Peel Paint Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 We really caught a break with the weather, no question. You could go back to Bloomington for the next ten years and not see that delightful dry, cool, non-humid weather for four days straight again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_S Posted August 12, 2008 Author Share Posted August 12, 2008 It's been one of the most humid summers I can remember here, too. It's been reasonably dry since June, but it rained non-stop that month, causing those sinkholes in Memorial Stadium's turf. Driving down from the north side, I was a little worried we might have to contend with rain on Saturday as well. A few drops even hit my windshield. Thankfully, by the time we got down south it was perfectly clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peel Paint Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I was watching the radar late Saturday morning, and there was a big blob of moderate level rain in Illinois headed for Bloomington that looked like it would be there by 6pm and last at least an hour. No lightning anyway, so it wouldn't have canceled the show, but it would have put a damper on it. The rain dried up as the afternoon went on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCIHasBeen Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 No! Typically, Bloomington -- and much of central to southern Indiana, in general -- gets stuck in days, even weeks, of hot temps and high humidity. Armpit of America? At various points in the summer, that would not be an exaggeration. So this delightful weather was a gift, and I'm glad the corps and fans got it. You pretty much got that right ... The last time I was in Bloomington in the summer was 2002. Even my car was sweating ... and the bugs were out in force. Must clarify the armpit comment though, as you've got your U.S. anatomy mixed-up ... The "Armpit of America" title is reserved for Cleveland, aka "The Mistake on the Lake." Now your lower extremities are to be found in New Jersey. Bayonne being immortalized in song as the "######## of the Earth." We, hail from Old Bayonne ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugada Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 But you gotta' admit ... the iPhone cowbells were awesome. Wow, I was eating waffles with DCIHasBeen and didn't even know it! Yeah, I have cell phone envy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCIHasBeen Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 (edited) Wow, I was eating waffles with DCIHasBeen and didn't even know it! Yeah, I have cell phone envy. No one expects DCIHasBeen, or the Spanish Inquisition. (Brandishes iPhone light sabre ...) Besides, there were enough rings represented at that table (and not to mention evil Drum Corps) that I should be making with the :smile: Edited August 13, 2008 by DCIHasBeen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillygwm Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 (edited) I might have to say that it was the WORST place I have EVER been as far as getting out of the parking lot. I've had easier times getting out of the parking lots from concerts. I'd disagree. That award would have to go to the old Foxboro stadium in '94. I thought I'd be stuck there for all eternity. IU was pretty easy! I loved Bloomington but I might feel differently if I were commuting from Indy. Thankfully, we were in Bton. The stadium was very good though short of ideal (bleacher seating...ehhh), the weather perfect and the hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) was more than accomodating and close enough to the venue. I wouldn't hesitate to return if Finals ever went back there. The only downside was flying out of Indy back to the East Coast on Sunday though flight delays and cancellations can happen anywhere. Edited August 13, 2008 by Phillygwm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Everyone has told me the four days I was in Indiana were an enigma. Usually more humid and unbearable. For championship week though, the weather was total Box 5. Stayed in Indianapolis and loved it. There are quite a few restaurants I still want to try, so that should keep me busy for a couple years. As for the 24 hour restaurants, you just have to look around. Did Red Eye Cafe one night, White Castle the next (which I didn't care for too much), and then had pizza delivered the final night. Can only comment about the IU Campus and Memorial Stadium. The campus was okay, but nothing to scream about. Memorial Stadium was fantastic! Great sight lines and good acoustics. Stadium staff were just terrific, the best in several years. All 3 nights I did some pressbox, then went down into the stands. Level 6 security is to be commended. I guess they remembered me from the first day, as Friday it was closed off, but they still let me in to use the private restroom. So comfortable and air conditioned. It was like living the life. The elevator crew kept cracking me up as well. I will admit I was a little trepid about the move to Indiana, but everyone was extremely helpful and friendly in both cities. I am actually looking forward to next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-Rott Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Liked the stadium...we required handicapped parking and got it without any problem...right next to the stadium. The souvie setup was great, and much more open than in past years. My seats were perfect...except for the two people during two different corps who decided to stand/stopp behind me (I was in the top row lower section right near an entrance...and this was annoying being hit in the back of the head by some woman's handbag...and having coughing in my ear another time...luckily this only happened for two corps. I also anticipate some backlash from corps staff that were not permitted to sit in the aisles during their corps' performances. Perhaps in future years there should be a designated staff area. All of the corps staffs did their best to keep the aisle clear and acted in a very professional manner when asked to move...except one (and they sat next to me on the steps so I know)...that wasn't to appreciative of what the stadium staff was trying to enforce. This particular staff kept agreeing that they would move...but sat there...blocking the steps...and we had to endure the event staff trying to get them to move until the event staff finally gave up..but that was two minutes into this corps' show...I was really disappointed in this staff...I've been staff...and I know how much I want to see the show from the stands...but let's be reasonable..plus you were interrupting the show for thos of us who paid ALOT of money for those seats...ok...off my soap box. The town was very nice...not crowded...laid back...my son and his friends went bar hopping in the college area a couple nights, and they seemed to like it. We rented a motor boat at Lake Monroe...not too expensive and a fun time. We also spent some time in Nashville, In (about 17 miles east)...nice quaint little town.... I would go back there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Of all the comments posted here, I haven't seen the complaints that I, everyone in my party, and everyone sitting around us had...the seats are too darn small and the seat numbers are so faded they were nearly unreadable!!!! We were squeezed in tight each night. Also, we were sitting literally right at the 50...in Sections 6-R & 7-L, they each have 12 seats counting in from the steps, so the two #12's are next to each other (my understanding is that the seating charts on Ticketmaster showed an aisle separating them, but there is no aisle there) and with the unreadable numbers and tight quarters it raised a few hackles. I will also echo the earlier comments about the trials and tribulations of getting out of the parking lots each night if you don't know the area well. It was a nice stadium, plenty of REASONABLE parking (not Gillette Stadium, thank you), the concessions could use a few more choices but what was there wasn't bad as far as stadium food goes. Bloomington is nice, but it seems like all the restaurants close early (except Waffle House, of course). We stayed at the Super 8 (OK, but wouldn't rush back there) which was only about 10 minutes from the stadium, never made it to Indy except to go to the Speedway-take the expanded tour, it costs more but you get access to a lot of places that the general public doesn't, it stops on the track so you can take pictures and we felt it was well worth it. Visited the casino in French Lick, much smaller than what we are used to but we left with what we arrived with, so considered that "winning". We are looking forward to staying in downtown Indy next year and skipping the rental car, which was a hassle but a necessary evil. We did try to go to the Fair on Wednesday night, but got stuck in a horrific traffic jam caused by construction on the way from Bloomington so we just hit the first decent looking restaurant we saw and headed back to Bloomington afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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