I’d every intention of delivering a completed Inside Baseball – February, Vol. II, for you today.
Alas, when you’re in Rome for only two nights with only 10 hours, 45 minutes of daylight to see the city, well, you see the city.
As I compose this little note, I can report I’m a shade under 25,000 steps for the day, with more to come on my way to dinner. Along the way, we saw the world’s most notable Chicago White Sox fan (aka Pope Leo XIV) deliver remarks and blessings in St. Peter’s Square this morning at Vatican City, checked out Trevi Fountain, and made our way to the Colesseum (with plenty of stops in between, including my near daily dose of gelato … shh, don’t tell my doctor;-)
All of that is to say, there will be a Volume III coming to your inbox next Wednesday after a bit more time to craft something.
In the meantime, two nuggets to note:
First, as of this writing I remain in Facebook jail for posting a 20-second clip of the opening face off from the USA vs. Sweden Women’s Hockey Semifinal. The International Olympic Committee reported me for “copyright infringement. (Never mind that I was not posting it live, but that’s a post/rant for another time.) I’ve no idea when my parole hearing is due, but a message I saw attempting to reply on FB Messenger makes me think it’s a 48-hour deal, but I honestly don’t know.
Second, overnight, WDIV Channel 4 in Detroit aired a story news anchor Ty Steele did about my wife, Carol, and I, about the Around the World in 80 Sporting Events trip to Milano and Cortina. The video link is below if you’ve not seen it.
We ran into Detroit news anchor Ty Steele near Parco Sempione and the Castello Sforzesco in Milano, Italy.
The Olympic Cauldron in Milano under the iconic Arco della Pace.
I’m rejoined by my travel partners from this 2-week Olympic journey through Italy, my wife, Carol, friend, Tim, and his wife, Tracey.
After spending the first several days of our trip in Dolomites for a pair of events (Men’s Singles Luge and Mixed-Doubles Curling Semifinals) we made our way to Milano – Italy’s second largest city – for four more events (Ice Dancing Free Dance and medal ceremony, Canada-Czechia men’s hockey, Short Track Speedskating, and Women’s Ice Hockey Semifinals).
As one might expect in a city whose metropolitan area population totals close to 6.5 million, there was a distinctly different vibe for the events in this area than what we experienced in Cortina (year-round population of about 5,500).
Of note, I’ve been placed in Meta jail by the bots that overlook the Zuckerburg family of social media (Facebook, Insta, and Threads) thanks to a 20-second clip I posted Monday from the USA-Sweden Women’s Hockey Semifinal. (Apparently, the International Olympic Committee considered that Copyright Infringement. With that, I’ll still post on Twitter/X (gulp:-( and BlueSky.
As I write this February edition of “Inside Baseball,” my traveling party and I are en route from San Vito, Italy, to Milan.
It’s pretty much a 6-hour travel day from our housing near Cortina to Milan where we’ll continue our Winter Olympics experience over the next week.
As promised a little more than a week ago, here’s the first of two “Inside Baseball” editions this month, focusing – primarily – on our time in Cortina for a pair of events as part of the Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project.
The Olympic Cauldron by night in Piazza Angelo di Bona.
The Cauldron by day with Olimpia delle Tofane in the backdrop.
The Olympic Cauldron with Carol and I in the foreground.
Corso Italia is decked out with flags and illuminated figures flying overhead.
The waning sun in downtown Cortina.
This flags adorn various lamp posts throughout Cortina.
The remainder of the set.
You never know who might meet on the streets. Here’s Carol and a member of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Team.
The Olympic and Paralympic torches were found in a streetside display.
The Coca-Cola Peak Experience allowed for visitors to hold a torch.
The Olympic Medals.
The Paralympic Medals.
Switzerland’s Hospitality House provided us with a warming spot and lovely meal following our time at the luge event.
The Argentinian contingent marches in the Cortina Opening Ceremonies Parade of Nations.
Fans from everywhere crowded around Cortina to see the Opening Ceremonies, including these recognizable names from Canada.
The Australian athletes’ contingent.
Various television crews from around the world are frequently doing live reports from streets.
The view inside the Cortina Sliding Center.
One of the two mascots, Tina, was at the Men’s Luge Event.
Looking down the row of flags in the Sliding Center.
In case I ever forget what it was I was seeing.
You’ve gotta …
…. be …
… quick …
… on the photo button.
Here’s a men’s luge participant at the finish.
We watched the final runs from our home the next night. Here’s Gold Medalist Max Langenhan from Germany celebrating.
I wonder how the German’s will fare in skeleton?
The Sliding Center as seen from the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium.
The view of Olimpia delle Tofane from across the valley atop Mount Faloria.
The one constant we experienced in Cortina was lack of organization for boarding the shuttle bus.
Our seat view during Curling.
The logo on the curling ice.
A pair of passionate Italian fans cheer on their team.
American curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin talk strategy during their semifinal match.
Italian curlers Stefania Costantini and Amos Monsaner during their semifinal match.
The Swedish curlers are siblings Rasmus and Isabella Wrana.
The British curlers are Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat.
The Brits conceded their match to Sweden with one end remaining.
The Americans Korey and Cory celebrate their semifinal victory.
Our group, Tim, Tracey, Carol, and I, following the action.
A wide view of the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium.
We watched the Gold Medal match from our flat. Sweden won.
It’s hard to see (look for the arrow), but that’s the helicopter airlifting U.S. downhill skier Lindsey Vonn off Tofane following her crash.
The Lilly photobooth puts you in the action.
Commemorative laser-engraved can of Coke? Yes, please.
Having fun at the Swatch Photobooth at Switzerland House.
The Olympic Rings in Cortina with Olimpia delle Tofane in the backdrop.
Cortina Village from high above on Mount Faloria
Moonlighting
I volunteered to serve as a Cortina correspondent for former Conversations with Sports Fans guests, Jill Jaracz and Alison Brown (aka Keep the Flame Alive Podcast). Jill had noted on a post shortly after she’d arrived in Milan that travel challenges/time constraints were likely to prevent either of them from experiencing any of the Games in Cortina. I filed a pair of reports that were, in my opinion … OK, following our time at the Men’s Luge Singles Runs 1 and 2 and again following the Mixed Doubles Curling Semi-Finals.
