I went to the BCS National Championship game and it put BC to shame

This year’s National Championship game took place in Glendale, AZ between Alabama and Clemson.

By complete coincidence I was on a family vacation to Sedona, AZ during the week of this game and spontaneously secured tickets that were well worth it.

Throughout the weekend, fans from both teams could be spotted in their defining orange and purple or crimson in a variety of places across Arizona – from the Grand Canyon to Bell Rock trails – decked out in their school pride. The fans channeled all of their energy, even the supposed forces of the vortexes in Arizona to their advantage.

When game day finally came,  it was an early start for most people, including myself. The parking lots opened – and of course the tailgating started – at 10 am. And rest assured, the cars were as decorated as the people.

And some of the best dressed fans followed in feline theme.

And the class competition continued with the pajama-flaunting Alabama fans.

Before the game began, Westgate Entertainment harbored live music, ESPN, games of cornhole, and bars, bars, and more bars. It was like Brighton and Shea on steroids.

Entering the lunar-looking dome proved that there are lines longer than Eagles at lunch and Lower at 6 pm – even when you enter two hours early.

But despite people’s anticipation for the game, no one was willing to relinquish their alcohol to security. An array of shot gunning and beer-guzzling lined the official entrance.

Because, let’s face it, no one wants to pay the exorbitant stadium price for beer, so they had to suck down every last drop outside of the gates.

Yet even after all of these valiant efforts to avoid costs, these same fans could be spotted in line for beer in the stadium. Perhaps this is because the second they walk through the door there are hundreds of vendors screaming “COLD BEER” at you to get the already plastered fans even more incoherent before kickoff.

After the 75,765 people finally settled into their seats, they certainly didn’t settle down.

The roar of both teams could not only be heard like the roll of thunder but also be felt through the vibration of the seats. The stadium was split nearly in half with orange fans and Crimson ones (except for me because I opted for a neutral tan color).

And from the very moment or kick off until the last second of the game all of us fans were on our feet – some more begrudgingly than others.

BC even made an appearance following Ciara’s flawless singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” during the celebration of all Divison I football teams via these banners.

But the real performance was by both teams in this unforgettable game.

Clemson and Alabama were tied at 14-14 at the half proving that this game would not be another blow out like the games leading up to it. Standout performances by Watson and Henry on either side kept the game close all the way until the last few minutes, when special teams showed how special they really are.

Alabama’s on-side kick and kick-off return for 90+ yards gave them the momentum to carry their team to their 17th National Championship Title.

Since I was on the Alabama side, I soon had thousands of new “friends” who high-fived/ hugged me after the Alabama victory. (I guess they didn’t notice my slightly orange scarf.)

But at least the Clemson fans and football team probably feel slightly better than the Clemson cheerleader, who had to be escorted by her teammates off the field after failing terribly at her attempt at a roundoff back handspring full twist.

Despite my lack of allegiance to either team and the fact that I, unlike the other 75,764 other people at the game, did not plan this trip with the purpose of going to the game, the experience and atmosphere were incredible.

It has given me high expectations for our tailgating, fan section, and cheering at BC games to come.