Pittsburgh Power

The Power are Pittsburgh’s newest pro sports team and they’re at least the second go ’round this city’s had with the Arena Football League. I remember the Pittsburgh Gladiators from several years ago. In fact, my brother Paul has a mint condition Gladiator’s shirt he bought at a vintage wear shop a couple of years ago.
My girlfriends and I were curious about the Power so this past weekend we had a babe’s night out at the game. I’m not the most knowledgeable football fan around, but if you’ve been brought up on NFL football all your life, some of the differences might seem a little jarring. When I asked my Unilocal friend who’s a Chicago Rush fan from Park Ridge, IL what some of the differences were, he gave such a thorough explanation he could have written them on a roller towel.
So what is a Pittsburgh Power game like? On the plus side, if you like a fast paced, high scoring game then this is for you. The fans certainly seem enthusiastic about the Power, that’s for sure. The atmosphere is certainly exciting. My GFs and I certainly had a great time last night. The Power beat the Iowa Barnstomers 58 – 28, so we all went home happy.
But…I’ve got a few concerns.
For a few years now, I’ve been told how family friendly and affordable Arena Football is. Family friendly, yes. Affordable? Uh, not so much. Tickets start at $ 15.00 for upper level GA and $ 25.00 upper level middle, which is where we sat. But if you want to sit on the main level, you’re talking $ 35.00-$ 180.00. Okay, so we’re not in Penguins’ territory price wise yet. But man, ever since the Consol Energy Center replaced the dear old Civic Arena, prices have hit the roof.
The other thing is, let’s hope this thing catches on. Their opening weekend, the Power drew 13,000 fans to the game. This week it was 9,000. I know, the bigger crowd was there ‘cos of the curiousity factor and the fact that people wanted to say they were at the inaugural game. But let’s hope they can keep the big crowds comin’ in! Anyone out there remember the XFL?