After a night out, I definitely slept until there was pounding at my door around noon. Sigh. A third vehicle of friends had arrived. We had booked rooms with a middle door in between us; it was nice of the hotel to be so accommodating. MF had booked one room where at one point as many as 6 people were going to cram into the room. I booked a room for just me and the fourth passenger in our vehicle because I didn't want to be so cramped in one room (which means there would have been 8 total in a room).
I woke up and we went to Oklahoma Joe's BBQ. The line was out the door as usual, but the food was cheap and good. The guy from the previous night who drove out to Ottowa, KS arrived just as we were finished eating. He was then upset we didn't stay and hang around to watch him eat. For those who have never been to OK Joe's, it is so packed that the line always wraps around the building. Due to the small number of tables and chairs, this is not a place to lollygag. You sit, eat, make small talk while eating, wipe your mouth, and leave.
I should note this same guy decided to stay near the stadium instead of where everyone else in Texian Army was staying (about 20 minutes away). For a minimum of four games, even before I decided to go on this trip, I told him not to stay near the stadium due to lack of a nightlife. I strongly encouraged him to stay where everyone else was staying and to move hotels, especially since he didn't pay for his room up front. I cannot feel sorry for people when they are upset because the rest of the group has an agenda (and they chose not to be part of the group).
Since I am becoming more and more familiar with Kansas City, we stopped at Fairway Liquors, which is in the adjacent parking lot. I remembered stopping here in November during the Eastern Conference Final trip. The prices are decent, and it's convenient after eating at OK Joe's. I say "adjacent parking lot" according to my standards. The reality is, if you don't look for the minuscule strip of asphalt, you will easily miss the fact the parking lots are connected.
After the liquor store, we went to Jiffy Lube because MF's "check engine" light came on during the previous night. We were worried, especially after what happened to the other vehicle. Thankfully there were minor problems, and surprisingly the Jiffy Lube guy did not try to tell us to get the oil changed. He assured us we'd make it back to Houston safely; later on the way to the stadium, the light turned off.
We regrouped at the hotel, shuffled people, drums, and coolers around because we had about 15 people needing to fit in two vehicles. We received an invitation from the KC Cauldron (supporters group for Sporting KC), and we decided to take the invitation, though with caution. I drove us to the stadium, and it was hot. It was 107 degrees, and we parked near the speedway. The parking lot had no shade and black asphalt. A parking attendant in a truck took pity on us, so we loaded the drums and coolers into the bed; he then headed to the Cauldron's tailgate with our stuff.
Thank God for KC Cauldron. We would have roasted. They had lots of canopies, welcomed us with open arms, provided water bottles, and a girl had pudding shots. It was funny how there was barely any trash talking, and we all found common ground by talking about other MLS teams. This was the first time I've actually tailgated with the opposing supporters group, and I was pleasantly surprised that there were no altercations. I am so used to Dallas that it was a positive change. I am not saying I would do this with every supporters group, but KC definitely has changed my mindset. It also was a lovely 180 degree contrast to the bottle-throwing, fist-punching, let's-flash-passport-cards regular KC fans experienced during the Eastern Conference Final last year.
We marched into the stadium with no trouble. I drummed the whole game, and I should note I've now established myself as a drummer for Texian Army, since I've been drumming the last six games now. It was odd being the only bass drummer (another drummer had a snare), but it was still fun. I hardly see any of the game while drumming. Sometimes I get to see the highlights, but only if I really pay attention. My support for the team comes in a different format, I suppose. I know we tied 0-0, which made me feel better about accepting the Cauldron's invitation to the Members Bar.
This was my third time at the Members Bar. I have to admit, when people ask, "How's the new Houston Dynamo stadium?" I always say, "I wish we had a Members Bar like Kansas City." No joke. The setup is incredible. Their drummers were jamming inside, and the Cauldron started motioning and waving their hands for us to join. They demanded a Dynamo chant, we jammed, and when everyone started joining arms to sing, "When the Saints Go Marching In," I thought it was beautiful. Cauldron people were joining arms with Texian Army, and it was wonderful. Somewhere I hope there's footage, but a search of YouTube failed to show results.
After the Members Bar, we went back to the hotel. I called it a night. The drive the next day was mundane as well. CS and I drove most of the way back home to Houston, and we made it in 12 hours. My next post will be lessons learned and about other things that happened during the trip, but for now, I bid adieu. Have a good day!
No comments:
Post a Comment