What is fall without football? Like most New Englanders, I spend most Sundays glued to my couch as I devour countless snacks and hours of mindless entertainment. There is something oddly serene about this ritual for a sport predicated on vicious hits. The slow-paced action perfectly complements the lazy Sunday mindset as we all await the impending doom of Mondays.
Watching a game on television delivers a leisurely experience, but it is an entirely different environment than engaging with football in person. The electric atmosphere, kinetic football moves and roaring cheers are all powerful tools that embed fans into a dynamic athletic showcase. No sporting atmosphere is more lively than collegiate sports, with countless hard-partying students revving up the intensity to another level.
I recently attended the Boston College Eagles’ homecoming game against Louisville. I’ve been to some Eagles football games before, although none of them could prepare me for the showstopping match I was in store for.
I did take some time before kick-off to tour Boston College’s campus. It is a breathtaking school with grandiose old-school buildings that envelop tourists in an arresting sense of place. I particularly loved the countless monuments and the Gothic architecture featured throughout the picture-esque campus.
Of course, no football game is complete without food! Unlike University of Connecticut Football, Boston College primarily relies upon traditional sports food rather than featuring countless community vendors. The one local staple that was ever present is Sal’s Pizza. Sal’s is synonymous with crafting commonplace yet agreeable pizza slices, whether in the bustling Boston streets or sunny Hampton Beach. The Sal’s Pizza at Boston College was not an ordinary slice; the pizza craftspeople instead crafted a thick, doughy rectangle of pizza goodness.
I will be honest: the pizza would not score many touchdowns, but it does settle for a sturdy field goal kick through the uprights (I promise, no more football puns). The cheese and sauce provided no fresh spark on the familiar formula, and the pizza arrived in my lap at a lukewarm temperature. That said, there was something oddly comforting about this Sal’s slice. It took me back to high school football games, where the icon of generic pizza, Domino’s, was served up at our local concession stand. Sometimes, all it takes is having the right food in the right place to make it noteworthy.
I sampled several other snacks during the game. Readers probably know by now that I devour a pretzel whenever one is offered to me. The pretzel at the game satisfied my senses, providing the perfect balance of saltiness and doughy excellence. I also indulged in french fries, popcorn and a burger. The fries and popcorn showcased deft seasoning and comfort food allure, while the burger was a perfectly acceptable rendition of the Americana staple.
Finally, kick-off arrived, and the stadium instantly transformed into an alive and amplified arena. The majestic band harmoniously played countless classic tracks and fascinating modern remixes with breathless bravado. The fans, many of whom clearly enjoyed a few cocktails before the game, chanted with passionate force for the hometown team.
One of Boston College’s most indelible traditions takes center stage in the second quarter. The early 2000s classic “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers blasts across the stadium with a supersonic punch, with everyone joining in unison to sing this beloved millennial classic. It concludes with the stadium chanting the song’s lyrics acapella style, which is a joy to participate in. I believe all early 2000s MTV kids should experience this right of passage.
The game itself was equally enthralling. Boston College immediately stormed to a massive lead, with star quarterback Thomas Castellanos leading the way with his pinpoint accurate throws and elusive movements. Then, the Lousiville Cardinals battled back, surging past the Eagles with a 17-point comeback in the second half to win the game. It was a thrill to be enveloped in the see-sawing joys and pains that sports always deliver so effectively. The Eagles may not have come ahead victorious, but I still left feeling like a winner for the amazing adventure I had.
Boston College will host a few more home games this season. If interested in learning more, visit: bceagles.com/sports/football.
