Happy Valley trip

The first time was 97, one of the most enjoyable games of my life. We've leaving from NYC on Friday, may stop at the casino in Bethelem on the way. Usually hotels are a huge issue, have always had to stay at least 40 mins away but this year I booked early, it must have been at least 9 months ago, and I scored what must have been a mistake rate, $90 a night 2 night minimum at the Hampton inn right in happy valley. We got seats through athletic department upper level endzone, so we sold those on stub hub and got 35/40 yd line seats, last row of lower level, about 180 a pop. If you're going to go you might as well get good seats. Last time I went was when RR made Mcgloin look like a superstar, hope it goes better this time.

Half of my family is from PA and I went to college in PA, so I have been there a number of times and I understand the fan base as many of my college buddies are PSU fans.  I really enjoy it there, but it's a little nostalgic for me becasue it reminds me of college, which it's now been almost 15 years since I graduated.  As with any place there are some DBs that get too drunk and roudy.  But, I always sport my UM gear and typically get mostly fun banter with the locals.  I've been out to the bars pre-game as well as just tailgating.  Both are fun.  The atmosphere is good and often UM is the biggest home game on the schedule so they typically do a white out.  Although the atmosphere won't be quite as exciting with a noon kickoff, but that's good for UM.  Enjoy the trip.  I will be there as well.

I have been to Happy Valley once. It was a night game during the Rich Rod era. I came down with a fever of 103 during the game. I sat in my seat during the entire game but I don't remember a lot. The 2 things I remember were #1 we lost. #2 There was this Michigan fan in front of me from Boston who has never stepped foot in the state of Michigan but fell in love with them from an early age. That was his first game. 

I am tempted to make the trip to this game. I was just in Bloomington so I'm not sure if I am going to go or not. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Anyone looking to car pool maybe? That might make my decision a little easier.