Chicago Blackhawks hockey and vacation, two things most people can agree are great. I have the opportunity to do enjoy both over Memorial Day weekend. I get to enjoy the greater San Francisco area for a wedding that I am standing up in, but have to find a way to enjoy Chicago’s finest while at a winery and after visiting the dump known as O.co Coliseum.
The Blackhawks play Saturday evening and Memorial Day night.
My options are the following:
Phone: This may be the easiest option, but the toughest to pull off. I am a big supporter of Wi-Fi, but I find it hard to believe that a winery in the middle of nowhere will be able to supply me with that. I hate using data and am on a monthly limit anyways in an effort to save money. I am poor, frugal, and own it.
Bar: I hate 98% of bars. I find it necessary in my travels around San Francisco to frequent at least a few of the better (recommended) watering holes. Will I have to settle for the hotel bar Saturday? The wedding is Sunday because of the extended weekend. Memorial Day will be the most interesting because after the Oakland A’s game I find it ideal to get out of there area as soon as possible. I do not want to find out if the rumors about the area are true or not. It does not appear as if there are a lot of options around my last hotel on the trip Monday evening.
Tablet: I have a nifty Windows tablet that can connect to Wi-Fi if it’s free. I have a hard time believing this option is much better than my phone.
Twitter: I may not be able to see the actual game action, but watching Twitter react to the game can be just as entertaining. The best commentary and analysis is also on the Twitter, so peaking occasionally on my phone/tablet may be the best option I have, especially because the data usage is minimized as opposed to loading video through an app or the internet.
Not watching: This, sadly, is the most likely option. I will be visiting an area of the U.S. that I have never been to, and have no idea if I’ll ever go back. Food, beer, sites, and oh, the wedding I am participating in will consume a majority of my time. I hate missing games, but like most of the 2013 Stanley Cup run, other things take priority.
If you’re reading in this and in the San Francisco area, let me know how you do hockey. Missing the Chicago Blackhawks is not something I would like to do, so any and all options are welcomed.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Jeff is a production assistant @120Sports and contributor to hockey, football, and baseball for The Sports Bank. Follow him on Twitter @skcih_ffej.