For Those at The Game...

[Sid_Apollo]

I'd be curious to hear some feedback from Syracuse fans who were at the game yesterday. What'd you think of the pregame festivities? Did you tailgate or find a good bar? Did you experience "Minnesota Nice" first hand, or did you run into our state's one rude guy? And, especially, what'd you think of TCF Bank Stadium?

I thought it'd be a competitve game, and it was. I was surprised that it was as low-scoring as it was, but the defenses both played well. I think Syracuse fans underestimated the Gophers prior to the game, as it seemed like there were lots of people who were making comments on here about how they expected an easy Orange win or that they'd be tremendously disappointed with a Syracuse loss. I think you'll see this Minnesota team continue to have success, and I'd be shocked if things fall apart and the Gophers fail to make a bowl game. So, in that respect, I think the loss isn't a "bad" one for the Orange. (I know, losses all suck, but I think you know what I mean.)

I think it was especially tough for Nassib and the offense to deal with the crowd noise. It seemed like there were many times when he was struggling to change the play at the line of scrimmage, and that was definitely a factor. The sellout crowd of 50,805 was Minnesota's first since the final game of the 2010 season, and it was the first in a non-conference game since Nov. 2009.

Now, as any smart Minnesota fan should, I am going to hope like hell that the Orange get back on track in two weeks and start winning games left and right. It'll make this win look better if the Orange earn a bowl bid, too.

Good luck to all of you. It's been fun reading the threads this week. This is a great board.

Go 'Cuse!

 

[Crusty]

Both teams suck.

 

[mountaincuse]

Good luck the rest of the way Sid, stop back anytime. You've been a classy guest, thanks for that.

 

[TexanMark]

Thanks Sid...hope we can hook up in a home n home again in about a decade.

 

[Eric15]

I'd be curious to hear some feedback from Syracuse fans who were at the game yesterday. What'd you think of the pregame festivities? Did you tailgate or find a good bar? Did you experience "Minnesota Nice" first hand, or did you run into our state's one rude guy? And, especially, what'd you think of TCF Bank Stadium?

Minus the gut-wrenchingly horrible game, we had a wonderful time in Minneapolis. Few metro areas in the country have as much to offer (relative to their size) as the Twin Cities.

Thursday afternoon we went to the Minnesota Institute of the Arts (my wife loves art, so I just sucked it up), hung out and had dinner at the Mall of America, and then went to Stub and Herb's that night.

Friday during the day we drove around Apple Valley (where I lived for 3 years in the 90s) and went to the Minnesota Zoo, the highlight (or lowlight) of which was seeing two giant tortoises mating on the Tropics Trail. Friday night we had an outstanding dinner at Heartland in St. Paul.

Saturday we had lunch at the British pub Brits in downtown Minneapolis, then spent all afternoon at the Blarney Pub in Dinkytown. TCF Bank Stadium is perfect for the Gophers. Relatively small on-campus stadium that has a much better college atmosphere than the Metrodome. Schools like Pitt and South Florida need to copy this model and stop playing in soulless NFL stadiums.

And then we had a nice brunch this morning at Grand Cafe in South Minneapolis before flying home.

 

[Sid_Apollo]

Thanks, eao1115. I appreciate the time you took to give me some feedback. Not sure why, but I like to read what other teams' fans think of TCF Bank Stadium and the Twin Cities. Sorry you had to see a couple tortoises gettin' nasty...lol.

I spoke for about 15 minutes with Syracuse's CFO for the football program on the sidelines before the game, and for what it's worth, he said Syracuse would love to build something similar on The Hill. Unfortunately, Syracuse's dilemma is that if it builds a new football stadium, a new basketball arena would likely have to be built at or near the same time.

 

[Cusefan95]

Flew in Friday, had dinner at the Mall of America. Had on a Syracuse shirt and hat, had a lot of people ask me if I was in town for the game. Was taught how to dance to "Gangnam Style" by some Minnesota co-eds at a tailgate before the game...easily the highlight of the evening. Stadium is nice, not really sure I'd like to go to a game there in late November but in September it was great. Good seating for the visiting fans, most schools bury the visiting fans in the lower deck corner of the end zone where you can't see 80% of the field - being in the second deck is much better. Kudos.

Went to the Metrodome for the Vikings-Niners game, nice preface set-up on the plaza. The Dome is clearly showing its age, the support columns that block off the view to a significant portion of the upper deck seating is sub-optimal. The video boards are borderline pointless, they are way too small. I was also surprised at how many empty seats there were. I can see why the Vikings wanted a new stadium.

