Lakers vs. Celtics: The Next Chapter

Kobe Bryant going against Paul Pierce

When the words “Lakers vs. Celtics” and “Los Angeles vs. Boston” enter the minds of sports fans, it automatically is the priority event to see. When you combine this match-up with the NBA Finals, the demand to view this event live moves to the top of the list for most sports fans. Undoubtedly, this is the type of match-up the National Basketball Association dreams of. It brings in an increase in ratings, a ton of revenue and an overall greater appeal to the game of basketball. A series that consists of Magic vs. Suns or even Celtics vs. Suns, does not give much of a market appeal to sports fans across the world; but, when you bring in two big market cities like Los Angeles and Boston, it allows those cities to “show-off” their beauty and appeal to tourists and NBA fans across the world.

Nonetheless, there is major history and a historic rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers. The rivalry between these two teams involves the two most storied franchises in NBA history. Together, the two teams combine for a total of 32 NBA Championships, which is more than half of the 63 championships in NBA history. In their most recent finals appearance, the Celtics out-lasted the Lakers winning the series in 2008, 4-2, capturing their 17th NBA Title. Coming into this series, everybody is looking out for those individual match-ups between the players on both teams. For instance, the most featured match up is the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant vs. the Celtics’ Paul Pierce. In their last finals meeting, it was obvious who stood tall as Paul Pierce led his team to victory.

Additionally, the most underrated match up would be the two starting centers from both teams including Pau Gasol from the Lakers vs. Kendrick Perkins from Boston. Both men have been dominant throughout the year and playoffs; it will be interesting to see who brings the upper hand going into this series.

Putting everything aside, attending the NBA Finals is an exciting and enduring experience. I remember attending the Finals back in ’99 when my beloved Knicks (and yes, it is hard to be a Knicks fan these days, but good things are on the horizon this summer) climbed all the way to the top to face the San Antonio Spurs. It was the first time and only time currently in history that an 8th seed made it all the way to the NBA Finals. You have got to give the Knicks credit for that. However, the Knicks lost the series in five games to the awe-inspiring and dominant Spurs lead by Tim Duncan and David Robinson at the time.

Although the Knicks went on to lose the finals, the experience still was worth it. New York City was under the spotlight and everything was upbeat and exciting. City bars were filled to capacity and all of the premiere hotels were over-booked. It felt like the Big Apple came together as one to support their team in hopes of winning their first championship since ’73. Transitioning back to today, it will be a very similar setting in both Los Angeles and Boston; however, the only difference is that the fans in both cities are not as famished from a championship as the Knicks are.

Boston and Los Angeles are two great cities to visit. If you are looking to attend the NBA Finals, there are an abundant number of hotels to stay and things to do around both cities. If you want to stay close to the Staples Center in LA, there is absolutely no problem with that as the city recently built a hot spot across the street called LA Live. If you want to eat, see a show and sleep in the same vicinity, this is the place for you. The hotels across the street include a Ritz Carlton and J.W. Marriot. If you are looking for a bite to eat, stop by the new ESPN Zone and many other establishments including The Yard House, a rock and roll music themed restaurant, and The Farm of Beverly Hills, a restaurant with an innovative and sophisticated American Cuisine. If you want to get away from the Staples Center, check out a Dodgers game at Dodgers Stadium or bring the kids to see Disney Land and Universal Studios.

Although Boston is not as large as Los Angeles, there are also many things to do around the TD Bank Garden, home to the Celtics. Two popular hotels to stay at in approximate distance to the arena are the Onyx Hotel, the first luxury property to open in the urban-hip, North Station and Bull Finch Triangle Neighborhood, as well as The Liberty Hotel Boston, which is a popular hotel located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. If anything, Boston is greatly known for its seafood, and if you want a good meal, check out Neptune Oyster, an in-demand seafood establishment that includes an unforgettable experience, especially their famous New England Clam Chowder. The lines have been measured to be hours long during peak hours, so arrive early! Additionally, Boston is greatly known for its sports bars and pubs. The famous “The Fours”, was rated #1 Sports Bar in America by Sports Illustrated. It was named after legendary Boston Bruin (#4) Bobby Orr, and contains countless Boston Sports Memorabilia, Beers and Cocktails. Not to mention, their food is spectacular as well! Other entertaining things to do around the Boston area are to take a famous “Duck Tour” or catch a Red Sox game over at Fenway Park.

