During Winter Break, many frostbitten citizens travel to sizzling climates in search of escape. Not wanting to buck this trend, I accompanied my family to visit family friends Diane and Steve in supposedly sunny southern California. Of course, California was rainy and high temperatures were no more than 10 degrees above Indiana's miraculous December warm spell. So, what to do in a less-than-pleasant western state? Hit the clubs? Go shopping in Beverly Hills?
Attend a Los Angeles Clippers game?
The Clippers, of course, are an NBA team representing the fine citizens of the Terminator's state; however, do not confuse the Clippers with their Staples Center roommates, the Lakers. The Lakers are owners of 11 world championships, countless hall-of-famers and celebrity fans sitting courtside. The Clippers, um, have nice red and blue uniforms. Nicknamed the "Coupon Clippers" for their cheaper tickets and inferior play, I just had to see this team in person. My fellow Clipper "fans," California Steve, my dad, and brother, Little Steve, hopped on a freeway and rocketed away to adventure, leaving Mom and Diane behind to an enthralling night of Barbara Streisand and Josh Groban CDs.
4:03: We hop on a freeway bound for L.A. At least, I think we are bound for the city. Listening to California Steve and Dad, it sounds like we will be changing freeways approximately 762 times. We take the 5 to the 10 to the... okay, I have no clue what is going on here. Nevertheless, I am comforted by California Steve that traffic is "light because of the holidays." Light? There are five lanes and everyone is driving close to 94 miles per hour. I sink back into my seat and pray.
5:06: Upon exiting the labyrinthian freeway system, we arrive downtown. Under the impression that the Staples Center is in the heart of the city, it's not hard to deduce that we got off the wrong exit. Street-side stores are selling clothing that I could sew together in my basement.
6:03: After taking a lovely tour of streets resembling an apocalyptic future, we finally find the Staples Center, lit up in a lovely Christmas green. We talk with the friendly (i.e. breathing) employee behind the ticket window and order four tickets, which are approximately 97 miles above the court. Later on, we spot a total of nine ticket-scalpers. There are more scalpers at Ball State football games.
6:10: We find a place to park, and we grab something to eat at a mall food court. Exciting, I know.
6:45: Arriving back at the Staples Center, we wait in line to enter the arena, entering metal detectors to ensure everyone's safety - thankfully, fans did not try to sneak in wearing Clippers merchandise - I think I saw some Lakers jerseys, though.
7:30 (Game Time): Arena Football preseason games probably have better atmospheres. However, these "couldn't-get-Lakers-tickets-so-we-settled-for-the-Clippers" fans can show some passion. It's time out of an eventual Clippers victory, and a lovely couple is participating in an on-court contest, with the winner coming away with a $100 Staples gift card - which in L.A., would probably be enough money to afford a hole puncher. The two fans tie in the contest, prompting the on-court P.A. announcer to proclaim, "We have a tie, so we will split the gift card!"
The fans respond with dignity and respect: "Boooooooooooooo!"
An NBA crowd hasn't been this hostile since Ron Artest ran into the Detroit stands.
Go Clippers.
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