You’re able to listen to Keep the Flame Alive at this link. Jill and Alison do a whale of a job recapping each day’s highlights from a pair of fans’ perspective.
Around the World in 80 Sporting Events in the News
The cover of last Thursday’s Detroit News. (Photo by Helena Hill)
The Detroit News profiled my Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project in it’s February 5th editions. Writer Tony Paul and photo journalist, Daniel Mears, combined to tell the story of my post-retirement endeavors. The editors at The News deemed it front page worthy, which was a bit humbling to say the least. Here’s a link to the story.
Video Virality
Midway through the Mixed Doubles Curling Semifinals, I shared the video below as a Facebook Reel. As I type this, it’s been viewed three-quarters of a million times!
Holy Moly!!!
American’s Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin combine on a 3-point score during the fourth end of their semifinal match with Italy.
And, quite frankly, pursuing the goal of seeing 80 of the most iconic sporting events and/or venues must include an Olympiad. That it would be the Winter Games (due to my self-imposed June 2027 deadline for finishing this quest) was OK with me. I have fond recollections of the Winter Games dating (faintly) to Innsbruck (1976), Lake Placid (of course!), and Sarajevo (1984). Along the way, villages such as Albertville, France, and Lillehammer, Norway, have also hosted and always seemed so idyllic when viewing from my living room sofa.
That I was able to make my way to Cortina, nestled in the Dolomites, was a bit of a dream come true. Sure, these Games are splitting time between Milan (Italy’s second largest city) and Cortina and I had plans to visit both, but I’m glad the initial experience occurred in mountains in a tiny village where people milled about and mingled along Corso Italia (Cortina’s main street).
In this special bonus Conversation I’m joined by my wife, Carol, my friend, Tim, and Tim’s wife, Tracey, to discuss what our experience in Cortina was like before we spent a day traveling to Milan for more Olympic fun.
Reflections from our time in Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
An exterior shot of the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium in the Italian town of Cortina in the Dolomites. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
There is a very real likelihood that by the time you read this post I’ll be on a plane bound for Venice, Italy, the first stop during 2-week odyssey through the northern tier of the country.
And, might I say, it is still absolutely bananas to me to think that I’m going to the Olympics!
Sure I’m a man of retirement age now, but internally there’s still a part of me that’s the shaggy blonde-haired kid of my youth in small town in Indiana who bore a bit of a resemblance to “Cousin Oliver” from The Brady Bunch.
Bobby Brady, cousin Oliver, and Cindy Brady.
I’m not sure Oliver ever made it to Milan!
Yet, that’s exactly where I’ll be on Tuesday. And before that, in Cortina, a town of about 5,500 permanent residents (even smaller than my hometown) nestled in the Dolomites.
My wife, Carol, and I are traveling with longtime friend and Sports Fan Project supporter, Tim, and his wife, Tracey. Our agenda is a full but not overly so in hopes that we’ll be able to stop for a beat or two soak in what we’re experiencing. We have tickets to six events over the 11 days we’ll be in the Olympic communities. They are:
Men’s Luge Heats 1 & 2 in Cortina
Mixed Doubles Curling Semifinals in Cortina
Ice Dancing Free Dance in Milan
Men’s Hockey Pool Play, Canada vs. Czechia in Milan
Short Track Speed Skating, Men’s 1500-meter Finals, in Milan
Women’s Hockey Semifinals in Milan
As for you, the readers, I may not be bringing back souvenirs for all of you, but I do have a few things in store.
First, on the podcast – Conversations with Sports Fans – there are eight episodes in the can (e.g. scheduled to air) and two more to be recorded by our traveling team in Italy. So, if you’re following along, that’ll be 10 episodes of Conversations during the month of February (that’s more than one every three days!). Among the episodes that are Olympics’ focused:
One with the mother of first-time Olympic cross-country skier, Kendall Kramer – Susan Schwartz
One with an employeer at Kays Curling in Ayreshire, Scotland, the sole manufacturer of Olympic curling stones since 1998 – Ricky English
Second, if you’re a subscriber of The Sports Fan Project’s blog (sign up along the right column on the website) you’ should’ll be receiving the subscribers’ only “Inside Baseball” posts twice while I’m in Italy. One each week of the Olympics that I promise will be heavier on photos than prose. (If you’re not already a subscriber … whatcha waiting for!?! It costs nothing and the goods get sent directly to your inbox. Sign up over there to the right. I’d love to deplane Thursday morning in Venice and see at least five new subscribers which would pass another milestone.)
Finally, keep your eyes peeled upon my return as I do hope to pick up a trinket or two that will make great giveaways and look forward to sharing some of the Olympic experience with readers and supporters.
And speaking of giveaways, the deadline to enter to win an author-signed copy of Madness: The Rise and Ruin of Sports Media by Mark Hebscher (last week’s Conversations’ guest) is Sunday at 11:59 p.m. EST (email me your interest in being entered at hilldouglast@gmail.com).
There’s a better-than-average chance I’ll see Milan’s Il Duomo at some point while I’m there. (Photo by luismb/Reddit)
Is this photo of my friend Rob and I suitable for framing? Some might say it is.
The last time I saw a Detroit Lions’ home football game was November 28, 1996.
The Lions hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in their annual Thanksgiving Day Game at the Pontiac Silverdome. The Chiefs, led by a pair of Marcus Allen touchdowns (his 111th and 112th of his career which passed Walter Payton for the NFL record), won the game, 28-24.
I remember this game because it was my friend Rob’s bachelor party and a bunch of fellas attended in advance of his wedding the next evening.
It only seemed like deja vu because our other friend, Mike, did the whole Lions’ Thanksgiving-Day-game-bachelor-party-thing the year prior when the Lions bested the Minnesota Vikings, 44-38.
In the years since – also known, largely, as the “Dark Ages for Detroit Lions’ Football” – I did my viewing of the hometown professional football team from the comfort of my living room sofa or a few select road games where I either met friends or checked some stadiums off my list: Once in Green Bay’s Lambeau Field for a 28-6 Lions’ loss; once in Denver for a 20-16 Lions’ loss; once in Arizona for a 17-10 Lions’ loss; and, mercifully, once in Dallas for a 47-9 Lions’ win.