Whether you plan on attending this highly anticipated NBA Finals or watching it from home, you are bound for a treat. The entertainment value is high, the anticipation is high and frankly, I cannot wait for this series to get underway! Unfortunately, these are two teams that Knicks fans like me are taught to hate; however, if my team stinks, I have no choice but to enjoy the value of the game and historic rivalry itself.

Hey, if Donnie Walsh somehow puts together a team next year that includes Chris Bosh and King James (Lebron James) himself, maybe I’ll be talking about a different historic rivalry in the NBA Finals next year…a rivalry that consists of the New York Knicks.

Father’s Day at Pebble Beach

Two weeks ago, the 2010 NFL Draft made its move to prime time, and experienced the highest ratings in the event’s history.

Next month, The PGA tour will look to continue this trend of late-night success on NBC. This past week, the USGA announced that the last round of the U.S. Open will be televised in a later prime time slot than in previous years.

The Open, which is set to take place in beautiful Pebble Beach, California from June 17-20, has experienced a tremendous fan following in recent years and this seems to have prompted the big move.
Dick Ebersol, head honcho at NBC, said “Playing the Open on the West Coast in June allows us to showcase this championship in prime time. It should make for a great Father’s Day weekend with the best golfers in the world competing on one of golf’s most picturesque courses in prime time.”

This marks the fifth time that the event will take place at the legendary golf course at Pebble Beach, and the first since Tiger Woods set a tournament record in 2000. With all the off-the-course drama that has plagued the PGA over the past year; the esteemed event should bring the sport back to an important element—playing the game of golf.

For golf purists worldwide, attending the U.S. Open in the spring sun at the scenic Pebble Beach Resort would truly be an incredible experience. Pebble is beautiful and I can’t wait to check it out again.
Most importantly, a few questions to think about. Will 39-year-old Phil Mickelson continue his recent trend of success and will Tiger Woods even make the cut? Imagine if he missed the cut? Will the fans after a few beers really get on him? Regardless Pebble is nice enough that it doesn’t matter who is golfing I will definitely enjoy it.

So bring your father. Bring your friend. Bring your father’s friend. This will be a Father’s Day weekend you will never forget.

New Must-See TV: The 2010 NFL Draft

Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Alec Baldwin. These are the stars we have grown familiar with watching on Thursday nights. But the NFL is now banking on Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh and Roger Goodell joining the usual suspects of Must-See TV.

For the first time in its 75-year history the NFL Draft will take start on Thursday evening and last three days instead the traditional two-day draft which began Saturday.

While the vast majority of fans will be watching the event from their family rooms, the die-hards and those with the right connections will get to experience the 2010 NFL Draft live from the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Having attended several drafts in the past, I can attest that the NFL Draft is a truly incredible experience, which is the main reason it made my book 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live!

For those without the corporate connections, your best bet is to join the other die-hards who camp outside the Theater starting the night before in hopes of scoring the select tickets, which are released the morning April 22 for free. Although the concrete can’t compete with your bed, there’s nothing like being surrounded by hundreds of fans, who just like you are passionate enough to forgo sleep for a chance to watch the draft.

If you can’t get tickets for the draft the city has an unofficial bar for every team. So if you came all the way from St. Louis, you can watch your Rams try to turn their luck around with other Rams fans at Dewey’s Flatiron (210 Fifth Ave.)

Furthermore, within blocks of Radio City Music you can see some of New York’s best sites.
Just across the street from Radio City Music Hall is Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Plaza), where you can tour NBC’s studios including the set of Saturday Night Live. Also the view from the top of the building known as the “Top of the Rock” offers unparalleled, breath-taking views of the city.

If you continue walking east, you will hit Fifth Avenue, home to many’s of the world’s most high-end shops. Also within walking distance is the Museum of Modern Art (11 W 53rd St.), commonly known as MOMA, which offers several truly awe-inspiring works.

Another must-see in the city is Times Square, which epitomizes the glamour and hustle of the city that never sleeps.

If you find time to sleep, there are countless hotels in Midtown Manhattan from the less expensive Courtyard Marriott Times Square South (114 West 40th St.) to the more extravagant Waldorf Astoria New York Luxury Hotel (301 Park Ave).

There are few more exciting sporting events than the NFL Draft and there is nothing like New York City in the Spring. Why not make combine them both and watch the new must-see, primetime event, the 2010 NFL Draft.

