The date is Thursday, Sept. 3. It's finally here — my first Patriots game. It's actually a preseason game, but that's just a technicality. It's Pats versus Giants, and it's going to be awesome. At 6:00 p.m, my roommate Gaby and I step off the train outside of Gillette Stadium, and the adventure begins.
As we walk to the front gates, my mind is racing. I can't even keep up with with all that's going through my head. Here are the 42 thoughts I had while at my first Patriots game:
1. We haven't even entered the stadium yet, and I'm already embarrassed because I came here with a Giants fan. A GIANTS FAN. That's like a mortal sin against New England.
2. Time to go inside; kickoff is in 10 minutes. This looks just like airport security, to be honest.
3. Take off my sweatshirt, yep. Empty my pockets, yep. Open up my bag to be searched, yep. Just got to walk through the metal detector. I love airports; I know the drill.
4. What do you mean, "You can't take that bag in with you."?
5. It's wide open for you to search. I'm not carrying anything illegal/dangerous.
6. No, I was not aware of the clear bag policy.
7. No, I do not have a car to put it in.
8. YOU WANT ME TO THROW IT OUT?!?
9. This is a LONGCHAMP. It cost me half a week's paycheck!
10. YOU WANT ME TO THROW IT OUT?!?
11. Breathe, Karla. Regroup. Figure it out.
12. Empty the bag. Fold it up to travel size. Oh, look, it's a clutch now.
13. Disaster averted. Amen. Let's find our seats.
14. This is a lot higher than I anticipated. A lot higher. So many stairs.
15. But hey, it's actually a really good view.
16. Speaking of views, where is Tom Brady?
17. TB12 is free, why is he not here?
18. TOM?!
19. Maybe he shows up later.
20. Oh, the game's started. Here we go, PATS!
21. I don't know any of these players. Oh right, it's preseason.
22. That Giants fan behind us is quite rowdy. Maybe Gaby should go make friends and ally herself with her people here.
23. And that makes field goal number four. Is anyone going to score a touchdown?
24. Oh, look, someone is selling concessions.
25. $4 for a bottle of water? $9 for a beer?
26. I can't believe I just paid $4 for water.
27. Back to the game. Focus.
28. Stop looking at the big screens. The game is right in front of you.
29. Field goal again. Still no touchdowns.
30. The score's 9-9. All tied up. Not much of a football score ...
31. And here comes the rain. At least there's only five minutes left.
32. Maybe if we move up, the awning will cover us.
33. Oh wait. We're in the upper deck.
34. And now I look like an idiot for suggesting that.
35. It's really raining now. Take cover!
36. Do they still have the cheerleaders out there? Really?
37. Oh, now they're dancing. And soaking wet.
38. This feels like a Sports Illustrated shoot.
39. Pats go for the gold, looking for the touchdown ...
40. Nope.
41. Another field goal.
42. And that's game. Giants win 12-9. Time to head home.
It wasn't exactly one for the books. Not the most exciting football game I've ever seen, and I never did get a glimpse of Tom Brady. But to actually be in Gillette Stadium, surrounded by exuberant Patriots fans, was an experience like no other. And I'm so grateful that I got to share it with my best friend ... even if she is a Giants fan.
