This post is going to be about an experience I had right at the beginning of the pandemic. It started with, what in hindsight, was a really bad idea. The plan was to go to a basketball game that featured the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. My friends and I wanted to watch rookie sensation Zion Williamson play and tickets at the Warriors new stadium were too expensive. The problem was that Sacramento is 3 hours away from where I live, the game started at 7:30 PM, and it was a school night.
The game was in the middle of March, when the threat of lockdown loomed over my daily life. I had a feeling that sports events would get shut down, so I spent the days leading up to the game constantly checking the state guidelines, hoping some new regulation wouldn't prevent my attendance. The day came, and it looked like the game was still a go, so my friend and I loaded into my 2001 Honda Odyssey (minivan gang) and started the long trip to Sacramento.
We finally got there after getting lost on the confusing streets of the capital, and made our way to Golden 1 Center. We got there about an hour early, and went to get some dinner after finding our seats. We settled on some chicken tenders, which cost about $20. As I sat down to eat my crappy chicken tenders, I saw the players start to leave the floor in the middle of warmups. I checked my phone and, to my dismay, saw that Rudy Gobert had tested positive for COVID. I knew that the game was canceled but hearing the news over the PA system hurt anyway. The crowd gave one loud, collective boo before starting to file out of the arena.
The car ride back was quiet, as we were both understandably disappointed about the game. Looking back, it was pretty irresponsible to even go to the game, but I really didn't understand the threat the virus posed at the time. Still, it makes for an interesting if depressing story, and there aren't a lot of people that can say they drove 6 hours for bad chicken tenders.
My main hope is that at least they were good chicken tenders. I personally am such a foodie and have driven hours for a specific food/restaurant before. I've even planned trips around craving a specific restaurant.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I'm really impressed that you drove all that way for a basketball game. Although you didn't end up getting to watch it, at least you now have an interesting story about chicken tenders to tell!
ReplyDeleteI feel like as long as you are with your friends, anything can become fun even if it's driving in the car for hours. I think it would be so hard for me to sit in a silent car ride for that long. Sorry you had that experience.
ReplyDeleteI guarantee you'll be telling this story for years to come when asked about your experience during COVID. I would not have had your patience to drive that long even during normal circumstances, so I admire your willingness to get out there.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the experience must have been quite disappointing, like Kate mentioned, this experience is definitely one that you won't forget. Hopefully you and your friends were able to spend some quality time together before quarantine.
ReplyDeleteI'm genuinely upset for you that a) you didn't get to see the game (especially with Zion playing) and that b) the tenders were bad. How disappointing :(
ReplyDeleteThat is legit wack. The timing couldn't have been worse. NBA arenas also have the most inflated prices for food I've ever seen. I'm pretty sure I had to pay $7 for a water bottle the last time I was at one, completely ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI think this is hilarious, although if I were in your shoes I would likely disagree. NFL>NBA though so you didn't miss much I'm sure. Kidding. Not really. Okay somewhat kidding.
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