That said, when it came time to determine which 80 would be on my Around the World in 80 Sporting Events list you could have bet the house that a Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day Game was going to be on it.
Securing Tickets
Thankfully, this was a home game for me. Sleep in my own bed. Drive in my own car.
Lions’ tickets, however, are not what they once were e.g. abundant and cheap.
With the move 23 seasons ago from the cavernous Silverdome (capacity 80,311) downtown to the relatively cozy confines of Ford Field (65,000) and a team that suddenly – and rather miraculously – learned how to be competitive in the NFL, Lions’ tickets have been H-O-T. For an occasion such as Thanksgiving Day with division rival Green Bay coming to town, these were some in-demand tickets.
Luckily, I knew a guy;-)
My friend Rob (and not the one whose bachelor party was in the Silverdome 29 years ago) is a long-standing Lions’ season-ticket holder and when I shared my vision for the Around the World project he seemed all-too-willing to support the effort and sell me one of his tickets at face value. His only request was that he be my wingman a couple days later for the Michigan-Ohio State game at Michigan Stadium (more on that event next time).
Sold!
No hotel expense, free parking at a downtown casino, face-value ticket cost … this event was trending toward an under budget experience.
Joining the Parade
The Mother Goose float, a staple in America’s Thanksgiving Parade, since 1924 heads toward me on Woodward Avenue.
While there may be nooks and crannies around the city of Detroit that afford free parking for major events, there is only one has free parking 24/7 365 days a year: The MGM Grand Detroit Parking Garage.
While it’s not located right next to the city’s major venues (Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena), it’s close enough that it’s not a taxing walk to get to any of the above and, as they say, the price is right.
I met Rob, his wife, Jaime, daughter, Cameron, and brother, Justin, in the garage and we began the nearly one mile walk to Ford Field.
When it came time to cross Woodward Avenue – Detroit’s main street – we had to dodge floats from America’s Thanksgiving Parade to get from one side to the other. So, for a moment, I guess I was in the parade.
Paying Homage to Barry
Me and Barry (with a Robert Porcher and Wayne Fontes photo bomb) outside Ford Field. (Photo by Rob Byrd)
I dare say Detroit’s Hall of Fame running back, Barry Sanders, has never purchased a beverage – adult or otherwise – in this region since he abruptly walked away from the game on the eve of training camp in 1999.
If any Lions’ player is statue worthy, it’d be Barry.
And, finally, the Lions’ did the right thing in September 2023 when they unveiled a Sanders’ statue in front of Ford Field.
Having never been to a Lions’ game at Ford Field and no event there since the statue was dedicated, I’d not seen it.
Consider it seen and homage paid.
First-time for a Ford Field Lions’ Game
Clockwise from upper left, a showcase devoted to current Lions’ edge, Aidan Hutchinson, is found in the Detroit Lion Archives area; the Christmas trip was up and resplendent in Honolulu Blue and Silver decor; this Jahmyr Gibbs mural is see along a concourse; the entrance into the Archives area; the former Ford Field message board ring is now along the concourse; items from Lem Barney, left, and Yale Lary are found in the Archives area; the 2nd Level Concourse was poppin’ over an hour before kickoff.
While I’d never seen a Lions’ game in Ford Field, I had been in the venue, previously. Once for a concert (U2), twice for a high school marching band competitions, once for what was then the Motor City Bowl, and once for a facility tour.
So before we visited our seats, Rob took me for a walk around the venue which, as you might imagine, was festooned in Honolulu Blue and Silver for the occasion.
Along the way Rob pointed out how the facility repurposed the old message board ribbon that used to ring the stadium. It now serves as a live scoreboard for both the Lions and other games along some of the concourses. We were able to see the giant Christmas tree that was fully decorated near one of the entrances and was a hot spot for folks to get pictures and, nearby, we took a moment to hear from the Honolulu Boom, the Lions’ drum line which was performing in the area. Finally, we moved through the 2nd Level Concourse that featured a large open-air space between the seating and the old Hudson Warehouse which was a major piece of the original design of the facility. It included theBlitz (a dining spot that’s also open for lunch weekdays) as well as a DJ spinning tunes and plenty of spots get a cooling beverage, sit, and visit.
Additionally, the concourses featured plenty of large murals of current Lions’ players and a special area known as the Detroit Lions Archives, which serves as a repository of team artifacts, past and present.
Settling In
My view of Ford Field for Thanksgiving Day.
Rob’s seats were positioned in the corner of the endzone to the upper right of the Lions’ logo as you watch games on television.
It was a terrific spot to see the action … all of the action.
Players emerged from the tunnel directly opposite from where we sat, we were facing the Lions’ sidelines (the Packers, while closer, had their backs to us), and we had a great view of the video board.
All-in-all, no complaints with the place. Sightlines seem fabulous from what appears to be every seat in the house and the upper levels don’t rise to the heights (and distance from the field) that some other stadiums do. And the acoustics, as I’ll mention in a moment, aren’t too shabby either.
The Game
From left, the field during “The Star-Spangled Banner;” saw this fella at the concession stand; the Packers’ scrimmage from deep in Lions’ territory late in the first half; the home fans adhered to the scoreboard operator’s request when the Lions were on offense.
As you might imagine, for it being a holiday and all, fans were in a festive mood on the way into Ford Field. Myriad holiday-themed outfits being donned, plenty of Honolulu Blue and Silver, but also no shortage of the Green and Gold from the visitors from the west.
The Lions, a team that a season ago went 15-2 and then washed out in the Divisional round of the NFC playoffs, were up and down to the moment. Having not won consecutive games in seven weeks. They were 7-4, coming of an outlandish overtime victory over the New York Giants, and in the midst of a 3-game homestand.
A win against Green Bay would catapult the Lions over the Packers and keep them in the hunt for the NFC North title.