Tiger mania is pushing ticket prices up at Masters

Tiger mania finally hit Augusta today as prices for Master’s badges jumped 50% overnight. A lot of ticket brokers were holding out on filling orders which led to a surge in prices when they all had to finally dip into the market and buy for their clients. With an increase in prices this year is not going to be the best year to visit Augusta National on the cheap. One thing you can do though to save on cost is to split your Master’s badge with a friend. Spend half the day on the course and the other half of the day playing golf at a local club. If you don’t feel like hitting the links then you can hang out at a vip hospitality venue such as one of the one’s sportstravel.com offers right near the course. All you can drink and eat in a clubhouse type setting is not a bad idea.

Masters badges are also easy to transfer between people. There are no issues with re-admittance so you are free to enter and leave whenever you want. This makes sharing very easy. So if you plan on coming to Augusta and want to do it for less make sure you have a few friends with you so you can all split badges. This way you will get to watch enough golf and have plenty of time to go golf yourself or just hang out with your friends.

How To Score At The Final Four

Having attended several Final Four Tournaments in the past, here are a few insider tips and tricks I have learned over my years watching college basketball’s best.

If you plan on heading to Indianapolis for the Final Four this weekend here is a good way to see the Championship game at a discount. The two teams that lose on Saturday have legions of fans who are looking to leave town as soon as their team is eliminated.

Most are so pissed that they take off and don’t bother to stick around for the Championship game on Monday. Leaving in a hurry most are willing to sell their tickets to anyone who asks at a discounted price.

Many ticket brokers even have people waiting in the arena outside of the sections where those teams fans are sitting. You can also find these fans at the local hotels and restaurants after the games on Saturday night.

In the past I have been able to buy great seats for a fraction of the pre-weekend value like this. If you want to see a Final Four championship game and don’t care who is playing then this is the way to go. Also check secondary ticket sites like www.gotickets.com if you don’t want to go down empty handed.

They list solid inventory on Sunday for the game on Monday. If you need a place to stay hotels that were also completely sold out on Friday open up come Sunday. All those people who had rooms reserved with four night minimums are no longer in town. This is a great way to get a nice hotel at a reasonable rate. Good luck and enjoy one of the best events there is.

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Big East Tourney Madness

I am finally back after five straight days of Big East Tournament hoops at Madison Square Garden, and what a tournament it was!  First of all, it always amazes me how hot a Big East Tournament ticket is. If it were not for my connections, I would have had a much tougher time to get my hands on the highly sought after all-sessions ticket.

Thank God I got the ticket though, because this was not a tournament I would have wanted to miss. It was pretty packed overall, even for the opening round games with the smaller teams.  It’s always an incredible feeling to be in the world’s most famous arena, home of the New York Knicks and Rangers,the GARDEN. Even though I have been there hundreds of times, I am still in awe when I look at all the historic pictures and famous jerseys that fill the arena.

The quaint feel of the stadium only magnifies the sound, which gets loud quickly as students and proud alumni cheer for their beloved teams.

There were a few really exciting and important moments during this tournament.  West Virginia ultimately won the whole tournament, but definitely could not have done so without two extremely clutch game-winning shots by their superstar Da’Sean Butler.

In the quarterfinals he banked in a three at the buzzer to beat Cincinnati by 3, and in the finals he hit a runner in the lane with barely any time left to beat Georgetown by 2.  The place was insane after both shots.

The other really impressive win was when Georgetown handily beat No. 1 ranked Syracuse in the quarterfinals. Before the tournament it was thought that they might get the No. 1 seed overall in the NCAA Tournament.  But now after losing their last regular season game to Louisville and exiting the Big East Tournament as one and done, there is a chance they could drop to a No. 2 seed in the big dance.

Between the Big East being arguably the best basketball conference in the country and Madison Square Garden being one of the best places to experience a game, the Big East Tourney is a can’t miss event. It’s one of the few events I regret leaving out of my book.  Besides being great on its own, it really is the perfect precursor to the official NCAA Tournament, which arguably is the best sporting event of the year.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.

Mardi Gras to Come Early For Saints Fans

Yesterday, the New Orleans Saints made franchise history after defeating the Indianapolis Colts at a very memorable Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.   However, this was much more than their first Super Bowl Championship victory.   The game itself had single-handedly given hope to a city that is still affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Although the hurricane hit in August 2005, last night’s Championship Game was quintessentially an overdue and highly anticipated blessing to the city of New Orleans.

A parade for the Saints had already been planned prior to the actual outcome of the game.  Win or lose, the city of New Orleans agreed that they would honor their team.    However, the city was unaware of the great victory that would soon present itself to them.  Late in the fourth quarter, Tracy Porter’s 74-yard interception return on a pass from Manning clinched the win for the Saints leading to a final score of 31-17.  The New Orleans Saints were underdogs no more, and the city of New Orleans couldn’t be more deserving of such an epic victory.

