inside the purple bubble

It began at dawn. Game day in Manhattan and the Powercat emblazoned parade of vehicles makes its journey to Mecca. One such car carried two couples, holding passes to some unknown seats. They were told these seats were really good ones held by a local corporation. But little did they know.

Parking was a nightmare. The dilema: Do they park far, far away and take a long trek to the stadium, or do they pay the big bucks for convenience? Since the tickets were given to them, they opted for convenience (and shelling out the big bucks.)

Tailgating was, by that time, in full swing. The smell of sizzling fat in the shape of burgers, brats, steaks, ribs, filled the air. Games of horseballs, bag toss, catch, passed the time of jovial fans. Knowing that KSU was up against the #4 team made the tailgating more the destination than the game.

The two couples made their way to the stadium's east side, ready to find their seats. But the attendant told them that their seats were on the west side. They knew they were in a suite, but the west side suites were paramount.

Up the special elevator to the third floor, into the tastefully decorated suite filled with free barbeque pork, snacks and beer. FREE. The room had enough upholstered seats for 24 set behind a thick glass wall on three sides.

As game time approached, the suite began filling with a higher class clientele. The four suddenly realized that normal game day attire was not the protocal in this locale. No two-carat diamonds on their hands. Oh well, the food and beer were still free.

As the game progressed and the Cats were getting annihilated, the fans in the bubble were separated from the sounds. No marching band, no cheers or jeers, just the filtered sound of the KSU announcers on the speaker and the quiet hum of the TV.

As the couples left the stadium, they reflected on the surreal experience and agreed that it was like watching a game on TV, except they were out $15 for parking.