Well, we all now know how this went:-(
Detroit’s star receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, was injured during Detroit’s first offensive series, did not return and, consequently, the Lions’ offense took a while to find itself. Meanwhile, Green Bay jumped to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.
Playing without two offensive line starters as well, and facing Green Bay with early-September acquistion Michah Parsons fully integrated, Lions quarterback Jared Goff seemed rushed most of the day.
Detroit failed on a pair of fourth down conversions during the second half and that fairly well doomed it to not having quite enough oomph to get the victory. Even so, had the defense managed to stop Green Bay on a 4th-and-3 with just under two minutes left in the game there would have been an opportunity to tie it in the waning minutes. Jordan Love found Dontayvion Wicks for 16 yards to put the game on ice, 31-24.
A Halftime Highlight!
My view of the Jack White halftime performance on Thanksgiving Day.
Metro Detroit was abuzz much of the preceding two weeks after it was announced that Detroit native and hip-hop legend, Eminem, would be helping produce the Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day halftime show.
What would he have in store for fans and television audiences this year? Would he be performing?
My friend Rob shared with me on the way to the game that he and his daughter were going to be part of the halftime show, selected among the group of a few hundred fans who rushed the stage on the field as the peformance was set to begin. They even had a rehearsal of sorts earlier in the week to work on positioning and choreography. (Nothing, it seems, is left to chance!)
For those who are fans (which I am one), White did not disappoint. He started with a scorching rendition of “That’s How I’m Feeling,” moved into “Hello Operator,” and then welcomed Eminem to the stage – to the delight of the crowd – who sampled “Till I Collapse.”
And was there any doubt how White would finish this peformance? His stadium anthem which is played the world over at sporting events big and small, “Seven Nation Army,” closed out his time in front of his home town.
Later, when Rob and Cameron made it back to their seats, we queried on whether they knew Eminem would be appearing. Either they’re gifted liars or like the rest of us were unaware until he popped up onstage.
Rob, who stood stage right, said he did notice a bit of commotion to his left before Eminem ran up on the stage and only later realized that it was likely a hoodied singer and his people the getting rapper into position to surprise everyone.
The beginning of Jack White’s stadium anthem, “Seven Nation Army.”
Postscript
As I write these reflections in mid-January, nearly two months following my visit to Ford Field, we now know how the Lions’ season finished. They never did win consecutive games again and limped to the finish line (quite literally) with a 9-8 record and finished in the basement of the NFC North.
I’ll take the glass is half full approach on the topic. With injuries to the secondary and the offensive line stacking up like salmon who finished their swim upstream to spawn, it was not – in my opinion – a team built for a deep playoff run. I’ll take the fourth place schedule in 2026 as well as a slightly earlier draft slot.
I’ll also take some fond memories of my first home Lions’ experience in nearly 30 years.
The hour was getting late, but the fans hung in until the bitter end (for both this game and the season). (Photo by Jaime Byrd)
The 112th CFL Grey Cup logo adorns midfield at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium.
I grew up in a suburb of Detroit, MI, and – as such – benefitted from the ability to occasionally tune into Windsor, Ontario, television Channel 9, CBET.
It was, essentially, the same as the National Football League, but radically different all at the same time. There are 12 players on offense and defense, forward motion is allowed prior to the snap of the ball, the field includes a Center/55-yard-line meaning it’s 10-yards longer than the NFL, the goal posts sit on the goal line, the endzone is 20 yards deep instead of the 10 in the NFL, and the field is nearly 12 yards wider than an NFL field, the ability to score single points (aka rouges), and – oh yeah – the offense has only three downs to achieve a first down (e.g. failure to gain 10 yards in two downs usually led to a punt).
It was good fun to tune in on occasion, witness the exotic rules by which it operated, and swap stories about the legend of Dieter Brock and others with my neighbor Jim from down the street whenever a game of side yard football would break out on Junior Street.
So when I began charting my course for Around the World in 80 Sporting Events, the CFL Grey Cup (the league’s annual championship game) was not high atop it, but after tuning in to the 2024 final, won by the Argonauts over the Blue Bombers (41-24), it moved up … way up.
And when I found a willing travel partner in my friend Wayne, well, it was settled.
We planned to be in the Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, November 16, to see the CFL equivalent of the NFL’s Super Bowl … the 112th CFL Grey Cup.
The Journey North
It was a gorgeous day to travel from Fargo into Manitoba. (Photo by Wayne Wilson)
As noted in Event No. 31 (Where the Bison Run Free), flying from Detroit to Winnipeg and then staying in Winnipeg during Grey Cup weekend, was cost prohibitive.
That said, Wayne and I put on our cartography hats and began searching for relatively nearby that we could travel to and then drive to Winnipeg.
Fargo, ND, came back the hands down winner in terms of cost (under $300 round trip) and proximity (under three hours drive time), and a bonus event that was most assuredly not on my original list of 80 – a North Dakota State Bison home football game in the Fargodome!
So Sunday morning, following the Bison’s shellacking of the University of Northern Iowa, 48-16, Wayne and I climbed in our rental and began the journey straight up Interstate 29.
When I say there was not much to see along the way, I really mean there was not much to see along the way.
Once we passed Grand Forks, home to the University of North Dakota, it was pretty much prarie and farmland for as far as the eye could see.
It did dawn on me though – about halfway into our journey – that this plan to fly into Fargo and drive to Winnipeg could have gone sideways in a hurry had an early-season blizzard descended upon this part of the country. As with many highways throughout the Great Plains, I-29 featured gates on nearly every entrance ramp and even a few on the highway proper, to close it down in the event of unsafe traveling conditions.
Fortunately for us, we had bright sun and cloudless skies for our journey into Manitoba.
Speaking of Manitoba, shortly after we crossed the border near the community of West Lynne, MB, I spotted what appeared to be a Manitoba Welcome Center. To my eyes, at least, it appeared closed as no cars appeared out front, though upon circling the facility we found one in the back.
Wayne agreed to run in and see if it was open. He sent word that it was and ambled in.