I'm a bit of a foodie so I've got a list of local restaurants I've been hitting since the first meal at the mall, Tuesday is Marla's Carribean Cuisine. If you've got any personal recommendations I'd love to hear them. Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be heading to the Twins-Yankees games, looking forward to seeing Target Field. Trying to fit in other activities like a visit to the Science museum as well.

Overall a cool city, well worth the trip.

 

[Sid_Apollo]

Not sure where you're staying in the Metro or how far you're willing to drive, but if you want an outstanding lunch or dinner, check out Ciao Bella (www.ciaobellamn.com). It's near 494 and France Ave. in Edina. Great ambiance and fabulous food.

If you like traditional French pastries for breakfast, there's a place called Chez Arnaud (www.myfrenchbakery.net). Fantastic...or more appropriately, tres bon.

Glad you've enjoyed your stay in the Twin Cities.

 

[RF_CNY]

I'd be curious to hear some feedback from Syracuse fans who were at the game yesterday. What'd you think of the pregame festivities? Did you tailgate or find a good bar? Did you experience "Minnesota Nice" first hand, or did you run into our state's one rude guy? And, especially, what'd you think of TCF Bank Stadium?

I thought it'd be a competitve game, and it was. I was surprised that it was as low-scoring as it was, but the defenses both played well. I think Syracuse fans underestimated the Gophers prior to the game, as it seemed like there were lots of people who were making comments on here about how they expected an easy Orange win or that they'd be tremendously disappointed with a Syracuse loss. I think you'll see this Minnesota team continue to have success, and I'd be shocked if things fall apart and the Gophers fail to make a bowl game. So, in that respect, I think the loss isn't a "bad" one for the Orange. (I know, losses all suck, but I think you know what I mean.)

I think it was especially tough for Nassib and the offense to deal with the crowd noise. It seemed like there were many times when he was struggling to change the play at the line of scrimmage, and that was definitely a factor. The sellout crowd of 50,805 was Minnesota's first since the final game of the 2010 season, and it was the first in a non-conference game since Nov. 2009.

Now, as any smart Minnesota fan should, I am going to hope like hell that the Orange get back on track in two weeks and start winning games left and right. It'll make this win look better if the Orange earn a bowl bid, too.

Good luck to all of you. It's been fun reading the threads this week. This is a great board.

Go 'Cuse!

 

[OttoMets]

...

I'm a bit of a foodie so I've got a list of local restaurants I've been hitting since the first meal at the mall, Tuesday is Marla's Carribean Cuisine. If you've got any personal recommendations I'd love to hear them. Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be heading to the Twins-Yankees games, looking forward to seeing Target Field. Trying to fit in other activities like a visit to the Science museum as well.

Overall a cool city, well worth the trip.

Cusefan, go to Brasa on East Hennepin. You won't be disappointed.

 

[RF_CNY]

My wife and another couple flew in on Thursday and checked into a Bloomington hotel. We had scouted Diners Drive-Ins and Dives and visited two restaurants that were featured. That night we went to Lola's for gourmet pizza baked in their wood burning oven -great.
Friday was trip to the Mall of America, Minnehaha Park(no water fall because of the drought) then over to St Paul for lunch @ Nooks (DD&Ds).
Drove Grand Blvd to downtown and then visited the State Capitol and St Pauls Cathederal for outstanding architecture. Left St Paul via Summitt Ave and the great homes.
Back over the Mississippi and traversed Lake St and drove around Lake Calhoun. Stopped in the "Downtown" area for a drink @ Famous Daves BBQ and after roaming the streets had dinner @Stella's Fish Cove -all very good.
On Saturday we traveled to the Minneapolis river-front(Arch Bridge, St Anthony's Falls and Mill City). Drove around Target Field and Target Center and parked to walk downtown. The wives had the mandatory pictures at the Mary Tyler Moore statue and then into IDS Center. We then drove to the Sculpture Garden(Spoon and Cherry) and then to "Eat Street" for authentic Mexican restaurant and grocery store. A very nice
time all around.
We parked on the west bank and walked over the river to the game thru the Quad and drinks @ Buffalo Wild Wings - very convenient right across from the stadium. We bought blankets at a thrift store so we were very comfortable at the game - great atmosphere that night from the crowd, the band and the piped-in music. It was a close game but we were disappointed in our play. This was our 13th year of an away game per season and the Twin Cities was right there for enjoyment.

 

[Sid_Apollo]

My brother, who's a commercial real estate agent and eats out much more than me, recommends Bar La Grassa (www.barlagrassa.com). It's great Italian food, and not too far from Target Field (I think).

 

[Sid_Apollo]

Thanks for sharing RF_CNY. You did quite a bit in a short amount of time. Glad you had a great experience...other than the outcome of the game. Good luck the rest of this season. I'll be pulling for Syracuse to win every week. Great school. Great people.