2.9.07

Skol Vikings!

PV and I now are season ticket holders to the Vikings. This is very exciting to both of us, but the timing is sort of messed up. I haven't been to a game in a couple years, and now I would be able to go to 8 of them, except for one thing: I have a baby. I don't especially feel like working full time and taking 6 hours out of my weekend to leave him with a babysitter.

So, this stinks. If I go to the games, I'll feel bad. If I don't go, I'll feel cheated. What to do? How about this: can I take the baby with me?

Right now, he is 7 1/2 months. He's pretty easygoing. He doesn't fuss or cry much. He likes bright lights and stuff. He wouldn't need a ticket. Sounds good so far.

Our concern is the noise. Every year (every game?) the announcers talk about how visiting teams hate to play in the Metrodome because the noise is outrageous. Maybe all teams say that about their stadiums, I don't know. But I have been there, and it is VERY loud to me. I know lots of people bring babies to Twins games (I have heard, at least), but that is baseball. The game itself is more relaxed and quiet, the fans are a different sort of crowd, and the games rarely sell out, so there are fewer voices to add to the chaos. Football is a whole different world.

PV and I took the baby to a wedding in June, and it was pretty loud (much quieter than a Vikings game, though). We ended up leaving early because he was so upset. However, that was at like 10 at night, and his normal bedtime is 7:00-ish. Outside factors made him cranky. So, part of me thinks a noon game wouldn't be that hard for him to cope with. He might even have fun! We don't want to risk having to leave because he is freaking out, but it would be great if we could make it work to bring him along.

We probably won't try bringing him until October sometime, because PV's dad is coming for the Falcons game, and we aren't going to take any chances with the Packer game. The baby will be 9 months old by then. Does anyone have any ideas for how to help a baby enjoy a loud football game? Any experiences to share?