Greg, the elder of two employees who were manning the operation, was delighted to engage us in conversation, give us his tips on Winnipeg, and who his favorite CFL team was (the Blue Bombers, naturally). He did let us know, however, that – unlike the American Super Bowl that prices many out of attending – we’d likely see fans of all nine teams and maybe even a few fans of the Baltimore Stallions (the only non-Canadian team to ever win the Grey Cup in 1995) who still make the annual pilgrimage to the event.
Before we parted ways, Greg handed us several pins (Canada, Manitoba, and Churchill, [home to the polar bears]) and even tossed in a custom-made key chain that Greg told us he fashions himself and wished us a safe journey.
The Forks
Clockwise from upper left, the we were gifted a sample of the cold lemon-pepper pickerel bites from Fergies Fish & Chips were delightful in the Market’s food hall; I did not return home with this fox hat; table tennis was an option for visitors off the food hall; the park offered terrific views of the Canadian National stage, museum, and Winnipeg sign; speaking of which, I am in this photo, though difficult to see; a look across the Red River at the grounds of Saint Boniface Cathedral.
We didn’t have much time to see central Winnipeg, but the handful of people I’d talked to who had visited prior, suggested a stop at The Forks as a sort of quick-hitter.
With limited time, we realized a worthwhile tour of the museum was out, so we focused our efforts on the park area and the market.
Though an overcast and generally grey day (I wonder why!?!) it was not terribly difficult to see how the park area would be lively in the summer months (and, presumably, winter too). It offered views of the Red River, plenty of pathways, and open spaces for picnics and the like.
The Forks Market was, primarily, food-based, with purveyors encircling a dining area to create a thriving food hall. As we peered into Fergies Fish & Chips display case, one of the employees graciously provided us with samples of the cold lemon-pepper pickerel bites: Delish! There were a handful of shops as well, but Wayne and I weren’t on the lookout for exotic fur hats, sundries, or any new books so it was a quick stroll through those areas.
Princess Auto Stadium
The exterior of Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
While the campus was quiet when we arrived a few hours before what we thought was kickoff (5 p.m. CST), the area surrounding the stadium was hopping.
And, as our man Greg at the visitor’s center predicted, it didn’t take long to spot the colors of all nine CFL teams in the crowd as we queued up to get into the official tailgate area.
That’s when we really experienced the largese of the crowd.
As we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a crush of people listening to a band we were unfamiliar with, we quickly abandoned the idea of those promised inexpensive drinks and hot dogs and began working our way to the upper level and the entry gates.
Clockwise from upper left, the entrance gate into Princess Auto Stadium; various views of the crowd at within the official CFL Tailgate area … and a selfie while waiting in line.
Countdown to Kickoff
We were in the upper reaches of Princess Auto Stadium which seats 32,343. I’m happy to report there were a few seats behind us … but not many.
As is, seemingly, the case with any major standalone event such as this, there was a pre-game on-field concert; this time by the Canadian band, Our Lady Peace (I was unfamiliar with the setlist). Likewise, there were plenty of dignataries introduced and, because Canadian sports leagues hold their trophies in high regard (see the NHL’s Stanley Cup, sports’ oldest trophy), a pair of Canadian Mounties stood sentry near a goal line with the Grey Cup (sports’ second oldest trophy).
Beyond that, and – of course – a ceremonial coin flip featuring Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (who, as is a global phenomenon apparently, was booed), there was a flyover featuring the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fighters (which we could not see due to the stadium’s overhang), the run up to kickoff was not unlike the many other football games I’ve attended.
Some of the sites during pregame inside Princess Auto Stadium. From left, a Montreal Alouettes fan was ready for action as was this Saskatchewan Roughriders supporter; onfield fireworks highlighted the pregame introductions; and I discovered this jersey was not an homage to me, but rather for Winnipeg Blue Bomber linebacker, Adam Bighill.
Manitoba country music singer, Catie St. Germain, performs “O Canada” prior to kickoff.
The Game
Like I noted at the top, once the game began, it was not unlike the many other football games I’ve seen through the years … except I got to witness a rouge/single when Sakatchewan punter Jesse Mirco‘s 69-yard boomer was not returned, continued to marvel at the forward motion on a field that was both wider and longer than those found in the States, and had to keep reminding myself that second down acts like third down in America, which – combined with the other differences – makes for a more free-wheeling style of football.
Wayne and I were rooting for the Roughriders.
Similar to the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, the Roughriders are community-owned, that is, by community members and fans who are shareholders. Widely considered one of the most financially successful and stable CFL franchises, it was hard not to rally behind the ‘Riders.
About a 6-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway from Regina to Winnipeg, there was a strong presence in Princess Auto Stadium’s stands for Saskatchewan as well.
And if that wasn’t enough reason to get on board the Roughrider bandwagon, this was the franchise’s 20th appearance in the Grey Cup. It had only won four of the previous 19.
I’m pleased to report our team won.
After Montreal took a 7-1 lead near the end of the first quarter (remember those singles!), Saskatchewan scored the next 24 points before the Alouettes cut the deficit to 25-17 midway through the fourth quarter.
That’s the way it ended when the Roughriders’ defense stood firm on a final minute drive by Montreal that began at the Als’ own 23-yard-line with 57 seconds left and ended on a Hail Mary attempt from the Saskatchewan 53-yard-line as time expired.
Clockwise from upper left, the Roughriders scrimmage from deep inside their own territory; this Saskatchewan fan was so stoked following the win he lost his shirt; this trio who sat next to me were three generations of Roughriders’ fans and they’d attended every home game this season; the names Dieter Brock and Bud Grant on the Blue Bombers’ ring of honor brought back some memories; Wayne was splitting his attention between the action on the field and the Detroit Lions’ game in Philadelphia on his phone; the formation just before Montreal’s final play of the game.
You can imagine our general indifference when it was announced about a month prior that MGK, formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, was scheduled to appear.
Neither Wayne nor I were familiar with his body of work nor did we devote much time in studying up beforehand. I recognized one tune, “Lonely Road,” and I dare say that was only because the hook he samples on the track (which was recorded as a duet with Jelly Roll) is John Denver‘s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
A portion of MGK’s “Lonely Road” during the 112th CFL Grey Cup halftime performance.
