Comments:
must be satisfying to have a good meal while watching a game going in favor of the team you're rooting for
.
It's MADNESS!!!!!
Hello PuristS sports fans!
It's that time of the year again....March Madness is here! What better way to kick it off than to watch
games than at sports 'party central': Las Vegas! There's a lot of
fans out here as you see many sporting their favorite team's jersey. Of
course I had my University of Arizona shirt on cheering the Wildcats to
their first match of the tournament.
This time we head to the Aria resort and casino for the weekend. Checkout the beautiful setup that they have for the high limit players and basketball fans.....
For those that are not into sports, March Madness is the start of the NCAA (college) Division 1 basketball tournament. 68 teams from different conferences compete in a single elimination style playoff. IMO, this is an exciting sports event since it's a do or die situation to advance and there's always so many upsets that it's so much fun to watch. Of course it's even better if you have a team playing in the tournament. The teams play at colleges around the U.S. with the finals this year being played at Raliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on April 4th.
My Alma Mater, UofA, is seeded number 5 in the West Regional Division and for their first round faces 12th seed Memphis. Earlier UCLA squeeks by with a 2 point win over Michigan State. Washington and USC are also in this year so GO Pac-10!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As we're in Vegas, there's plenty of games around. A special invite only slot tournament with the March Madness theme is going on while the basketball games are going on.
Others are here to win big money, I'm here to cheer on my Wildcats! They have these huge projector screens all
over the large convention room for coverage of all the games.
As I grab a seat at the tables and served a drink, the match up
starts. It's a rough start as Memphis climbs to a early 9-1
score. Uh-Oh, this is not looking good for my team.
During the commercial breaks, I wander around and checkout the area. They have a fun mini basketball shoot out game in one corner with a chance to play with a new slot machine that the casino will be debuting in the next few days. The crowd is a good mix of young and old but definitely a fun bunch of people.
It's always a party when there's an open bar in Vegas!
Popcorn machine and a Build-Ur-Own Nacho bar for game day......
During the breaks, everyone heads to the basketball setup and attempts to put in a high score.
You can win big money on the slot machines, from 1 penny to $5,000 per pull!
A couple has a dual at the mini-basketball game. Each player has 25 seconds to make as many baskets as possible but you gotta be quick as there are basketballs flying everywhere! The guy gets cocky as he takes the first game, then the lady wins 2 out of 3 rounds to beat her significant other. Of course he says that he let her win to avoid being embarrassed!
A partial view of the convention room. In a few minutes this place is gonna be packed with players and their friends cheering them on.
Let's grab some grub, I'm hungry.......Let's see what we got
Carving station where the chef serves up some tasty BBQ brisket, jumbo all beef hot dogs with all the fixin's.
Hot and cold Italian sub sandwiches, beef Empanadas, Philly Cheese steaks, and a veggie bar.
Can't be game day without some delicious hot wings, the ones here are really good! can't wait to chow down........
Round two.........
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-03-21 02:18:57
It's that time of the year again....March Madness is here!
What better way to kick it off than to watch
games than at sports 'party central': Las Vegas! There's a lot of
fans out here as you see many sporting their favorite team's jersey. Of
course I had my University of Arizona shirt on cheering the Wildcats to
their first match of the tournament. This time we head to the Aria resort and casino for the weekend. Checkout the beautiful setup that they have for the high limit players and basketball fans.....
For those that are not into sports, March Madness is the start of the NCAA (college) Division 1 basketball tournament. 68 teams from different conferences compete in a single elimination style playoff. IMO, this is an exciting sports event since it's a do or die situation to advance and there's always so many upsets that it's so much fun to watch. Of course it's even better if you have a team playing in the tournament. The teams play at colleges around the U.S. with the finals this year being played at Raliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on April 4th.
My Alma Mater, UofA, is seeded number 5 in the West Regional Division and for their first round faces 12th seed Memphis. Earlier UCLA squeeks by with a 2 point win over Michigan State. Washington and USC are also in this year so GO Pac-10!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As we're in Vegas, there's plenty of games around. A special invite only slot tournament with the March Madness theme is going on while the basketball games are going on.
Others are here to win big money, I'm here to cheer on my Wildcats!
They have these huge projector screens all
over the large convention room for coverage of all the games.
As I grab a seat at the tables and served a drink, the match up
starts. It's a rough start as Memphis climbs to a early 9-1
score. Uh-Oh, this is not looking good for my team.During the commercial breaks, I wander around and checkout the area. They have a fun mini basketball shoot out game in one corner with a chance to play with a new slot machine that the casino will be debuting in the next few days. The crowd is a good mix of young and old but definitely a fun bunch of people.
It's always a party when there's an open bar in Vegas!
Popcorn machine and a Build-Ur-Own Nacho bar for game day......
During the breaks, everyone heads to the basketball setup and attempts to put in a high score.
You can win big money on the slot machines, from 1 penny to $5,000 per pull!
