Skyler's first basketball game. A Double Overtime win!

Skyler has been asking me to take him to a basketball game. So this past Saturday night (Dec.6, 2008) we went out "at night" to see the USF Dons play on the hilltop. It was a most memorable experience and huge fun.

So back to my story...as we're walking and talking Skyler tells me "this is the college I want to go to!" Ok, thats a great start to a father/son night right there!

We get in line to buy our tickets, and Sky see's the cheerleaders in their green outfits, (Green is Sky's fave color) they're shaking their golden pom-poms and they are wearing Santa hats. Naturally he is interested in this gathering, and insisted we investigate further.

We walk over and I introduce Skyler to them and let them know this is his first basketball game, they all gush and cheerfully say "Hi Skyler". He instantly turns bashful, and wins them over at the same time. Too bad dad forgot the camera!

The seats were general admission upper level in a small arena, we're less than 60 ft from the court. Perfect for the kids. Its a fun filled, family night with dozens of kids running and yelling and having a great time out - at nite! I was so pleased with the whole event. Like a slice of Norman Rockwell.

Skyler got to do big kid things like walking to the concession stand to get his own popcorn and m&m's with the money I gave him (I watched him the whole time, he was so proud of himself.) Real good growing up stuff.

Then he wanted to run around the pavilion area a bit, I said it was ok and off he went. But not less than 10 seconds later, the crowd cheered really loudly, and Skyler was right back at our seats. The loud cheer had "scared him a little" he said. My heart melted just a bit more.

Along with the "night out" you get all the necessary snacks including licorice rope, popcorn, orange soda, and m&m's. And who showed up to pass out candy? Santa! and he gave you a yummy Santa chocolate for all the good boys and girls. There was a lot going on and off the court, with the cheerleaders dance routines, the games and give aways, they really keep the show moving.

Towards the end of the game, Sky asked me if we could go down on the court after the game. So after two nail biting overtimes, the USF Dons were victorious 78-74, it was a terrific exciting introduction to the college environment for him.

And the finale: we took the back steps down to the floor level, which required us to walk across the actual basketball court to get to the exit. A perfect finish to an unforgettable night of fun.