Speaking of Lonely Roads
Once we cleared the crazy post-game traffic in and around the stadium and made our way onto Manitoba Highway 75, Wayne and I enjoyed a few hours of a lonely road.
Wayne watched the Lions’ game (another in a season-filled with frustrating losses) until the stream konked out on his phone and we enjoyed – thankfully – a worry free and relatively quiet drive the remainder of the way back to Fargo.
If I don’t make it to a Super Bowl (a real possibility due to the high-cost of tickets) I’ll walk away from my Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project content that I did, in fact, experience a professional football championship game where it was accessible to fans from across the country at a price point that made it affordable for families to attend and experience the joy of seeing their team win in person, together.
This was my first full year on the road in pursuit of my Around the World in 80 Sporting Events goal of reaching 80 iconic venues and/or events by the time my biological clock hits 60 in June 2027.
As such, I saw a lot in 2025.
In total, I traveled 53,982 miles, set foot on two new continents (Asia and South America), witnessed 26 events, and spent many nights not in my own bed.
Here are my highlights from the year that’s about to have been.
Number 5 – A December Sunday at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field
Packers’ fans celebrate a score during their 28-21 victory over the rival Chicago Bears.
My final event of 2025 was just about everything I could have hoped for.
The visiting Chicago Bears and host Green Bay Packers were playing for the NFC Central Division lead, both had winning percentages of over .700 this late in the season (the first time that’s happened since December 11, 1932), the skies were clear, and the temperatures felt like single-digits by the time the late afternoon game concluded.
The fact that the game came down to the penultimate play, a Caleb Williams pass to the end zone was intercepte by Keisean Nixon sealed the Packers’ 28-21 victory.
The only things that would have made this a game 10-out-of-10 would have been that final Bears’ drive heading into the endzone we were seated in and an occasional snowflake falling to create a total commemorative snow globe moment.
All the Content from Event No. 34 Still Needs to be Created. Stay Tuned:-)
Number 4 – Lionel Messi’s (Likely) Final Competitive Home Match for Team Argentina
This sums up, perfectly, the adoration the Argentine fans have for Lionel Messi.
It’s widely assumed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final international go-round for Argentine soccer legend, Lionel Messi.
If this in fact remains true, then I’m able to say I was among the 77,000 spectators in Buenos Aires’ Estadio Mas Monumental for one of the game’s greatest of all-time’s final competitive home match when Argentina defeated Venezuela, 3-0, in CONMEBOL’s Matchday 17.
I understood next-to-nothing the public address speaker said throughout, but what I did understand the unmitigated affection that crowd had for Messi. From the standing ovation he received as he stepped off the bus in the loading dock, to his first appearance on the pitch, to the two goals he scored (and even the one that was disallowed by an offsides call), to his exit from the pitch following post-match media.
That no one in the stadium considered leaving until he was off the field is a visual I’m unsure can ever be erased from my mind.
Check Out All the Content from Event No. 24 at this link.
Number 3 – Arkansas Pitcher Gage Wood No-Hits the Murray State Racers in the MCWS
Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood celebrates a big out during his 19 strikeout no-hitter of Murray State during the Men’s College World Series in Omaha.
Like so many, I walked into Omaha’s Charles Schwab Stadium that steamy June 16 afternoon pulling hard for the Cinderella team of the Men’s College World Series, the Murray State Racers.
By the fifth inning, however, allegiances were subtly shifting.
Arkansas Razorback starting pitcher Gage Wood was DEALING! It looked like the Racers’ batters were swinging wet lasagna noodles against Wood as the strikeouts mounted.
By the seventh inning, I’m fairly certain everyone in the park knew what was happening.
That it happened was too cool for school.
Wood threw the first no-hitter in MCWS play in 65 years. His 19 strikeouts were the most in a 9-inning MCWS game … ever.
That I was there and, through the generosity of a stranger, had seats behind homeplate, is truly remarkable.
Check Out All the Content from Event No. 19 at this link.
Number 2 – Indiana Class 4A High School Sectional Final in Historic Muncie Fieldhouse
The opening tip between Greenfield-Central (white uniforms) and Mt. Vernon in the Indiana Class 4A High School Sectional Championship at Muncie Fieldhouse.
I was born and raised in Indiana and, as such, have a special fondness in my heart for high school basketball.
It was a fairly regular part of my weekly life as a youngster before my family moved to Michigan before sixth grade.
So, of the many events I planned to witness in 2025, I eagerly anticipated taking in some Indiana high school tournament basketball action. The first round is known as Sectionals in the Hoosier state and I was underwhelmed by the competitiveness I saw at the first two sites visited.
But on Saturday of Sectional Week … well I saw a gem.
I went with my cousin, Brandon, and his daughter, Calah, to see the Class 4A Sectional Final at historic Muncie Fieldhouse on a warm March evening. That there was a line to get in boded well and that the favored team, Greenfield-Central, was a among the top five teams in the state also provided optimism.
What none of us knew until the game began is who, exactly we were seeing.
Greenfield-Central’s star, Braylon Mullins, would go on to win Indiana’s coveted Mr. Basketball honor a few weeks later. He was a 5-star recruit who was destined for Storrs, CT, and the then 2-time defending NCAA Champion Connecticut Huskies. Mt. Vernon’s standout was a junior who’d already committed to Purdue named Luke Ertel.
The two duked it out all night, Mullins scored 38 and Ertel 36, but the upstarts from Mt. Vernon came away with an 83-76 double-overtime win. A thriller to be sure and a terrific way to cap off my week feasting on basketball in hoop-crazed Indiana.
Check Out All the Content from Event No. 14 at this link.
Number 1 – Witnessing the Setting Sun at the Rose Bowl on January 1
The golden hour at the 2025 Rose Bowl. What a view!
Odd, isn’t it, that I traveled nearly 54,000 miles in 2025 and my most memorable moment came on the very first day?
Never mind the football game (which The Ohio State won in a rout over Oregon), I was there for the environment, the pagentry, and the sunset.
I got it all!
The Tournament of Roses Parade shortly after dawn, the B-2 bomber flyover at the conclusion of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the ceremonial coin flip featuring the Grand Marshal (Billie Jean King), the Goodyear blimp hovering overhead throughout, and, of course, the sunset that was appointment viewing for me during my youth and – who am I kidding?!? – adulthood.