A couple has a dual at the mini-basketball game. Each player has 25 seconds to make as many baskets as possible but you gotta be quick as there are basketballs flying everywhere! The guy gets cocky as he takes the first game, then the lady wins 2 out of 3 rounds to beat her significant other. Of course he says that he let her win to avoid being embarrassed!
A partial view of the convention room. In a few minutes this place is gonna be packed with players and their friends cheering them on.
Let's grab some grub, I'm hungry.......Let's see what we got
Carving station where the chef serves up some tasty BBQ brisket, jumbo all beef hot dogs with all the fixin's.
Hot and cold Italian sub sandwiches, beef Empanadas, Philly Cheese steaks, and a veggie bar.
Can't be game day without some delicious hot wings, the ones here are really good! can't wait to chow down........
Round two.........
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-03-21 02:18:57
It's MADNESS part2
Some better pics of a typical game day food fare:
Philly Cheesteak smoothered in cheese sauce, onions, mushrooms, and peppers.......
A few slices of the tender and moist BBQ Brisket.....
Jumbo Dog with cheese, sauerkraut, spicy yellow mustard, and pickle spears with a side of beefy nachos! YUM!
After loading up my plates and filling my stomach, I head back to table to check out all the action...
I have to say this is a great game, it's a nail biting one with the lead changing back and forth. I'm nervous for my Wildcats!
A lay up gives them a one point lead.........
At the half time, Arizona's up 3!
Time for another break, let's head to the dessert section for some Root Beer Floats
Arrrrgh! In the second half, Arizona is sluggish and it's a close game again......
With some smart plays and a short run, we're up by 7! Can't be too excited as anything can happen in the NCAA tournament, it ain't over 'til it's over.
Memphis does well and makes a comeback
Now it's down to the wire with only 14.2 seconds left, Memphis has a chance to tie it up.
Luckily Arizona holds on to win their first game in the tournament, 77-75!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!!!!!
Next up is a tough team on Sunday in 4th seed Texas. Back in 1997, U of A surprised everyone to upset Kansas in overtime to win the championship, it's a longshot but you never know what can happen.
In other games, Ohio State breeze through Texas-San Antonio and looks strong to take the 2011 championship. Michigan trounces Tennessee after some pregame drama. Virginia Commonweath surprises Georgetown with a win to play Perdue next.
Anyone else watching the games? IS your favorite team in it this year? Any predictions to take it? With the wins over Old Dominion and Southeast Regional's #1 seed Pittsburgh, it seems like Butler is the cinderella team this year.
-MW
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-03-21 02:21:29
Philly Cheesteak smoothered in cheese sauce, onions, mushrooms, and peppers.......
A few slices of the tender and moist BBQ Brisket.....
Jumbo Dog with cheese, sauerkraut, spicy yellow mustard, and pickle spears with a side of beefy nachos! YUM!
After loading up my plates and filling my stomach, I head back to table to check out all the action...
I have to say this is a great game, it's a nail biting one with the lead changing back and forth. I'm nervous for my Wildcats!
A lay up gives them a one point lead.........
At the half time, Arizona's up 3!
Time for another break, let's head to the dessert section for some Root Beer Floats
Arrrrgh! In the second half, Arizona is sluggish and it's a close game again......
With some smart plays and a short run, we're up by 7! Can't be too excited as anything can happen in the NCAA tournament, it ain't over 'til it's over.
Memphis does well and makes a comeback
Now it's down to the wire with only 14.2 seconds left, Memphis has a chance to tie it up.
Luckily Arizona holds on to win their first game in the tournament, 77-75!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!!!!!
Next up is a tough team on Sunday in 4th seed Texas. Back in 1997, U of A surprised everyone to upset Kansas in overtime to win the championship, it's a longshot but you never know what can happen.
In other games, Ohio State breeze through Texas-San Antonio and looks strong to take the 2011 championship. Michigan trounces Tennessee after some pregame drama. Virginia Commonweath surprises Georgetown with a win to play Perdue next.
Anyone else watching the games? IS your favorite team in it this year? Any predictions to take it? With the wins over Old Dominion and Southeast Regional's #1 seed Pittsburgh, it seems like Butler is the cinderella team this year.
-MW
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-03-21 02:21:29
I like 'basketball' tourney...
Hey DRMW,
Cool post! This weekend excitement made me like 'basketball tourney'... I'm moving toward loving 'basketball tourney'... oh well, need to be more attentive & be in a winner category next year
GOOOO MIDWEST ,
ATM
Nice environment,
must be satisfying to have a good meal while watching a game going in favor of the team you're rooting for
.
re: Nice environment
It was a lot of fun as the basketball games were really good.
-MW
-MW
I know zero about basketball...
...but I do like to watch the Lakers or Clippers play from the company suite at Staples when I get the opportunity. Instead of March Madness basketball, my girlfriends and I play something called Fug Madness which is a March Madness like tourney involving celebrity fashion. Google "Fug Madness" and you'll learn all about it at a celebrity fashion site called Go Fug Yourself. My friends and I read the site on a regular basis because the writers are so funny.
