As I entered the stadium with a collared shirt rather than a victory green jersey, I could not help but feel a massive amount of imposter syndrome.
We had already planned on going to the game and as a side thought decided to ask for media credentials. None of us really expected it to pan out but all it cost us was an email so it was worth a shot. 24 hours before gametime we get an email back. “Your credential request has been approved.”
That sentence might as well have been the starting gun. First thing we had to take care of, what are we gonna do with our ticket? My sister in law and Ryan’s wife Amanda had the brilliant idea of doing the giveaway. So not only do we get a cool experience, we get to give one of our fans a great experience as well.
Second, what's the procedure everyone??? Where do we go? I have never noticed a media entrance or anything whenever I have gone to Stars games. What do we wear? We obviously don't want to go to a place where people are working in shorts and a jersey, but do we wear suits, slacks, jeans??? When do we get there? What do we do when we get there? So many questions!!!
Fast forward to game day and we have all those questions answered as best as we can. I show up at the arena separate from Ryan and James. The media entrance is actually to the right of the west entrance at the American Airlines Center. I get my computer bag scanned (also weird) and pick up my media tag (even weirder). I am then escorted to the media elevator and taken all the way to the top of the stadium.
The press box is cool. There are two rows of seats in the press box all connected by two desks that go the length of the press box. On the far side of the press box is where all the REALLY important people are. This includes both teams press box coaches, NHL personnel, and the Stars hockey operations team. Behind us were a few refreshments and snacks and above our heads were TV’s tuned in to Bally Sports Southwest on a slight delay to basically give us an instant replay anytime we looked up. Being surrounded by the reporters and Stars personnel that I have only seen on social media and TV was so cool.
Finally, It was game time. It took everything in my being to not scream “Stars” during the national anthem. Listening to all the fans screaming it still sent chills down my spine and I think it will every single time it happens. Other than stifling my cheers and groans the actual watchin of the game itself was just like normal. Being able to see it live and be able to banter about it with my brothers made that much more special.