I won’t lie, it was a long day – especially considering I participated in the Run with the Roses 5K at midnight – but it was the best day of the year by a long shot.
Check Out All the Content from Event No. 11 at this link.
The view from a soft seating area inside Fargo’s West Acres Mall.
When I realized my flight home from Fargo would depart mid-afternoon on Monday, I decided to pay a visit to the West Acres Mall.
Now, before I go on … yes, a mall. A bonafide, functional, and dang-near fully occupied mall.
I know, I was amazed as well when my traveling buddy, Wayne, and I took a lap to see what was what in this spot situated near the junction of Interstates 94 and 29. We saw only two storefronts that seemed to be between tenants. And, might I say, for a Monday late morning, it was hopping!
Though it was still 10 days before Thanksgiving, the holiday decorations were hung with care in hopes that oodles of shoppers would soon be there. And, again, on this Monday morning, quite a few were there.
But I digress.
The reason I wanted to pay a visit to West Acres was to visit one wing in particular at the southeast corner near the Best Buy store. That’s where the Roger Maris Museum was.
This sign hanging in a hallway of the West Acres Mall welcomes visitors to learn more about one of Fargo’s favorite sons.
Maris, whose birth name was Maras before his father changed the family surname in 1955, was born in Hibbing, MN, in 1934, but his family moved to Grand Forks, ND, when he was four and then on to Fargo when he was 12. He’s a graduate of Fargo’s Bishop Shanley High School.
Maris played 12 seasons in the Majors for four teams. Most notably among them, the New York Yankees, when, in 1961, he engaged in an epic season-long home run derby with fellow outfielder, Mickey Mantle. Maris wound up winning that derby and, in so doing, bested Yankee legend Babe Ruth‘s single-season MLB home run record by one, 61-60. Notably, of course, was that during Ruth’s era teams played but 154 games and in 1961 they played 162.
What I found when I made my way down by that Best Buy was small but tastefully done display that seemed to keep with both Maris’ persona and his wishes.
By all accounts he was a no-frills fella who never really wanted to be in the glaring spotlight he found himself in back in 1961. A sort of lunch pail type of player who simply wanted to play the game and head home. In fact, one of the items on display underscores Maris’ wishes for the museum.
My favorite part of the Museum was Roger’s insistence that it be “put in a place where people from all walks of life will see it, and where they won’t have to pay for it.”
Beyond the 70 or so feet of artifacts in a few showcases out in the mall’s hallway, there is also a small room that runs a video about Maris on a loop. It’s decked out with old Yankee Stadium seating and provides a lovely spot to get off your feet for a few minutes and be transported back to the 1950s and 60s.
Sadly, thieves made off with his 1960 and 1961 American League MVP Awards in a brazen middle-of-the-night break in back in July 2016. The museum curators call them out on the display of photos of said awards and plea for them to be returned to their rightful home.
And, yes, odd as it might seem to have a museum for a baseball legend in a shopping mall, it works. If you find yourself in Fargo, pay the West Acres Mall a visit. Come for the Orange Julius, stay for the Roger Maris Museum.
Clockwise from upper left, a photo of the 1960 AL MVP Award; one of two Babe Ruth Sultan of Swat crowns that are displayed; a replica of his Yankee Stadium locker; the Museum’s dedication stone; Fargo’s Roger Maris Day (June 27, 1998) Proclamation; a replica of his tribute in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park; the centerpiece of the Museum’s display; a look inside the film room, complete with Stadium seating; all 61 of his 1961 home runs have a pennant with the date and opposing pitcher highlighted; Maris spent his final two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, winning another World Series there in 1967; and the Museum’s welcome sign.
A look at Gate City Bank Field in the Fargodome before November’s Northern Iowa-North Dakota State game.
My pants would be BLAZING if I tried to tell you with a straight face that when I sat down and began crafting a list of 80 of the most iconic sporting events and venues to experience during my journey Around the World in 80 Sporting Events, that a visit to the Fargodome for a North Dakota State Bison football game was on that list.
It was not!
In fact, until I began shopping airfares from Detroit to Winnipeg, Manitoba, with an eye toward attending the 112th CFL Grey Cup (which is Event No. 32) a trip to Fargo was never a consideration.
And then I saw the airfare to Winnipeg!
As I searched for nearby airports my options were, um, extremely limited. In fact, Fargo was pretty much the beginning and end of the list. Located a mere 3-hour drive from Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium where the Grey Cup was scheduled.
As a happy bonus, there was a flight out of Flint, MI, through O’Hare in Chicago to Fargo that was rougly a 67% discount on what it would be to fly directly into Winnipeg. Lodging costs, as one might expect for the Canadian equivalent of the Super Bowl, were considerably higher in Winnipeg that weekend than Fargo as well.
Having settled on flying to Fargo and renting a car then the curiosity in me checked to see what else might be occurring in North Dakota that weekend.
There were a couple of options that leapt off the page:
The defending FCS National Champion and top-ranked Bison had a mid-afternoon Saturday game against the University of Northern Iowa.
Now, I love college hockey – heck, covering it was one of my former jobs! – but the opportunity to see one of college football’s most successful programs, regardless of division, was too good an opportunity to pass up.
The Tipping Point
Erv Inniger, at right, was all too happy to play the role of host during my visit to NDSU.
Any lingering doubt about adding a NDSU football game to my 80 events was dismissed following a text exchange with Erv Inniger.
If the name Erv Inniger sounds familiar, there are several possible reasons for that:
Back in the early 1960s, Erv helped lead tiny Berne (IN) High School to three sectional titles, two regional championships, and a semi-state crown;
He played three years at Indiana University and was a captain on the 1966-67 Big Ten Champion Hoosiers’ squad;
He then coached at Golden Valley (MN) Lutheran College, Augsburg (MN) College, and NDSU, where he remains the career leader in coaching victories with 244;
He is a past-guest of Conversations with Sports Fans (S:1, E:30).