I will root for the Wildcats for you, MW!
Cheers,
Daos
I will root for the Wildcats for you, MW!
Cheers,
Daos
it's a easy game to follow....
Doesn't a Lakers fan sitting with you explain to you the rules when you go to the suite? If you aren't into the game, they have Canter's pastrami sandwiches there!
-MW
-MW
Don't get me wrong...
...I enjoy watching the game live and understand some of the basic rules, but mainly my goal in life while in the suite is to wait for the dessert cart to roll on by so we can gorge on sweets like caramel apples and brownies!
Cheers,
Daos
Cheers,
Daos
Hard to comment
On the game itself since it is not my expertise but watching the game is exciting! Thank u for the glimpses given into the games, Ming! So much fun! Is that a regular trip u make regularly every season?
Apology, but my attention diverted almost instantly by the Hoops machine and the Philly Cheesesteak ! I was horrible at basketball during highschool! A shorty me could not aim and jump and score a ball ! The Hoops machine seems like a perfect solution to me! The juicy Philly claimed my attention next. It looks yummilicious ! Sigh.... Never have that before! Sulk :-(
Good trip and excitement u had to kick off the new week refreshed ! Hopefully
Cheers,Linda
re: comment
Hello Linda,
My two favorite sports is Basketball and (American) Football. College basketball is exciting because anything can happen and there's usually a 'Cinderella' team that is the underdog of the tourney. Unlike baseball with so many games, In football every game counts and to me it's exciting to watch!
Philly Cheesesteaks are made of Rib-eye beef so it's tender and delicious. Come out to IGOTT2 and we'll take you to some Pastrami places!
-MW
My two favorite sports is Basketball and (American) Football. College basketball is exciting because anything can happen and there's usually a 'Cinderella' team that is the underdog of the tourney. Unlike baseball with so many games, In football every game counts and to me it's exciting to watch!
Philly Cheesesteaks are made of Rib-eye beef so it's tender and delicious. Come out to IGOTT2 and we'll take you to some Pastrami places!
-MW
I think of food all the time
Ming, thank u for explaining. I know how 'hot' basketball n football in America. Indeed exciting!
I like rib-eye steak! Will dream of Philly Cheesesteak! I regret that CH and I cannot make it to IGOTT2. Hopefully another time we can.
Cheers,Linda
re: all the time
When you make it out this way, we've got lots of places for you to try!
-MW
-MW
Now now......
Don't tempt me, Ming. I am easily bribed with good food
Do u hace CUT (Wolfgang Puck) in your city ? It opened few months back here. Delicious rib-eye steak they have I am looking forward for Robuchon to open soon here.
Cheers,Linda
yes!
Rib-eye? You have the same tastes and my brother and I! Cut has been open for about 3 years, it's very good but I prefer Mastro's which is up the street. Cut has Kobe beef and their apps and sides are more interesting than Mastro's but their cream corn and cream spinach is delicious. Service is spotty at Cut where as Mastro's has been very consistent. I've been to both Robuchon in Vegas and it's excellent, I think you will enjoy it. Please let us know how it is.
-MW
-MW
Spot On !
Having culinary rendezvous with u and Ed will be dangerous liason for CH n I knowing the similar palette!
CUT so far so good. Meaning overall performance, the rib-eye, sides, service n price.
So far I have only been to Robuchon in Hongkong, Paris and Tokyo. All are very consistent in overall performance. Curious about how it will fare here. Hmmmm..... A little bird told me it opens on the 28th this month but unsure if it will delay or not Will update u for sure, Ming!
Cheers,Linda
I bet I haven't had a rot beer float in over 30 years!
That one looks great!
Have fun!
Best,
CaliforniaJed
Have fun!
Best,
CaliforniaJed
It was gooooood!!!!!
Good ice cream with a nice root beer makes a great float! Simple yet delicious, maybe make one for your kids?
-MW
-MW
I just like it when the underdogs beat the top seeds!
bye bye Louisville, Pitt, Gtown..LOL...
enjoy guys!
I am following Nadal V Djokovic...sadly..federer's time has passed...
enjoy guys!
I am following Nadal V Djokovic...sadly..federer's time has passed...
SWEET 16 baby!!!!!!!
With the 70-69 win over Texas tonight, we're in the SWEET 16! Hopefully they pull a miracle against Duke.
-MW
Hopefully they pull a miracle against Duke.-MW
Whatttt!
You're in Las Vegas again?=0 You must love it there - it seems like you're there all the time - except when you're in Hawaii...
Sounds fun,
Helen
Sounds fun,
Helen
re: Whaattttt
Tons of fun Helen! Vegas is only a 260+ miles drive from L.A. to Vegas so it's a quick weekend getaway. Hawaii is always awesome so I go whenever I get a chance.
-MW
-MW