrow. We've got four for the game as of now: myself, the still computer-deprived Falconpride, Phillyrunner and Ted P.

After discussions with Falconpride, I think we've pretty much settled the pre-game dinner plans. Phillyrunner is meeting us at the Spectrum just before game time. So Ted and scottie, check your e-mails that I'm about to send. wink

Temporary Access! Yee haw! I just want to thank Joe for all the assistance he has given in this matter! Thanks! I can't wait to meet all you guys.....

I just want to thank Joe and all the others for the AWESOME time I had last night! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH . I'm sorry that I cancelled my plans for tonight, but once again, want to thank you! I don't know how I can make it up to yinz guys 'n at... road trip to Pittsburgh?

Hmmmmmm......What happens in Philly stays in Philly! wink