When I texted Erv to see if he might be able to help Wayne and I secure Bison tickets he seemed eager to assist. The fact that he’s a former schoolmate and longtime friend of my father, Jerry, might have greased the skids on my request, but after meeting Erv at the Fargodome prior to the NDSU-UNI game, I suspect he’d have assisted if I was some rando who stumbled upon his phone number.
Following his coaching days, Erv moved into the role of Associate Athletic Director for Development, which meant he, basically, worked the greater Fargo business community for donations to the athletic department.
That was evident as he took Wayne and I around the tailgate lot outside the Fargodome meeting folks such as Bison Bob, the Milkman, and myriad others who he grew to know during his 33 total years with the University.
Mid-November Tailgating in Fargo
The tailgating scene in Fargo mid-November was lively. Clockwise from upper left, some had buses, others had enclosed tents with plenty of weights or trailers to haul their supplies; the wind was stiff on this sunny November afternoon (check out those flags!); my buddy Wayne laughs with the locals.
The 40-degree temperature that day in Fargo was actually above average and the sunny skies only didn’t hurt either. What did hurt were steady winds that early afternoon in excess of 20 miles per hour. It certainly put a bit of a bite in the air as we sampled the fare at a few tailgates.
That got me to thinking about the conundrum that is dressing for the outdoor tailgating weather but also for attending a game indoors where the promised temperature is 70 degrees? I’m sure Detroit Lions’ fans and any other northern domed cities can help with this, but it was rather new to me.
Much like my time spent in Fairbanks, I found these Fargonians prepared for the elements. There were tents with plenty of weights to help anchor and prevent the wind from recreating scenes from The Wizard of Oz. Several set ups that we saw had some version of propane-fueled portable heaters and many had grills for the preparation of their protein of choice. And, yes, as you might have expected, there didn’t seem to be any problem keeping beverages chilled.
Easily the coolest cat we met during Erv’s tour was the previously mentioned, Bison Bob.
Bob Clark is a fan … a big fan … a rabid fan … a well-traveled fan.
When we met Bob, the sandwich board out front of his tailgate proudly announced that “Today was Bison Bob’s 560th consecutive game,” which means – as you read this – Bison Bob is at 561 consecutive games and holding because the Bison season has ended. The streak began in 1982 and he perservered through the COVID-19 pandemic and its wonky rules about fan allotments and who was allowed to attend.
That’s me and NDSU superfan, Bob Clark (aka Bison Bob), whose now witnessed 561 Bison games in person (Photos by Wayne Wilson).
A Visit to the Field
The view from the field, Wayne and I, a wide shot from the field, and a look at the pylon. (Photos by Troy Goergen and Wayne Wilson)
In his unofficial role as Hospitality Hank, Erv set up an opportunity for Wayne and I to get on the field pre-game with Senior Associate AD, Troy Goergen (my guest on a recent bonus Conversation about NDSU).
As Troy walked us down to field level we learned a bit of the history of the Fargodome.
Despite being built on the NDSU campus, it’s owned and operated by the City of Fargo;
It’s a multi-purpose venue and has hosted major concert acts, basketball games (including NBA exhibitions), commencement ceremonies, as well as football through the years;
The artificial turf is actually one continuous piece of turf that can be rolled up and housed inside one end of the facility, e.g. Magic Carpet system;
Due to static electricity potentially building up, groomers of the turf include some diluted fabric softener as they prep the field prior to games;
It’s purported to be the largest indoor event space between Minneapolis and Seattle.
From the outside, the facility is rather unassuming, and even once inside, it doesn’t seem all that large. However, from the field level, it’s a different perspective. Wayne and I are both veterans of many big stadiums and even we had to admit it was an impressive venue, especially when one considers its location … Fargo.
Equally impressive was watching Bison sophomore placekicker Eli Ozick go through his pre-game work. He was easily booming field goals from over 60 yards. If you’re an NFL general manager looking for your next kicker, you could do a lot worse than Eli.
Bison kicker Eli Ozick is about to nail a 46-yard field goal.
NDSU’s Storied History
Perhaps there’s not enough room to hang all of the banners? The Fargodome just includes years on existing banners (make room for 2025 for Conference Championships).
When I mentioned near the top that North Dakota State, historically, is one of college football’s most decorated programs I don’t believe I was exaggerating.
The school first fielded a football team in 1894 and, beginning in 1921, joined the now-defunct North Central Conference and played at the NCAA Division II level. During these 83 seasons, the Bison won eight national championships (1965, 1968, 1969, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990). In 2003 they, along with South Dakota State University, made the athletic jump to the NCAA Division I level, though each play in the Football Championship Subdivision.
While it took the better part of a decade, the Bison became a major factor at the FCS level beginning in 2011. Since its first FCS Championship that year, its won nine more – including five in a row (’11-’15) and three in a row (’17-’19). Those 10 titles are the most in the history of FCS which begin in 1978 as NCAA I-AA. At one point during that stretch in mid-2010s run which included victory at Iowa, the Bison were receiving votes in the AP Top 25 polls and reached as high as No. 27.
Oh yeah, during its history, NDSU has won outright or shared 39 conference titles, including 12 of the past 15 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. It won the 2025 title by defeating intra-state rival, North Dakota, 15-10, the week prior to our visit.
As we heard plenty of times during our day at the Fargodome, NDSU fans are more-than-a-little spoiled by the success. That was evidenced by a less-than full house during our game (14,736 out of a possible 19,000) and a crowd that largely made its way to the exits following the halftime festivities with the Bison leading 31-2.
The Game
Clockwise from upper left, Thundar gives the fans the heart sign following the victory; the scoreboard says it all; the Bison take a knee post game at midfield.
As noted previously, this one was over pretty early.
North Dakota scored on two of its first three possessions, then crazily yielded a safety, before adding 17 more points before halftime for that 31-2 lead. It grew to 38-2 early in the third quarter when Bison quarterback Cole Payton busted off a 64-yard touchdown run.
By that time, NDSU began providing its bench players with plenty of opportunities to gain experience and showcase their wares en route to a 48-16 final score that really didn’t seem that close. The Bison outgained the Panthers 477-201 yards and had nearly twice as many first downs (24-13).