Despite the dismay that has long since plagued the city, one thing is absolutely certain; New Orleans still knows how to party. Now the rest of the world is going to see what many in the Big Easy already know. …New Orleans is back in business!

While the Saint’s Super Bowl win couldn’t have come at a better time for the city, the parade which is set to take place on February 9th at 5PM is only going to serve as a small taste of what is to come for New Orleans.   With Mardi Gras only a week away, it is safe to assume that the Big Easy is the place everyone wants to be.   That is, if you think you can handle one of the most ostentatious celebrations in the city’s history.

The parade is set to begin right in front of the Superdome which is ironic since the building which once served as a shelter to over 20,000 people that were forced to evacuate from their homes, will now be the site of an enormous celebration.  It is no longer a symbol of New Orleans painful past.  Instead, the Superdome is a place to rejoice and embrace the city’s future and recovery.

Although the parade is not until Tuesday, you can rest assured that the celebration has already started in New Orleans.  Several diehard fans (many who have yet to sleep), are sitting in lawn chairs at the airport eagerly awaiting the arrival of their team showcasing their gratitude, dedication and just how much of an impact they have had on their city.   Even so, this is only the beginning of many sleepless adrenaline driven nights to come for Saints fans and New Orleans inhabitants alike.  With the official start of Mardi Gras in the coming weeks, this years Super Bowl celebration will without a doubt be extended.

I’d advise New Orleans to take a huge breather after all the Mardi Gras and Super Bowl excitement since this isn’t the only taste of football madness coming to town.   The BCS National Championship Game is set to take place at the Superdome in January 2012.  With three trophies going to a single winning team, there is always a great deal at stake and as much of a reason to celebrate. It’s time to welcome back New Orleans, one of the greatest cities in the world for hospitality.

Heading Back to Indianapolis!

I am just incredibly excited to be heading to Indianapolis this weekend to watch the one team I have literally obsessed about for over 30 years. Yes that team, my team, the New York Jets are heading to the AFC Championship Game to take on the top-seeded Colts this Sunday at 3 p.m. Where did this team come from? Where did Rex Ryan come from? Well in actuality they have been building this team up for a long time. Many people don’t realize that this group is not an overnight sensation. Our star studded offensive line has been being built for four years. Many of the defensive studs have put in more then a few seasons in a Jets uniform. Special teams aces like Brad Smith and Wallace Wright have been putting in their time in as well. Finally, though, we now have a coach who knows how to make it all work and knows how to motivate his players. He also is one hell of a coach. Lets also not forget some rookies who are making names for themselves like number 6 and number 23.

If I am dreaming please don’t wake me up now. Things are finally looking up for a franchise that has suffered through more then its fair share of difficult seasons. All of my close friends who are my age are Giants fans and have watched their team play in the Super Bowl four times during our lifetimes. Four times! Me, not one. Even the Arizona Cardinals have made it to the Super Bowl in my lifetime. I even had to take my father-in-law, a Giants die hard, to the Super Bowl in 2007 and sit through that game while he cheered relentlessly. This year I am hoping it’s my turn. Regardless if they go to the Super Bowl or not, I am excited to have a team still playing right now.

Shammy goes deep for a long TD pass from Tuchman

I am raring to go see the Jets play in their first conference championship since 1998. The only other time aside from 1998 the Jets made it this far in my lifetime was in 1982 when they played the Dolphins in the so called Mud Bowl down at the Orange Bowl. I remember I had to keep playing with the tin foil on the antenna on my little black and white television trying to get reception. I should have turned it off as my main memory is watching AJ Duhe pick off a pair of Richard Todd passes. I loved that team and loved those players but unfortunately they came up one game short in their quest to go to the Super Bowl. Sunday can’t come soon enough for championship-starved Jet fans. It’s not often your favorite team gets this far in the playoffs and in the Jet fan’s case, it’s a rare occurrence.

I honestly would trade tickets to all of the 100 sporting events in my book to be able to see the Jets play in the Super Bowl. They’re one win away and I don’t feel like waiting another year. Why not now? Why not them? Although Peyton Manning and the Colts will give the Jets fits, there’s no reason why the Jets can’t pull off another upset in this year’s playoffs. All you have to do is look at the last time the Jets were playing the Colts in a game of this magnitude. Namath came through. Can the Jets do it again?

