Free Beer and Food (and basketball)

On Thursday I had the opportunity to take a free ticket in the SAP box for the Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks NBA basketball game. Getting to see an NBA game for free is certainly a good way to spend an evening, however, the all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink catered affair really puts it over the top!

There was a carload going from my current project, we arrived about 6:15 for the 7:00 game and carefully selected a parking space near what we thought would be an exit gate. This was designed to avoid any issues at the end of the game with crowds leaving the venue. Inside the stadium, we were met at the box by our hostess for the night. She directed us to the roast beef; chicken tenders; hot dogs; sandwiches; pretzels; pop corn and cakes on offer...and also, the refrigerator where the beverages were kept. After a quick scan of the brews on offer, a request was placed for some additional selections but we took advantage of what was there for now. The four of us put a nice dent in the food table as well as downing as many beers as we could as quickly as possible...or at least, that was what I was doing!

Eventually the rest of our party arrived and the game started. The seats were quite good but we were all really only 1/2 watching the game, concentrating on socializing and drinking. At half time, they brought the pizza around, like we had not had enough to eat. Towards the end of the game was the dessert cart with cakes, pastries and other sugary things (I selected a fantastic cheese cake slice) and then following this was the ice cream cart where you could build your own sundae. I knew when I had had enough and declined this (and concentrated on the beer). The game ended with a Philly victory so the crowd was happy. Although, not as happy as us when we were told that we could stay and drink for up to an hour after the game ended. I think we were the last people out of the stadium, a brilliant strategic move that avoided any traffic issues! Of course, our car parked by itself n the far side of the parking lot looked a little silly.

The drive home was uneventful and I managed to grab a few hours sleep before being woken up at 5:30 by my lovely daughters!