Now I also don’t mind heading to Indianapolis. I think it is a fantastic city for sporting events. When I’m not cheering for the Jets defense to make a stop on third down, I’ll be visiting the NCAA Hall of Champions. The Hall was recently renovated and

reopened in 2009 because of a fire and I’m excited to see how the renovation came out. The museum offers an array of exhibits based on memorable student-athletes and NCAA athletic performances. I may also get over to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. The collection of cars at the museum is one of the greatest in the world. Too bad I can’t drive one home from Indy. I’d love to take a former Indy 500 winning car on the freeway back to New York while gloating over a Jets victory. Looking forward also to a nice steak at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse.

Attending an NFL conference championship game is ranked 18 on the list of the 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live. I’ll also knock off another one in my book!

I’m really starting to grind out the list and knock off events at the top of the list. Let’s go Jets, allow me to have a rooting stake in this year’s Super Bowl, something I’ve never been able to do before!

“Lets hope it doesnt come down to this!!!!!!”

Vancouver 2010 Olympics

Vancouver, Canada is a city that takes great pride in their multiculturalism. Exactly one month from today, Vancouver will make their biggest multicultural move yet by literally opening up their city to the world for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This will mark British Columbia’s first time hosting the Olympic Games, although it is Canada’s third. There will be several competition venue locations including Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver Olympic Center, Pacific Coliseum, and the UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver alone. Other venues include The Whistler Sliding Center, Whistler Creekside, and Whistler Olympic Park in Whistler, Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver. Outdoor competition venues include Whistler Creekside, Whistler Sliding Center, Whistler Olympic Park and Cypress Mountain.

Preparations for this massive event have been well underway for some time now and as the start date approaches, employees and volunteers alike kick into high gear to ensure the smoothest conditions possible for the world’s winter athletes. The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) have unleashed an arsenal of state-of-the-art snow making equipment as well as the world’s most experienced snow makers and masters of ice. Additionally, the federal department has made available $13.4 million worth of expertise and equipment including advanced weather tracking technology made available via Environment Canada.  The precautionary measures proved to be an essential with the unseasonably wet and warm weather dominating the area as of late. “As a precaution, we’re (also) stockpiling snow to ensure we’re ready no matter what the weather conditions are leading up to and during the games”, said Tim Gayda, Vice President of Sport for VANOC.

As the winter athletes of the world converge onto one stage since Torino in 2006, predictions and statistics become high topics of conversation. Returning champ countries include Germany, who won the most medals in Torino with 29, U.S.A, which won 25, and Canada itself, which took home 24 placed finish awards. Just a few American athletes to keep your eyes on as they go for the gold include Shaun White and Gretchn Bleiler for Snowboarding, Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso for Alpine Skiing, Apolo Ohno for Short Track, Evan Lysacek, Johnny Weir, Sasha Cohen, and Rachel Flatt for the crowd favorite Figure Skating, and Noelle Pikus-Pace for Skeleton.

If you aren’t one of the 1.8 million ticket holders, 10,000 estimated media reps, 5,000 officials and athletes or 2,500 volunteers there’s still plenty to enjoy in Vancouver during the Olympics. Most notably, the 2010 Cultural Olympiad which runs from January 22nd to March 21st. ”Amazing feats of athleticism at the 2010 Winter Games won’t be restricted to snow and ice – they’ll also be on our stages throughout the Games region as some of the world’s premiere dancers, actors, and musicians join our cultural celebrations”, VANOC Vice President of Culture and Celebration Burke Taylor noted of the Cultural Olympiad. The official 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games website hails the Olympiad as a compilation of “genre-bending theatre; stunning virtuoso dance; fierce, fresh music; breathtaking visual and digital art extravaganza”.

While in Vancouver for the Games and the Cultural Olympiad, check out some of the permanent attractions the city has to offer: frolic the flora at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens or make a discovery at the scientific exhibits at Science World British Columbia. Travel back in time to when the high seas ruled at the Vancouver Maritime Museum which explores the rich history of the Pacific Coast. While certainly not for the faint of heart, adventurers with a flair for the wild side should cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge which towers 230 feet above the Capilano River and travel along it’s evergreens at the newest attraction, Treetops Adventures. Since Vancouver truly is a multicultural mecca, there is no shortage of unique and delicious eateries, restaurants, and dining experiences awaiting your arrival.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada is truly shaping up to be a can’t-miss world class event. Go Team U.S.A.!